23 Dec Director ID (DIN): who needs one and how to apply
A director ID is a 15-digit number that proves who you are as a company director. Every director of an Australian company needs one, you apply once and keep it for life, and it is free. If you are becoming a director, you must apply before you are appointed. Failing to have one when required is an offence, with a maximum penalty of 60 penalty units, currently $19,800.
What is a director ID?
A director identification number (director ID, or DIN) is a unique 15-digit identifier given to a director once their identity has been verified. It is administered by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
You only ever have one director ID. It stays with you for life, whatever companies you direct, even if you change your name, move interstate or overseas, or stop being a director altogether.
A director ID is not an Australian Business Number (ABN) and is not the same as an ASIC key.
Who needs a director ID?
- Directors of Australian companies
- Directors of registered Australian bodies
- Directors of registered foreign companies carrying on business in Australia
- Directors of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, registered under the CATSI Act
It applies to alternate directors acting in that capacity, and to directors of corporate trustees, including the trustee of a family trust or a self-managed super fund.
When do you have to apply?
- Becoming a director: you must apply before you are appointed.
- Already a director without one: you must apply now. The deadlines for existing directors have passed.
How to apply
- Set up myID and build up the identity strength the application needs.
- Gather your details. You’ll need your tax file number, your residential address as held by the ATO, and two documents that verify your identity.
- Apply at abrs.gov.au. It’s free, and the application is usually instant.
You must apply yourself. Your accountant or lawyer can’t do it for you, because the point of the process is to verify your identity.
Penalties
ASIC enforces the director ID offences under the Corporations Act 2001:
- Failing to have a director ID when required: maximum 60 penalty units, currently $19,800
- Failing to apply when directed by the Registrar: maximum 60 penalty units
- Applying for more than one director ID: up to 1 year’s imprisonment
- Misrepresenting a director ID: up to 1 year’s imprisonment
These are enforced in practice. In May 2026, two NSW directors were convicted and fined $10,000 each for failing to have a director ID.
What changes on 1 July 2027
From 1 July 2027, companies will have to give their directors’ IDs to ASIC through normal reporting, such as annual reviews and notices of a change of director. Before then, it’s worth checking that your company’s details and its list of current directors are accurate, and that every director has applied.
Why director IDs exist
Director IDs make it possible to trace a director across every company they have been involved with. That makes illegal phoenix activity, where a business is moved to a new company to avoid paying debts, much harder to hide. They also sit alongside the other measures aimed at director accountability, including director penalty notices, which can make a director personally liable for unpaid PAYG withholding, GST and super guarantee charge.
How Greengate Advisory can help
If your company is under financial pressure, the options can include a payment arrangement with the ATO, small business restructuring, voluntary administration or liquidation. Our registered liquidators can talk you through which fits, and what each one means for you personally. The first consultation is free and confidential, and we can explain the options in English, Mandarin, Cantonese or Korean.
Common questions
How much does a director ID cost?
Nothing. Applying is free.
Can my accountant apply for my director ID?
No. You have to apply yourself, because the process verifies your identity.
How long does a director ID take?
If you apply online with myID and your identity is verified, you usually receive it immediately.
Do I need a separate director ID for each company?
No. You only ever have one, and it covers every company you direct.
What if I stop being a director?
You keep your director ID. You don’t have to cancel it, and you can use it again if you are appointed to another company.
What happens if I don’t get one?
Failing to have a director ID when required is an offence, with a maximum penalty of 60 penalty units, currently $19,800. ASIC has prosecuted directors for it.
Authored by Patrick Loi, Managing Principal and Registered Liquidator. Patrick has over 20 years of business restructuring and insolvency experience and founded Greengate Advisory. Meet our team.
This page is general information, not advice about your situation. Sources: ASIC Director identification numbers (director IDs) and Get ready for new director ID requirements from 1 July 2027; ABRS About director ID. Checked 28 September 2026.
