Based on the recent ATO announcement, the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) will be introducing and maintaining the Director Identification Number as of 1 November 2021.

What is a Director Identification Number?

The Director Identification Number is a 15 digit unique identifier that will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities with the new registry services of the ABRS. This will make it easier to trace director relationships across companies and help identify and eliminate involvement in illegal activity such as illegal phoenix activity.

What you need to do as of 1 November 2021? 

Individuals who are currently a director or will be acting as a director in the future must apply for a Director Identification Number based on the transitional arrangements specified in the table below: 

Director ID Schedule
Schedule of the transitional arrangements for Directors. Last updated Nov 1 2021

How do individuals apply online for a Director ID?

  1. Go to the ABRS website to access the ABRS Director ID service and learn about the requirements
  2. Verify your identity using your myGovID credentials or create a myGovID using your smartphone and Australian identity documents. For more information visit How to set up myGovID.
  3. Conduct a proof of record ownership by answering two questions about the individual’s ATO record. See below for further information.
  4. Complete the application on the ABRS platform to receive the Director Identification number instantly.

Will the current ASIC forms and Company Registration processes change?

The Director Identification Number will not affect any ASIC form lodgements or Company Registrations to us.  The only requirement is that Directors need to apply for Director ID as per the above transitional arrangements table.

Will I be able to store Director IDs with Invigor8?

Absolutely, we are busy updating the platform to allow you to store director IDs once it has been supplied by your clients. We will be updating our members as and when these features become available from November. 

To find out more about this new legislation and how it will impact your clients, or any questions please feel free to contact us at 1300 844 678 or email [email protected].