The new obligation of being a director - Apply for your director ID now !

What is Director ID?

A director ID is a unique identifier that a director will apply for once and keep forever – which will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities. All directors of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need a director ID.

When Director ID must be applied?

When you must apply depends on when you were appointed as a director for the first time:

  • New directors appointed for the first time between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 must apply within 28 days of their appointment.
  • From 5 April 2022, intending new directors must apply before being appointed.
  • Directors appointed before 1 November 2021 have until 30 November 2022 to apply.

Penalties for the breach of Director ID law?

ASIC is responsible for enforcing director ID offences set out in the Corporations Act 2001. It is a criminal offence if you do not apply on time.

Offence

Legislative section

Maximum penalties for individuals

Failure to have a director ID when required to do so

s1272C

$13,200 (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)

Failure to apply for a director ID when directed by the Registrar

s1272D

$13,200 (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)

Applying for multiple director IDs

s1272G

$26,640, 1 year imprisonment or both (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)

Misrepresenting director ID

s1272H

$26,640, 1 year imprisonment or both (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)

How to apply for Director ID?

Before applying for Director ID, you need to have My GovID first.

If you do not have My Gov ID, you need to apply for My Gov ID first.

Note: MyGov ID is different from myGov account. Your myGovID is your digital identity and unique to you. The myGovID app lets you prove who you are and securely sign in to participating government online services, including myGov.

Your myGov account lets you link to government services online in one place. You can access online services like Medicare for your COVID-19 vaccine certificate through your myGov account. Signing in to your myGov account is simple and secure when you connect your myGovID.

Connecting your myGovID to your myGov account is optional. You can choose to disconnect at any time or continue using your existing myGov sign in option

 

Verify you Identity- Choose standard identity strength

A Standard myGovID allows access to most participating government online services, including Director ID. 

For a Standard identity strength, you need to enter your personal details and verify at least two of the following Australian identity documents (your name must match on both):

  • driver’s licence or learner’s permit
  • passport (not more than three years expired)
  • birth certificate
  • visa (using your foreign passport)
  • citizenship certificate
  • ImmiCard
  • Medicare card.

How to apply for My GovID?

What is Director ID and how to apply for Director ID?

Frequently Asked Questions

1.If I am not Australia permanent resident or Australia citizen, do I need to apply for Director ID?  

Yes, you still need to apply for Director ID if you are or will be the director of the company

2.If I am not Australia permanent resident or Australia citizen, how can I verify my ID  with My GovID? 

You can choose the two of the four documents available to you below:

  • driver’s licence or learner’s permit
  • birth certificate
  • visa (using your foreign passport)
  • ImmiCard (Only issue to certain visa holders) Check: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/immicard/eligibility

Useful resources

Apply your director ID with Australian Business Registry Services 

https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/apply-director-identification-number

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