From November 2021, directors will need to verify their identity as part of a new director ID requirement. The Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) is responsible for the implementation and administration of director ID. Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) will be responsible for the enforcement of associated offences.
A director ID is a unique identifier that a director will apply for once and keep forever. When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.
Date you become a director - On or before 31 October 2021 Date you must apply - By 30 November 2022
Date you become a director - Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 Date you must apply - Within 28 days of appointment
Date you become a director - From 5 April 2022 Date you must apply - Before appointment
This applies to directors if their organisation is a company, registered foreign company, registered Australian body or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.
Directors must apply for their director ID themselves because they will need to verify their identity. No one can apply on their behalf. The fastest way to do this is to apply online.
Option 1: Set up MYGOVID
Follow the instructions per ABRS website - https://www.abrs.gov.au/
Option 2: If you cannot get a MYGOVID
If you can't get a myGovID, online, the best way to apply will depend on your situation.
Apply by phone
From November 2021, you can apply by phone if you have:
- an Australian tax file number (TFN) and
- the documents you need to verify you identity.
Apply with a paper form
If you can't apply online or over the phone, you can apply using a paper form. This is a slower process, and you will also need to provide certified copies of your documents to verify your identity.
A downloadable application form will be available on the ABRS website.
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