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 ABRS (using a myID) first.
Evidence required
Director ID confirmation (15-digit number).
Max penalty
Not holding a Director ID: strict-liability offence up to $21,840 (60 penalty units, Corporations Act s 1272C(1)); civil penalty up to $1.82M (5,000 penalty units, or 3x the benefit, s 1317G). CATSI directors: up to $200,000 civil / $9,100 (25 penalty units) criminal. Penalty unit is $364 from 1 July 2026.
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
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. Applying online needs a myID (Digital ID) of at least Standard strength.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Entity types
Topics
Related
- CWLTHMaintain Financial Adviser registration + standards (s 921B)Relevant providers must be on the Financial Advisers Register and meet education + CPD + Code of Ethics.
- CWLTHPrevent insolvent trading (s 588G)Directors must prevent the company incurring debts while insolvent — or face personal liability.
- 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).
- CWLTHAppoint voluntary administrator under Part 5.3A Corporations ActDirectors can place company in voluntary administration when insolvent — pause creditor claims for restructuring window.
- CWLTHMaintain AHPRA registration and CPDRegistered health practitioners must hold current registration and meet annual CPD per their National Board standards.
- 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 ABRS (using a myID) first.
- What is the maximum penalty for a Director Identification Number (Director ID)?
- Not holding a Director ID: strict-liability offence up to $21,840 (60 penalty units, Corporations Act s 1272C(1)); civil penalty up to $1.82M (5,000 penalty units, or 3x the benefit, s 1317G). CATSI directors: up to $200,000 civil / $9,100 (25 penalty units) criminal. 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.