Apply for a Director Identification Number (Director ID)
Every director needs a Director ID before appointment — apply via ABRS.
Who must comply
All current and prospective directors of companies registered under the Corporations Act 2001 and CATSI Act corporations.
What triggers it
Appointment (or proposed appointment) as a director.
When due
Before appointment. New directors must apply via myGovID first.
Evidence required
Director ID confirmation (15-digit number).
Max penalty
Criminal penalty up to $21,840 (60 penalty units) for failing to apply; civil penalties up to $1.82M (5,000 penalty units). Penalty unit is $364 from 1 July 2026.
Summary
All directors of Australian companies, registered foreign companies, and CATSI Act corporations must have a Director ID — a permanent 15-digit identifier issued by ABRS. New directors must apply before their appointment date; existing directors had a transitional deadline that has now passed. ASIC brought its first enforcement action in 2024.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Entity types
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHComply with directors' general law and statutory dutiesDirectors owe duties of care and diligence (s 180), good faith (s 181), no improper use of position (s 182) or information (s 183).
- CWLTHPrevent insolvent trading (s 588G)Directors must prevent the company incurring debts while insolvent — or face personal liability.
- CWLTHMaintain AHPRA registration and CPDRegistered health practitioners must hold current registration and meet annual CPD per their National Board standards.
- CWLTHMaintain Financial Adviser registration + standards (s 921B)Relevant providers must be on the Financial Advisers Register and meet education + CPD + Code of Ethics.
- CWLTHAustralian Business Number (ABN) applicationEntities carrying on an enterprise in Australia need an ABN — without one, payers must withhold 47% PAYG from your payments. How to apply and who's eligible.
- CWLTHPay company PAYG/GST/SG or face Director Penalty Notice (DPN)Directors personally liable for unpaid company PAYG, GST + SG via DPN regime.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with a Director Identification Number (Director ID)?
- All current and prospective directors of companies registered under the Corporations Act 2001 and CATSI Act corporations.
- What triggers a Director Identification Number (Director ID)?
- Appointment (or proposed appointment) as a director.
- When is a Director Identification Number (Director ID) due?
- Before appointment. New directors must apply via myGovID first.
- What is the maximum penalty for a Director Identification Number (Director ID)?
- Criminal penalty up to $21,840 (60 penalty units) for failing to apply; civil penalties up to $1.82M (5,000 penalty units). Penalty unit is $364 from 1 July 2026.
- What evidence is required for a Director Identification Number (Director ID)?
- Director ID confirmation (15-digit number).
Source: https://abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.