The Director ID cut off date is coming up on the 30th of November so if you haven’t got a Director ID yet and need one, then it’s time to get it sorted to avoid a fine. But don’t stress! You’re in the right place. This is your simple guide on what a Director ID is, if you need one, and how to apply.

What is a director ID (Director Identification Number)?

A director is someone that has been officially appointed as the manager of a business. A Director ID is a a unique set of numbers that is given to a director (or someone who intends to become one) to verify their identity. The number is 15 digits long and in Australia, the numbers will always start with 036 which is Australia's 3 digit country code.
Directors will only have one Director ID over their lifetime regardless of if they change their name, or change companies.

Who needs to apply for a Director ID?

If you are a director or you intend to become one, then you need a Director ID. This applies to:

• A director of a company
• Corporate trustee for a SMSF (Self managed superfund)
• A director of a charity or not-for-profit organisation
• A director of an Australian incorporated association that is registered with ASIC and trades interstate from where is was incorporated
• A director of a foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia

How to apply for Director ID

Make sure you have a myGov ID and if not, apply for one!

Before you can apply for a Director ID, you need to have your MyGov ID set up. Jump over to our blog What is myGovID for a step by step guide on setting this up.

Apply for Director ID

Go to the ABRS website (Australian Business Registry Services) and visit the apply for your Director ID page. Read the information and hit the apply now with myGovID.

1. Provide your residential address and TFN

This is the address that is known to the ATO and your TFN (tax file number)

2. Gather your documents and answer questions based on your details

After your address and TFN details have been verified, You will need to answer two questions based on details the ABRS know about you from the following documents (which you have the choice of selecting):

Bank Account Details ‍

This is for the bank account that you have received a tax return in or that has earned interest in the last 2 years. You will need the BSB and Account Number which can be found on your banking app or on your bank statement.

Notice of Assessment (NOA)

If you have had a notice of assessment from the ATO in the last 5 years you will need the date it was issued (enter the date in the format dd/mm/yyyy) and the reference number (do not use any spaces in the number).

Super Account Details

You need your member account number and your super fund's ABN (Australian business number).

Dividend Statement

‍A dividend statement form the last 2 years, you will need to investment reference number.

Centrelink Payment Summary

‍A payment summary from Centrelink from the last 2 years. This can be accessed through mygov.

PAYG Summary

‍Use a PAYG payment summary from the last 2 years — you will need the gross income in whole dollars, don’t add cents, spaces or dollar symbols.

*Note it is extremely important that all these details provided to the ABR are correct otherwise you may be locked out of your account for an hour at a time if they are not matching up for security reasons.

Follow the prompts to apply for your Director ID and make sure you double check your details before you click apply.

3. Receive and Record your Director ID

That’s it! You should now have your director ID. Make sure you keep a copy of your Director ID number for your own reference, although you can log in to ABRS and check it at anytime.

4. Send a copy of your new Director ID to your registered tax agent

If that’s us, please email us at info@cipaa.com.au so we can add it to the required ASIC records and ensure you don’t receive any fines.

If you need any help getting your Director ID sorted, please give us a call or email.

Cut off Dates to Apply for Director ID

The cut-off date for applying for a Director ID is 30th of November, 2022. This is for those who are already a director and became one before the 31st of October 2022. From the 1st of November, people who become directors needs to apply for a Director ID before they are officially appointed director.

How do I find my director ID number?

To find your Director ID or update your details you can log into the ABRS using your myGovID.

Once you have logged in, you can view and update your details anytime.