Have you applied for your Director Identification Number yet?

ActionRobert Fry

22 Feb

Last reviewed June 2022

The Director Identification Number (DIN) regime has been passed by parliament and is now law. Under the new law, all directors of companies registered under the Corporations Act will need to have one unique identifier.

The DIN is is a unique 15-digit identifier that is a requirement for all company directors as a measure that will limit the opportunities for a company and its directors to engage in illegal phoenixing activities. This new measure requires all directors to confirm their identity before receiving a DIN, and there will be civil and criminal penalties for system misuse. This includes intentionally applying for more than one DIN.

It’s free to apply and you will only need to apply once. Managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), it is administered by Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) with applications open from 1 November 2021.

Apply online at www.abrs.gov.au >

Confirming your identity

A key component of the DIN register is to be able to separately identify different directors by giving them a unique identifier.

Therefore, part of the application process will be verifying your identity. The easiest way to do this will be to set up a myGovID account if you do not already have one; mygovid.gov.au >

When do I need to apply?

If you were appointed as a director of your company on or before 31 October 2021, you are required to get a DIN before Wednesday 30 November 2022.

If you are appointed to a new directorship role between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, then this is during the ABRS transitional period. You will be required to get a DIN within 28 days of your appointment.

From 5 April 2022, it is expected that you will apply for and receive your DIN prior to your appointment as a director of a company.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact our office.

Applying for your director ID

A director identification number (director ID) is a unique identifier given to a director. It’s free to apply and you will only need to apply once.

Apply online at www.abrs.gov.au >

If you would like assistance with the process, please call AKW today.

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