All About Director IDs

Legislation was introduced over 12 months ago requiring a director to verify their identity and receive a director identification number (director ID).

A director ID is a 15-digit number given to a director (or someone who intends to become a director) who has verified their identity with Australian Business Registry Services. Directors will only ever have one director ID. They will keep it forever even if they change companies, stop being a director, change their name, or move interstate or overseas.

The director ID regime is intended to combat illegal phoenix activity, which occurs when a new company continues the business of an existing company that has been liquidated or abandoned to avoid paying outstanding debts  – such as – taxes, creditors and employer entitlements.

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You need a director ID if you are a director or alternate director of a company, registered Australian body, or registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001.

When a director must apply for a director ID depends on the date you first become a director.

Offences and Penalties

It is an offence to not apply for a director ID on time. This is a strict liability offence, which means it is not necessary for the regulator or prosecutor to establish intention to commit the offence.

A criminal penalty of $13,320 applies. A court can make a declaration for a civil penalty of up to $1.11m.

How to Apply

If you need a director ID, you can apply by visiting the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website.

The ABRS website contains helpful information about applying for a director ID and the documents you will require to verify your identity.

ABRS – Director Identification Number

Directors and Officers Insurance