Applications for Mandatory Director Identification Numbers Now Open

As a part of the Federal Government’s 2020 Budget Digital Business Plan, the Government has established the Australian Business Registry Services (“ABRS”).  The goal of this is to ‘streamline’ how business information is registered and viewed.

One of the results of the ABRS regime is the introduction of Director Identification Number (“DIN”).  A DIN is a 15-digit number given to directors to identify them.

All directors and acting directors of companies, corporate trustees and foreign companies registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia will need to have a DIN.

Directors will need to apply for their own DIN, a process which is free.

Directors will only need to apply once and will keep the DIN forever, regardless of whether they change companies, stop being a director, change their name or move interstate or internationally.

When do they come in?

The DIN system is now beginning to take effect, with the ability to apply for a DIN now available online via the ABRS website.

Directors appointed on or before 31 October 2021 must apply by 30 November 2022.  Directors appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 must apply within 28 days of appointment.  Directors to be appointed from 5 April 2022 must apply for a DIN before their appointment.

The full ABRS will be rolled out progressively from 2021 to 2024.

Applying for a DIN

There are multiple ways to apply for a DIN.

The preferred method is by applying online with the use of myGovID.  MyGovID is a government app which allows users to easily access government services such as the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink and ABRS

For those who cannot access myGovID, applications for a DIN can be made both via the phone or by filling out and mailing a paper form to the ABRS.

A downloadable form is currently available on the ABRS website.

Regardless of how you choose to apply, you will need to provide the ABRS with your tax file number, residential address and documentation proving your identity.