What Is a Director ID? ASIC and ABRS Requirements Explained
Book a Free DemoDirector ID
A Director ID is a unique 15-digit identifier issued to directors by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). It’s designed to help prevent illegal phoenix activity and improve transparency in…
A Director ID is a unique 15-digit identifier issued to directors by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). It’s designed to help prevent illegal phoenix activity and improve transparency in Australia’s corporate system.
If you’re a director of a company, charity, trustee company, or SMSF corporate trustee, you are legally required to have a Director ID.
Who Needs a Director ID?
Anyone who is a director (or plans to become one) of:
- A company registered under the Corporations Act 2001
- A corporate trustee (e.g. for an SMSF or family trust)
- A charity or NFP with a registered company structure
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander corporations (under CATSI Act)
This includes resident and non-resident directors.
Director ID Deadlines (As of 2025)
| If you became a director… | You must apply… |
|---|---|
| Before 31 October 2021 | Already required |
| Between 1 Nov 2021 – 4 April 2022 | By 30 November 2022 (now overdue) |
| On or after 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
Late applications can trigger penalties of up to $13,320 (criminal) or $1.1 million (civil).
How to Apply for a Director ID
- Go to abrs.gov.au
- Use myGovID (not myGov) to verify your identity
- Submit your application online — takes ~5 minutes
- Receive your 15-digit Director ID instantly or by email
If you can’t apply online, you can use phone or paper form methods, especially if applying from overseas.
Why the Director ID Matter
| Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Prevents identity fraud | Each director can only have one ID |
| Stops illegal phoenixing | Tracks directors across failed companies |
| Adds accountability | Improves corporate transparency |
| Required by law | Non-compliance leads to penalties |
How Ozobooks Helps
- Confirms if you need a Director ID
- Guides you through myGovID setup and ABRS application
- Keeps Director ID records secure for ASIC purposes
- Ensures compliance during company setup or director changes
FAQ
Q1: Is myGovID the same as myGov?
No. myGovID is a digital identity app — separate from myGov (the government service portal). You’ll need myGovID to apply for your Director ID.
Q2: Do sole traders or partnerships need a Director ID?
No — only directors of companies or corporate trustees need one.
Q3: Do I need a new Director ID for each company I run?
No. One Director ID covers all companies you’re involved in.
Q4: Can Ozobooks apply on my behalf?
No — only the individual director can apply. But Ozobooks can guide you through the entire process.