Important information for company directors.

This is about the introduction of a new requirement for company directors.

If you are a company director or if you become a company director, you will need to apply for a director identification number (director ID).

The Government has announced, as part of the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program, the establishment of a director identification number.

The director ID is a unique identifier you need to apply for once and will keep forever.

You must apply for your director ID yourself, so that the Government can verify your identity. No one can apply on your behalf.

We can’t apply for a director ID for you.  We can, however, help you understand the new requirement and if you need to apply and when.

The director ID application will be available from November 2021 at abrs.gov.au.

To log into the new Australian Business Registry Services online you’ll need to use the myGovID app.

To find out more, see How to set up myGovID

https://www.mygovid.gov.au/set-up

For company directors that became a director before 31 October 2021, you must apply for your ID number by 30^th November 2022.

For company directors appointed between 1^st November 2021 and 4^th April 2022, application must be made within 28 days of appointment.

For appointments of directors from 5^th April 2022, application for your director ID must be made before appointment.

Your director ID obligations include:

1. Applying for a director ID within the relevant timeframe for your situation.
2. Applying for a director ID when directed by the Registrar to do so.
3. Not applying for more than one director ID.
4. If you can’t apply by the date you need to, you can apply for an extension.
5. If you don’t meet your obligations:
6. There may be civil or criminal penalties
7. You may be issued with an infringement notice

As your accountant and tax/ASIC agent we can help you decide if you need to apply.

However, we can’t apply for a director ID on your behalf.

To see details of how to apply for your director ID, please go online to Australian Business Registry Services under Director identification number and go to How to apply for your director ID. It sets out three Steps to apply online:

Step 1.     Set up myGovID. Please note that this is different from myGov.

If you don’t have a myGovID you can find information on how to download the app at How to set up myGovID

Step 2.     Gather your documents:

1. Your tax file number
2. Your residential address as held by the ATO
3. Information from two documents to verify your identity.

Examples of the documents you can use to verify your identity include:

1. Bank account details
2. An ATO notice of assessment
3. Super account details
4. A dividend statement
5. A Centrelink payment summary
6. PAYG payment summary

Step 3     Complete your application.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, or want to discuss any aspect of the  director ID application.