Who needs to apply for a director ID?

You need a director ID if you are a director of a:

company registered with the Australian Securities and Investments CommissionExternal link (ASIC) or the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous CorporationsExternal link (ORIC)
corporate trustee, for example of a self-managed super fund (SMSF)
registered Australian body, for example an incorporated association registered with ASIC, like sporting clubs that trade outside of their state or territory
charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.

I’m not sure if I need a director ID. How do I check?

Check if you need a director ID:

Search ABN LookupExternal link using your ABN or business name. If ASIC Registration – ACN or ARBN or ARSN or ARFN is showing against your record, and you are a director, you need to apply for a director ID by 30 November.
Search ASIC companies registerExternal link for director details (providing the company is complying with its maintenance obligations).
Determine who the directors are for

not-for-profit organisations that are not registered with ACNC and have an ARBN or ACN – check the ASIC companies registerExternal link for director details (providing organisation is complying with its maintenance obligations)
charities that are registered with the ACNC and have an ARBN or ACN – search for a charityExternal link on the ACNC website.After selecting your charity, navigate to the People tab. If the role listed under your name is Director, you need to apply for a director ID by 30 November.

Applying for a director ID

When do I need to apply for a director ID?

All directors are strongly encouraged to apply for a director ID online now.

Directors must apply for their director ID by 30 November 2022. There are some exceptions. For example, directors of a corporation registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.

New directors appointed on or after 5 April 2022, must apply prior to their appointment.

Can my accountant apply for my director ID on my behalf?

No. Only directors can apply for their own director ID.

Your authorised tax, BAS or ASIC agent can help you decide if you need to apply, but they can’t apply on your behalf.

The reason you need to apply yourself is because you must verify your identity with the Registrar of Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

If you use a tax agent, they can assist you with your records, for example by providing you with your notice of assessment details and bank account details used for ATO refunds.

Director ID online application

How do I access the online director ID application?

To access the online director ID application, log in to ABRS onlineExternal link using your myGovID.

To log in to ABRS online, you’ll need:

a smart device
the myGovID app – the Australian Government’s Digital Identity app
a myGovIDExternal link with at least a Standard identity strength.

For full details on how to access the director ID online application and what you need, follow the steps at Apply for your director ID.

Watch our video how to apply for a director ID or download a copy of Apply for your director ID online in PDF (840KB) or HTML accessible version.

What identity documents do I need to complete the online director ID application?

To complete your online application, you need personal information to verify your identity. This information must relate to you personally, rather than to your company.

What you need:

myGovID with at least Standard identity strength

Tax file number (TFN)

Residential address

Information from 2 other documents

Director ID paper applications

How can I track my director ID paper application?

You don’t need to call us to get an update on the status of your paper application.

It may take up to 56 business days for us to process your application. Don’t lodge another application during this time.

We’ll send your director ID to the postal address on your application.

Error messages and codes

I get an ‘Entry not valid’ message when entering my personal information.

When completing proof of record ownership, you may get a ‘Entry not valid’ message.

Check you’ve entered the required information correctly:

PAYG payment summary – must have been issued in the last 2 years.
Superannuation account details – must be from an APRA fund, not a self-managed super fund.
Dividend statement – only enter the investment reference number and include all numbers with no spaces.
Bank account details – use where you have received an income tax refund or where the account has earned interest in the last 2 years.

I get an error code when trying to complete my application online.

It may be a problem with your browser or connection. We recommend you use Google Chrome or Firefox browser to complete your application.

If you have issues with your application, check for system maintenance and known issues.

myGovID and myGov

What’s the difference between myGovID and myGov?

myGovID isn’t the same as myGov.

myGovID

myGovID is your Digital Identity and is unique to you. It’s an easy and secure way to prove who you are online and securely sign into a range of government online services including your myGov account.

You’ll need a myGovID with at least a Standard identity strength to apply for your director ID online.

For more information, go to How to set up myGovIDExternal link.

myGov

myGov is an account. Your myGov account lets you link to government services online in one place. You can access online services like Medicare through your myGov account.

 

(ABRS)