Director ID Application Process

A Director ID is a unique (15-digit) identifier that a director will keep forever, even if you cease being a director. If you are a director of multiple companies, you only need one Director ID. This additional layer of identification verification has been introduced by the Government to prevent the appointment of fictitious directors and facilitate traceability of an individual director’s profile and their relationships with companies over time.

Below are the instructions on how to apply for the Director ID:

For most directors, the three-step registration process can be done online and reasonably efficiently (i.e., in less than five minutes) provided you have all the required documentation.    

The three-step registration process comprises the following steps:

Step 1 – Set-up a myID (with a standard or strong identity strength)

Please note, myID was previously called myGovID and it is different to myGov. MyID can be obtained by downloading and applying via the myID app to your smart phone or other device.

To set up a myID you will need to have on hand two Australian identity documents on which your name matches, such as your driver’s licence or learner’s permit, passport, birth certificate, visa (using foreign passport providing still in Australia), citizenship certificate, ImmiCard or Medicare card. 

Step 2 – Gather the documents required for identification

To apply for your Director ID you will need to have access to additional information the ATO knows about you such as your tax file number (TFN) and your residential address (linked to the ATO’s records).

You will also require information from two documents to verify your identity. The documents you can choose from are listed below:

• Bank account statement – please note this must be an account that the ATO has paid a tax refund into, or an account that has earned interest in the last 2 years

• ATO notice of assessment – must use a notice issued in the last 5 years

• Super account statement – use a statement issued in the last 5 years

• Dividend statement – use a statement issued in the last 2 years

• Centrelink payment summary – use a summary issued in the last 2 years

• PAYG payment summary (if applicable) – use a summary issued in the last 2 years

Step 3 – Complete your application

Once you have a myID with a standard or strong identity strength, and information to verify your identity at hand, you can log in and apply for your Director ID

At this step, your myID details and ATO details should be prefilled, and all you need to do is enter your place of birth, postal address, mobile number, and any former names before completing the declaration.

Please ensure your cybersecurity safety and take care when applying for your Director ID. Only apply online via abrs.gov.au.

Please note: If you cannot get a myID with a standard or strong identify strength, there are alternative mechanisms to obtain a Director ID via the phone or a paper form.  The phone number is 13 62 50 for directors in Australia and for directors calling from overseas, the number is +61 2 6216 3440. 

Disclaimer

This is not advice. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice per se. The information contained in these articles is for guidance only and should not be relied upon without obtaining professional advice having regard to your direct circumstances.