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
Civil penalties up to $1.11M; criminal $13,320 + 12 months imprisonment for failure to apply
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
Source: https://abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.