Apply for your Director ID in 5 minutes: a step-by-step

Rules Mate EditorialPublished 18 May 20261 min read

Director ID applications are free, take 5 minutes once you have your documents, and need to be done BEFORE appointment. Here's exactly what to do.

Documents you need

A myID (the Australian Government Digital ID app, formerly myGovID) at Standard or Strong identity strength — Basic will not work
With a Strong myID: your TFN or your residential address as held by the ATO
With a Standard myID: your residential address as held by the ATO, your TFN (optional but faster), and details from two documents the ATO can check — for example bank account details the ATO holds, an ATO notice of assessment, APRA super fund details, a dividend statement, a Centrelink payment summary or a PAYG payment summary

Step 1: Set up your myID (Standard or Strong)

Download the myID app and verify your identity to at least Standard strength.

Step 2: Apply via abrs.gov.au

Visit abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number → Apply for your director ID. Sign in with your myID.

Step 3: Verify identity

ABRS cross-references your details against ATO records — mismatches cause failure. Update your address with the ATO first if it is out of date.

Step 4: Get your Director ID

On successful verification your 15-digit Director ID is issued. Save it — it's permanent and personal.

Common pitfalls

Basic-strength myID — won't work; upgrade to Standard.
Address mismatch — update with the ATO first.
No myID or living overseas — ABRS has a separate process for people who cannot get a Digital ID; allow more time.
Already appointed without an ID — apply IMMEDIATELY. Not holding one is a strict-liability offence and a civil penalty contravention.
Don't pay a service — application is FREE.

Confirm via the Director ID compliance check tool.

Not sure how this applies to your business?Hand this question to the Rules Mate AI advisor — it is already written for you. Cited answers from the live obligation, regulator and enforcement corpus.Ask the AI advisor

Frequently asked

What if I'm overseas?

Use ABRS's process for people who cannot get a Digital ID or live outside Australia. Allow more time.

Can I appoint a director and they get the ID later?

No. Director ID must be obtained BEFORE appointment.

What's the penalty for not having one?

Civil penalty up to $1.82M (5,000 penalty units, or 3x the benefit if greater) under Corporations Act s 1272C and s 1317G; the strict-liability offence carries a fine of up to $21,840 (60 penalty units). CATSI corporation directors face separate penalties under the CATSI Act.