Introduction to the Director Identification Number (DIN)
From 1 November 2021, all directors of registered bodies are required to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is a unique identifier that you need to apply for once and keep permanently.
Introduction
It has been introduced as a means of addressing phoenixing arrangements, to help reduce fraud and fictitious behaviours and to enable tracking of directors and their relationships with different companies. Once a director has received their DIN, they will keep it permanently, even if they cease to be a director or move overseas. The measure is designed to be a traceable outlook of a director’s association across all companies, allowing better monitoring of directors of unsuccessful companies and will prevent the use of fabricated identities.
A DIN is unique and permanent (that is, the DIN will be active even after the individual ceases to be a director). The director ID is similar to an Australian tax file number (TFN) and will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.
If you’re a director of an Australian registered body or a director of a foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia (regardless of where you live), or you wish to become a director in the future, you’ll need a DIN.
When do I need to apply?
Directors must hold a valid DIN within the following timelines, which are dependent on when that director was appointed as an Australian corporation:
Date you became 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 |
If you can’t apply by the due date, you can apply for an extension.
Under the regime, any director who does not register for a DIN within the listed timeframe may be issued with an infringement notice or face criminal or civil penalties.
How do I apply?
The fastest way to receive your DIN is to apply online via the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) platform using the following steps:
- Set up myGovID – note that myGovID (an app that can be downloaded to your smart device, and provides access to government online services including myGov) is different to myGov (an account that links services such as the ATO, Centrelink and Medicare).
- Gather identification documents – including your tax file number, residential address (as held by the ATO) and two of the following identity verification documents:
- Bank account details
- ATO notice of assessment
- Super account details
- Dividend statement
- Centrelink payment summary
- PAYG payment summary
- Complete Director ID application – once your identity is verified in myGovID, you can then complete your application online
You can also apply by phone and paper application, find out more here.
Foreign directors must apply with a paper application downloaded via ABRS.
What do I do with the DIN once I have it?
When you receive your director ID, you need to give it to your corporation record-holder. This could be your company secretary, another director, contact person or an authorised agent of the company. If we provide corporate secretarial services for your company we’ll be in touch to obtain your DIN over the course of the next year if you have not already supplied it.