What are Director IDs?
Director IDs are a unique 15-digit identification number that must be held by directors of:
- a registered Australian company or other body;
- a corporate trustee; or
- a charity or not-for-profit organization that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
Originally implemented in November 2021, Director IDs are used to reduce the use of false or fraudulent director identities and activities, and provide traceability of a director’s profile and association with companies.
Both Australian and foreign resident directors must apply for and obtain a Director ID.
When should a Director apply for a Director ID?
In Hamilton Locke’s earlier article, we discussed the then upcoming deadline for registering for a director ID, being 30 November 2022. Since then, the Australian Business Registry Service (ABRS) has extended the application deadline to 14 December 2022.
ABRS is responsible for delivering the director ID initiative.
All directors that are required to hold a Director’s ID must apply by 14 December 2022 and significant criminal and civil penalties may apply if you do not apply for a director ID in time. The maximum criminal penalty is $13,200 and the maximum civil penalty is $1.1 million.
How do I apply?
Directors must apply for their own Director ID. For both Australian resident directors and foreign resident directors, the fastest way to apply for a Director ID is online via myGovID.
Where directors are unable to apply online, they are encouraged to contact the ABRS over the phone.
Foreign resident directors may apply using the form located here, accompanied by copies of:
- one primary document, such as a foreign birth certificate, foreign passport; and
- one secondary document, such as a national photo ID, driver’s license.
Each document must be certified by either a notary public or staff at an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate as a true and correct copy of the original document. The director should retain a copy of the form for their records and post the form and certified copies of the identity documents to the Australian Business Registry Services in Albury, NSW.
We recommend that affected directors submit their application as soon as possible. If a further extension is required, directors can apply via the form here.
For more information or assistance in preparing your application, please contact a team member at Hamilton Locke including Gordon McCann or Beatrice Drumore.
