From 1 November 2021 all directors of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need a director identification number (director ID).
A director ID is a unique 15-digit identifier given to a director (or someone who intends to become a director) who has verified their identity with the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). Unfortunately, the ABRS requires directors of companies to personally apply for their director ID, meaning we are will not be able to apply for these IDs on behalf of our clients. We have, however, compiled the following information to make the process easier for you. Please refer to the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website for full details. If you have any questions regarding these instructions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Fordham Partner.
Who needs to apply and when?
If you want to become a director or are already one, you'll need a director ID. You can apply for a director ID from 1 November 2021.
How to apply for your Director ID
- Set up your myGovID – for directions on how to do this go to: https://www.mygovid.gov.au/set-up
- Gather your documents - You will need to have some information the ATO knows about you when you apply for your director ID: your tax file number (TFN) and your residential address as held by the ATO as well as information from two documents to verify your identity.
- Complete your application
Managing your Director ID
Once you have your director ID, there are important steps you can take to help you use, view and update your details from 1 November 2021: https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/manage-your-director-id
For further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact your Fordham Partner.