Why do I need a Director ID?
- johnry8
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
If you are a company director in Australia, you now need a Director Identification Number, often called a Director ID. Director IDs bring all company records together under one system, which makes it easier for regulators to confirm who is responsible for managing a company.
What Is a Director ID
A Director ID is a 15 digit number issued by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
You only ever receive one number and it remains the same even if you:
Move to a new company
Change your name
Move overseas
Stop being a director and return later
Create another company
Your number is private. It is not available to the public.
Who Needs a Director ID
You need a Director ID if you are a director of either a:
Company
Registered Australian body
Foreign company registered with ASIC
An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander corporation
Corporate trustee, for example, of a self managed super fund (SMSF)
Charity or not for profit (NFP) organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
Company officeholders should keep a secure record of their Director IDs since these details are protected under the same privacy rules as TFNs.
Who Doesn’t Needs a Director ID
Here are a few reasons why you don’t need a Director ID if you’re either:
A company secretary but not a director
Acting as an external administrator of a company
Running a business as a sole trader or partnership
Referred to as a ‘director’ in your job title but have not been appointed as a director under the Corporations Act or the CATSI Act
How to Apply for a Director ID in Australia
Applying online is the fastest method for Australian residents.
Before you start: You need a Digital ID (myID) with at least a Standard identity strength to apply online.
If you already have myID → Skip to Step 2
If you don’t have myID → Start at Step 1
If you live overseas or can’t get myID → Use an alternative application method
Step 1: Set up your Digital ID (myID)
Download the myID app from the App Store or Google Play.
Enter your details and set up your account.
Choose your identity strength. You need Standard or higher to apply for a Director ID.
To reach Standard strength, you’ll need 2 forms of Australian ID, such as:
Passport (current or expired up to 3 years)
Driver’s licence or learner's permit
Birth certificate
Citizenship certificate
Medicare card
Visa (with foreign passport)
ImmiCard
Tip: If you upgrade to Strong identity strength, you’ll access more government services.
Step 2: Gather your Documents
What you need depends on whether your myID is Strong or Standard strength.
If you have a Strong identity strength
Only one of the following is needed:
Your Tax File Number (TFN), or
Your residential address recorded with the ATO
If you have a Standard identity strength
You'll need:
Your TFN (optional, but speeds things up)
Your residential address with the ATO
Information from 2 of these documents:
Bank account details held by the ATO (usually where refunds were paid in the last 2 years)
ATO Notice of Assessment
APRA-regulated super fund account details (not SMSFs)
Dividend statement
Centrelink payment summary
PAYG payment summary (not income statements)
Apply for your Director ID
Use Google Chrome or Firefox for best results.
Log in to ABRS Online using your myID.
A 4 digit code will appear on your browser → open your myID app and enter it.
Complete your online application.
If you run into issues, check for system maintenance on the ABRS website.
Foreign Directors
The application can only be submitted using a paper form.
Documents must be certified by a notary public or by an Australian embassy or consulate officer. The certifier must clearly state that they have seen the original documents and confirm that the copies are true and correct.
Applications are then posted to ABRS for processing.
If Your Details Change
If you update your residential address, phone number, email address or legal name, you must update your details with ABRS.
You must also notify your company within 7 days and the company must update ASIC within 28 days.
What It Means to Be a Director
Accepting a directorship is more than accepting a title. Directors have legal responsibilities and must ensure that the company meets its obligations.
These include:
Ensuring the company is not trading while insolvent
Making sure PAYG, GST and superannuation are paid on time
Maintaining accurate and up to date financial records
If a company fails to meet its obligations, directors can become personally responsible for certain debts. In serious cases, failure to meet director duties may result in penalties, fines or imprisonment.
If you want assistance with your Director ID application, onboarding new directors or managing company obligations, Rise Accountants can guide you through the process.