SUMMARY

- All company directors must obtain a DIN (a unique 15 digit number which is kept forever).

- Directors appointed before 31 October 2021 must apply for a director identification number by 30 November 2022 .

- Individuals now seeking to become a director MUST obtain a director identification number before they can be appointed.   The purpose is to prevent the use of false identities, for regulators to trace directors' relationships with companies, and to eliminate possible unlawful activities such as phoenix activity.

Every Director must have a DIN

- Director of any company

- Director of a trustee company (eg., for an SMSF)

- Director of a foreign company operating in Australia

How to Apply

All directors must apply for their own DIN.   A third party, such as an accountant, is not permitted to do this for you, but we can help you understand the new requirement and assist you if you require it.   There are three ways.   You can apply through Australian Business Registry Service at    https://www.abrs.gov.au/     which directs you to myGovID (below).

1. Online

You need to set up a myGovID ( Note:     this is different from myGov, go to mygovid.gov.au), and provide information to prove identity (Passport, Drivers Licence, Medicare Card) and answer 2 ATO questions (eg., home address on tax return, recent ATO assessment umber, bank account).

2. Phone 136 250

To apply by phone you need your TFN, and residential address as given to the ATO, and answers to the same ID and ATO questions.

3 Paper Application

Details on the ABRS website.

Notify Us

When you receive your DIN, please advise it to us so that we can add it to our Company Register system.

Using a DIN

Initially, DIN's are only to be disclosed by ABRS to governments, courts and tribunals.   Eventually, the register may be made searchable.   ABRS is managed by the ATO but ASIC will prosecute offences.

A failure to have a Director ID when required to do so is an offence under section 1272C of the Corporations Act, penalties up to $1.1 million and criminal penalties up to $13,200 apply.