Are you a Company Director? How and when to apply for your Director Identification Number

As of November, company directors in Australia have been given deadlines to apply for Director Identification Numbers. Following recent amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) is now responsible for requiring every director of an Australian company or other body registered under Corporations Act to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN).  

The recent amendments have provided timeframes for new and existing directors to apply for DINs. The Corporations Act now imposes civil and potentially criminal penalties for infringements relating to DINs, including for failing to have a DIN when required to do so. This article examines these new requirements and deadlines.  

What is a DIN?  

The DIN is a unique identifier attached to a director’s identity which creates an easily traceable link with every company they are associated with. For now, DINs will not be accessible to the public. A person’s DIN will remain the same even if they stop being a director, change companies, change their name, or move interstate or overseas. The DIN must be provided to any company of which the person becomes a director.  

The introduction of DINs is intended to minimise the use of false or fraudulent director identities, streamline the tracing of director and company relationships, and expose any director involvement in unlawful activities such as fraudulent phoenix activity.  

How do I apply for a DIN? 

If you are a director, you will need to register for a DIN online via myGovID, a verified government app that can be downloaded onto your smart device and used to prove who you are when logging into a range of government services including myGov.  

Depending on the service you want to access, the identity strength of your myGovID will differ. You can choose a ‘basic’, ‘standard’ or ‘strong’ myGovID, but it is recommended that you use a ‘strong’ identity strength for your DIN.   

If you do not have a myGovID, you can obtain one by using this link and following the instructions. If you are unable to get a myGovID online, you can apply by calling the ABRS at 13 62 50 or through paper form.  

The application process will require you to provide information that is registered with the ATO, including:  

• your tax file number (TFN); 
• your residential address as held by the ATO; and 
• information from two documents to verify your identity. 

Examples of documents you may use to verify your identity include: 

• bank account details; 
• an ATO notice of assessment; 
• super account details; 
• a dividend statement; 

• a Centrelink payment summary; 
• a PAYG payment summary  

More details on documents for verification can be found via the ABRS application page accessible here.  

Once you have your myGovID with ‘strong’ identity strength and your documents to verify your identity, you will be able to log in and apply for your DIN. Applications can be made through the online portal accessible here and should take less than 5 minutes.  

Once your application has been processed, you will be able to view your DIN and status, edit profile preferences, and update your details by using your myGovID and logging into the ABRS online portal.  

When do I need to apply?  

The relevant deadline for applying for a DIN depends on when a person was appointed as a director. Existing directors appointed on or before 31 October 2021 have until 30 November 2022 to apply.  

New directors appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 must apply within 28 days of their appointment. From 5 April 2022, prospective new directors must apply before being appointed.  

Noncompliance with these timeframes invites the risk of civil and criminal penalties set out below in the event of enforcement action by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which is responsible for enforcing the DIN-related offences under the Corporations Act.  

If you require assistance in respect of any of the matters raised above please contact the NRA Legal team on 1800 572 679.