Australia’s Director Identification Number (DIN) regime came into effect on 1 November 2021 and, as a director of an Australian company, will require you to register for an identification number.
A director ID is a 15 digit identifier that, once issued, will remain with you for life regardless of whether you stop being a director, change companies, or change your name.
The DIN is managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) but created through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
Who needs a director ID?
All directors of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need a director ID. This includes directors of a corporate trustee of self-managed super funds (SMSF).
Timeframes for registration
For Corporation Act directors:
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 |
For Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act directors:
Date you become a director | Date you must apply |
On or before 31 October 2022 | By 30 November 2023 |
From 1 November 2022 | Before appointment |
If the company intends to appoint new directors, it will be important to ensure that they are aware of the requirements and timeframes to establish their director ID if they do not already have one.
Establishing your director ID
All foreign directors of Australian companies are required to apply for their director ID using the paper form (Australian resident directors can apply online).
Application form:
The Director identification application form is accessible here:
Identification requirements:
The application form will need to be accompanied by copies of one primary and one secondary form of identification that have been certified by a notary publics or by staff at the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate, including consulates headed by Austrade honorary consuls.
These include:
Primary identification |
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Secondary identification |
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If you have changed your name, you must also provide another document showing the change such as a marriage certificate, deed poll or change of name certificate.
Certifying your identification documents:
In your presence, the authorised certifier must:
Certify that each copy is a true and correct copy of the original document by sighting the original document;
Stamp, sign and annotate the copy of the identity document stating, ‘I have sighted the original document and certify this to be a true and correct copy of the original document sighted';
Initial each page listing their name, date of certification, phone number and position.
If your country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, you can ask the competent authority in your country to certify a copy of your documents by using an apostille.
The list of Australian embassy and consulates is available here:
Translations required for identity documents not in English:
If your identification documents are not in English, they will need to be accompanied by a translation. Translations must be completed by an approved translation service and certified as a true and correct copy. Each translation should display an official stamp (or similar) that shows the certifier’s accreditation. Once completed, the identification application form and the accompanying certified copies of your identification documents need to be sent by mail to ABRS using the details provided on the form.
If we can assist you with any information on this matter or can assist you in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact us by phoning (02) 8014 7608 or via email to info@peerwealth.com.au
Disclaimer: The material and contents provided in this article contains general information and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, please contact Peer Wealth on (02) 8014 7608.