If you want to become a director, or are already one, you’ll need a have a director identification number (director ID). You can apply for a director ID from November 2021.
Directors will need to apply for their director ID themselves because they need to verify their identity. No one can apply on their behalf. However, we can help you understand if you need to apply.
To begin, you’ll need a myGovID to apply for your director ID. myGovID is different from myGov. It’s an app which lets you prove who you are and log in to a range of government online services, including myGov. You will need a standard or strong identity strength myGovID to apply for your director ID online.
You’ll need to have the following when you apply:
– your tax file number (TFN)
– your residential address as held by the ATO
– information from two documents to verify your identity.
You need a director ID if you’re an eligible officer of:
– a company, a registered Australian body or a registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)
– an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
An eligible officer is a person who is appointed as a director, or is an alternate director acting in that capacity.
You can apply for a director ID from November 2021. When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director. You can read more about when you need to apply on the Australian Business Registry Services website.
If you can’t apply by the date you need to, you’ll be able to apply for an extension.
Once you get your director ID, you need to pass it on to your company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation record-holder. This could be your company secretary, another director, contact person or an authorised agent of the company.