As part of the Digital Transformation Plan, the Australian Government has introduced a requirement for all directors to apply for a unique director identification number.
As part of the Digital Transformation Plan, the Australian Government has introduced a requirement for all directors to apply for a director identification number. This will be a unique identifier that you will need to apply for once and will keep forever. It will help address issues of fraud and remove the need for personal information to be displayed on public registers.
A Director Identification Number (director ID) is a unique 15-digit identifier system designed to verify and track the corporate history of individual directors and their relationships to companies.
Do I Need a Director ID?
From November 2021, you will need a director ID if you are a Registered Officer, being a person who is appointed Director or Alternate Director of an Australian entity including:
- Any Company which includes a company acting only as a Trustee
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Corporation (director under the CATSI Act)
- Charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company
- Registered Australian body or Foreign Company (ARBN)
Company Secretaries do not need a Director ID.
How Do I Apply?
Australian Residents
If you have a MyGovID, the easiest and fastest way to apply is online. You will need the following information that the ATO knows about you:
- Your tax file number
- Your residential address as held by the ATO
- Information from two further documents to verify your identity, for example bank account details or ATO notice of assessment.
Foreign Resident Directors
If you are a foreign resident director you may be able to apply using an Australian MyGovID. If you do not have a MyGovID, you will be required to apply using the downloadable form and provide certified copies of your identity documents.
Can Vivid Partners Apply on My Behalf?
Sadly, we are unable to apply for the director ID on your behalf. You must apply for the director ID yourself because as part of the process, the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) must personally verify your identity.
Please feel free to contact your trusted advisor at Vivid Partners if you have any questions.