New Director Identification Number Requirements
03 November 2021
As you may be aware, the government launched the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program in 2020, bringing together the Australia Business Register, currently administered by the Australian Taxation Office with around 30 existing ASIC registers which will be known collectively as the Australia Business Registry Services (ABRS).
As part of the introduction of the ABRS, starting from 1 November 2021, all directors of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need to apply for a director identification number (director ID). This will require action on the part of the directors themselves, as outlined below.
WHAT IS A DIRECTOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER?
A director ID is a unique identifier given to a director who has verified their identity with the ABRS. Only one director ID will be assigned to a director for his or her lifetime.
WHO WILL NEED A DIRECTOR ID AND FROM WHEN?
All directors of a company, registered Australian body, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation or a foreign company registered and carrying on business in Australia will need to obtain a director ID.
Directors can apply for a director ID from 1 November 2021 but when they must apply, depends on the date of appointment.
| DATE YOU BECAME A DIRECTOR | DATE BY WHICH YOU MUST APPLY |
|---|---|
On or before 31 October 2021 Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 From 5 April 2022 | By 30 November 2022 Within 28 days of appointment Before appointment |
HOW TO APPLY FOR A DIRECTOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Resident Australian Directors will be able to obtain their director ID online, via phone or in paper. A number of proof of identity document will be required. See how to apply
Directors of foreign companies registered in Australia, and foreign directors of Australian companies, will need to apply in paper and provide certified copies of proof of identity documents. See how to apply > Verify your identity > Paper application – applicants outside Australia
MANAGING A DIRECTOR ID
Once obtained, the director should pass their director ID on to their company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation record-holder. This may be the company secretary (if the company has one), another director, contact person or an authorised agent of the company.
Please forward this email to all of the directors of your company and ask them to action as soon as possible. As mentioned, each director will need to provide proof of identity documents with their application.
Further details can be found here but please let us know if you have any questions.
Authors: John Sartori , Partner and Nicole Sutherland, Company Secretarial Services.
