What Is a Director Identification Number?
A Director Identification Number (director ID) is a unique 15-digit identifier that is permanently assigned to an individual who holds a position as a company director in Australia. Once issued, your director ID stays with you for life, regardless of how many companies you direct, whether you resign, or whether the company is deregistered.
The director ID system is administered by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) and was introduced as part of a broader government initiative to combat illegal phoenixing activity, improve transparency, and protect creditors and employees.
Who Needs a Director ID?
You need a director ID if you are:
- A director of a company registered under the Corporations Act 2001
- A director of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the CATSI Act
- An alternate director of any of the above
This includes directors of proprietary limited companies (Pty Ltd), public companies, companies limited by guarantee (such as not-for-profits), and foreign companies registered in Australia.
You do not need a director ID if you are a sole trader, a partner in a partnership, a trustee who is not a director of a corporate trustee, or a company secretary who is not also a director.
Application Deadlines
The deadlines for obtaining a director ID depend on when you were first appointed as a director:
| Date of Appointment | Deadline |
|---|---|
| On or before 31 October 2021 | 30 November 2022 (now passed) |
| Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 onwards | Before appointment as director |
If you became a director before November 2022 and still have not applied, you are already overdue. Apply as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
How to Apply for a Director ID
You must apply for your director ID yourself. It cannot be done by your accountant, company secretary, or any other representative, because the process requires personal identity verification.
Online (Fastest Method)
The quickest way to apply is online through the ABRS website. You will need:
- A myGovID (not the same as a myGov account) set to Standard or Strong identity strength
- Your tax file number
- Two additional identity documents from: residential address held by the ATO, bank account details held by the ATO, ATO notice of assessment, dividend statement, Centrelink payment summary, or PAYG summary
If your identity is verified successfully, you will receive your director ID immediately.
By Telephone
Call the ABRS on 13 62 50 during business hours. You will need the same identity documents listed above.
By Paper Form
Download and complete the Application for a director identification number form from the ABRS website. Processing takes longer (up to 28 days) and you will need a certified copy of your identity documents.
Penalties for Not Having a Director ID
The Corporations Act imposes civil and criminal penalties for failing to comply with director ID requirements:
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to apply on time | Civil penalty up to $19,800 |
| Applying for multiple director IDs | Criminal — up to $19,800 or 12 months imprisonment |
| Misrepresenting a director ID | Criminal — up to $19,800 or 12 months imprisonment |
Director ID for Film and TV Professionals
If you work in the film, TV, or creative industries, there are several situations where you will need a director ID:
- Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): If a production company is set up specifically for a film or TV project and you are appointed as a director, you need a director ID before the appointment
- Loan-out companies: Many freelance producers, directors, and DOPs operate through their own Pty Ltd company. If you are a director of that company, you need a director ID
- Multiple company directorships: One director ID covers all your directorships. You do not need a separate ID for each company
At Count Out Loud, we work with film and TV production companies every day, including setting up SPVs and advising on company structures for creative professionals. While we cannot apply for your director ID on your behalf, we can guide you through the process and ensure your company records are updated once you have your number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my accountant apply for a director ID on my behalf?
No. The application process requires you to personally verify your identity. This is a deliberate security measure to prevent identity fraud and illegal phoenixing. Your accountant can help you prepare the required documents and guide you through the process, but you must complete the application yourself.
I already have an ABN and ACN. Do I still need a director ID?
Yes. An ABN (Australian Business Number) identifies your business, and an ACN (Australian Company Number) identifies the company itself. A director ID identifies you as an individual director. They serve different purposes, and having an ABN or ACN does not replace the requirement for a director ID.
What happens if I was appointed before November 2022 and still do not have a director ID?
You are overdue and potentially in breach of the Corporations Act. Apply immediately through the ABRS website to minimise your exposure to penalties. The ATO has begun enforcement action against directors who have not complied, so do not delay further.
Does a director ID expire?
No. A director ID is permanent. Once issued, it stays with you for life and applies to all current and future directorships. You never need to renew it.
I resigned as a director. Do I still keep my director ID?
Yes. Your director ID remains valid even if you resign from all directorships. If you are appointed as a director again in the future, you use the same director ID.
Contact Count Out Loud if you need help understanding your director obligations or setting up a company structure for your creative business. Call us on (02) 9043 1525.