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• Timeline Confirmed for Introduction of Director Identification Number

Timeline Confirmed for Introduction of Director Identification Number

As of the 5th of April 2022, directors will need to have applied for their Director Identification Number (DIN) prior to appointment. 

What is a Director Identification Number?
A Director Identification Number (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 Service (ABRS). Designed to help prevent the use of false or fraudulent Director identities, Directors (or those who intend to become a Director) must apply for their own Director ID from November 2021.

Who does it apply to?
Director ID applies to Directors of companies and corporate bodies registered under the Corporations Act and CATSI Act.

What is the deadline for not-for-profit entities?

Date you become a Director	Date you must apply
On or before 31 October 2021	By 30 November 2022
Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022	Within 28 days of appointment
From 5 April 2022	Before appointment

How to apply?
All Directors need to apply for their own Director ID. The fastest way to do this is to apply online via the ABRS Website. You can also apply via phone or paper application.

Meeting your Obligations
Your Director ID obligations include:  

• applying for a Director ID within the relevant timeframe for your situation
• applying for a Director ID when directed by the Registrar to do so
• not applying for more than one Director ID (unless directed by the Registrar to do so)
• not misrepresenting your Director ID to a Commonwealth body, company, registered Australian body or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
• not being involved in a breach of the above Director ID obligations.

If you can’t apply by the date you need to, you can apply for an extension. Information on how you can do this will be available here in November.

If you don’t meet your obligations:

• there may be civil or criminal penalties
• you may be issued with an infringement notice.

Click here for more information.