Director identification numbers in Australia.

The director identification number (Director ID) regime was introduced under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Registries Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2020 to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s business registry system. Every director of an Australian company, registered foreign company or registered Australian body is required to hold a Director ID: a unique 15-digit identifier issued after identity verification through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

This guide explains who needs a Director ID, how to apply for one and what happens if directors do not comply. It also covers what directors need to do once they hold a Director ID and how this obligation fits within broader governance responsibilities under the Corporations Act 2001.

What is a Director ID?

A Director ID is a unique 15-digit number issued to an individual director after they have verified their identity with ABRS. Unlike company registration numbers or business name identifiers, a Director ID belongs to the individual, not the entity.

Once issued, a Director ID stays with that person permanently. It does not expire when a directorship ends, does not change if a director joins a different company and cannot be transferred or reused by another person. A director who holds multiple directorships across several companies uses the same Director ID for all of them. There is no need to apply for a new Director ID when taking up an additional directorship.

The system was introduced to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities, make it easier for regulators to trace directors’ involvement across corporate structures and reduce the incidence of illegal phoenixing activity, where assets are transferred from one company to another to avoid liabilities.

Who needs a Director ID?

The requirement applies broadly to eligible officers of entities registered under the Corporations Act 2001 and the CATSI Act. This includes directors of:

• Private (proprietary) companies
• Public companies
• Registered foreign companies operating in Australia
• Registered Australian bodies
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations registered under the CATSI Act

The obligation also applies to individuals who act in the capacity of a director, even if not formally appointed under that title, where they exercise decision-making authority consistent with that role. However, a person who holds the title of “director” in their job description without being formally appointed under the Corporations Act or the CATSI Act does not fall within the requirement.

The requirement also extends to foreign nationals. A director who resides overseas but serves on the board of an Australian proprietary company or a registered foreign company operating in Australia is subject to the same obligation. Non-residents who cannot complete the online identity verification process can apply using the paper application process instead.

Directors of registered charities that are not registered with ASIC or the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC), and officers of incorporated associations operating under state or territory legislation, generally fall outside the scope of the regime unless the organisation is also a registered Australian body.

For a broader overview of the duties and responsibilities that apply to directors in Australia, see directors’ roles and duties in Australia.

When to apply

The timing of a Director ID application depends on whether a person is already serving as a director or is preparing to take up the role.

New directors

Anyone who intends to become a director applies for their Director ID before their appointment is made. Applications cannot be submitted retrospectively, so it is important to factor this step into appointment planning, particularly for companies registering for the first time or appointing additional directors.

Existing directors

Directors who were already appointed before the Director ID regime took effect were subject to transitional deadlines that have since passed. Any existing director who has not yet obtained a Director ID is in breach of the obligation and should apply as soon as practicable.

One Director ID per person

Each director holds only one Director ID across their entire career. Applying for more than one is an offence under the Corporations Act 2001. Directors who intentionally apply for multiple Director IDs may face a custodial sentence of up to 12 months in addition to civil penalties.

How to apply

Applications are lodged through the ABRS application portal. The process is free of charge and, for most applicants, can be completed online.

To apply online, a director needs:

• A myID (formerly myGovID) with at least Standard identity strength
• A tax file number (TFN) or an Australian tax assessment
• Information from two Australian identity documents, such as a bank account linked to the ATO, a notice of assessment, a dividend statement or a Centrelink payment summary

Directors who cannot meet the online identity requirements, for example those who do not have sufficient Australian identity documents or who live overseas, can apply using a paper form. Overseas applicants submit a separate form alongside certified copies of identity documents. Paper applications can take up to 56 business days to process.

Directors cannot authorise someone else to apply on their behalf. The identity verification process is designed to confirm that the individual applying is who they claim to be. Advisers and company secretaries can assist directors to prepare for the process, but the submission must come from the director directly.

Once issued, the Director ID appears in the applicant’s ABRS online account. Directors are then required to provide their Director ID to their company record-holder, such as the company secretary or another director, within seven days of receiving it.

Compliance obligations once a Director ID is held

Holding a Director ID is an ongoing obligation, not a one-off registration. Directors have several responsibilities once their Director ID has been issued.

These include:

• Providing the Director ID to each company for which they serve as a director, within seven days of receiving it (or within seven days of any new appointment)
• Keeping personal details up to date with ABRS, including residential address, and notifying the company of any changes within seven days
• Not misrepresenting their Director ID to a Commonwealth body, company or corporation
• Not applying for more than one Director ID

For directors taking on their first directorship, building these obligations into onboarding processes, alongside other governance requirements such as board induction and conflicts of interest procedures, can help avoid compliance gaps. For guidance on governance practices relevant to new appointees, see corporate governance for new directors in Australia.

What happens if directors do not comply?

Failing to hold a Director ID is a strict liability offence under the Corporations Act 2001. Intent is not a relevant factor in determining liability: a director who simply did not know about the requirement, or assumed someone else had handled it, does not have a defence on those grounds.

Enforcement sits with ASIC, which has publicly confirmed that it treats non-compliance as a matter for prosecution rather than administrative resolution. In May 2026, two New South Wales directors were each convicted and fined AUD 10,000 for failing to hold a valid Director ID, an example of enforcement that affected directors running relatively small operations, not just large corporate structures.

The penalties available under the Corporations Act 2001 extend beyond fines. The maximum civil penalty is 50,000 penalty units, equivalent to AUD 16.5m. In cases involving fraud or misuse of the Director ID system, such as intentionally obtaining multiple Director IDs or providing false information during the application process, criminal penalties including custodial sentences may apply.

Directors who are currently non-compliant should treat the obligation as a priority. The absence of a Director ID also creates a practical governance risk for the companies involved, as company secretaries and other record-holders are required to maintain accurate director information.

Conclusion

Director ID compliance is a straightforward obligation with clear consequences for non-compliance. The requirement applies to all directors of entities registered under the Corporations Act 2001 and the CATSI Act, including foreign directors and those holding multiple directorships. Application is free, the process is primarily online and the identifier is permanent, so the administrative burden is a one-time exercise in most cases.

The practical risk sits with directors who have not yet applied and with companies that have not confirmed the Director ID status of their board. Incorporating Director ID checks into director onboarding, company secretarial reviews and periodic governance audits is a straightforward way to keep this obligation current.

How Acclime can help with corporate governance in Australia

Acclime Australia offers complete support across corporate governance and director compliance, including company secretarial services, board management and ongoing compliance monitoring. From confirming Director ID obligations for new appointees to conducting governance audits across multi-entity structures, our team can help directors and companies manage their compliance responsibilities efficiently.

By working with Acclime, directors and organisations can reduce compliance risk and ensure governance processes remain fit for purpose. Talk to an expert to discuss your situation and get a clear recommended next step.