Apply for your director ID

Last updated

16 September 2024

You must apply for your own director ID. The fastest way to apply is online.

View this page in other languages or watch Video – How to apply for a director ID.

The myGovID app is changing its name to myID

Soon myGovID will have a new name and look – but you'll use it the same way. Find out more at www.myGovID.gov.au/DiscovermyID. 

Before you start

You need a myGovID with at least a Standard identity strength to apply online.

Use your myGovID to log onto ABRS online to apply for your director ID online.

If you:

don’t have a myGovID with at least a Standard identity strength, go to Step 1 – Set up myGovID
have a myGovID, go to Step 2 – Gather your documents
can't get a myGovID and/or live outside Australia, see How to apply if you cannot get a myGovID.

myGovID is different to myGov

myGovID is your Digital Identity and is unique to you. It’s a secure way to prove who you are online and securely sign into a range of government online services. This includes your myGov account.
Your myGov account lets you link to government services online in one place, like the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Centrelink, Medicare and more.

Download a copy of Apply for your director ID online guide PDF (863KB) or HTML accessible version.

Step 1 – Set up myGovID

Download the myGovID app from the App Store or Google Play.
Enter your details.
Choose your identity strength – to access ABRS online you will need at least a Standard identity strength.

You need at least 2 of the following Australian identity documents for a Standard identity strength:

•    passport (current or not more than 3 years expired)
•    driver’s licence or learner’s permit
•    birth certificate
•    citizenship certificate
•    Medicare card
•    visa (using your foreign passport)
•    ImmiCard.

If you don’t have at least 2 of these documents, see How to apply if you cannot get a myGovID.

Tip: A Strong identity strength allows you to access all participating government online services. For more information on how to set up a Strong myGovID, visit How to set up | myGovID.

Step 2 – Gather your documents

Once you have your myGovID, you need some more information to apply for a director ID. This information must relate to you personally, not the company you work for.

If you have a myGovID with a Strong identity strength, you only need to provide one of the following:

your individual tax file number (TFN)
your residential address as held by the ATO.

If you have a myGovID with a Standard identity strength, you need to provide:

your individual TFN – optional but it will help speed up the process
your residential address as held by the ATO
information from 2 of the following documents to verify your identity, including:
- bank account details the ATO has on record – most likely where you’ve received a tax return refund in the last 2 years
- an ATO notice of assessment
- Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) super fund account details including super fund's Australian business number (ABN). Note: Self-managed super fund details are not accepted
- a dividend statement
- a Centrelink payment summary
- a PAYG payment summary – this is different to your income statement or your PAYG instalment activity statement.

For more information about the required documents, see Verify your identity – Online application.

Step 3 – Complete your application

We recommend you use a Google Chrome or Firefox web browser to complete your online application.

Log in to ABRS online with your myGovID to apply online for your director ID:

Apply online now

When you log in, a 4-digit code will display on your browser. Open the myGovID app separately and enter in the code.

If you have issues with the online application, check for system maintenance.

If you cannot get a myGovID

If you can’t set up a myGovID with at least a Standard identity strength, there are other ways to apply. How you apply depends on where you currently live.

Live in Australia

You can apply by phone. We’ll ask you questions based on information we hold about you to verify your identity. This includes information from third parties and other government departments.

For more information, see Establish your identity.

If you don’t have the required identity documents, you'll need to submit:

• a paper application form – Application for a director identification number - for people living in Australia (NAT 75437).

• certified copies of original documents that verify your identity.

Do not send original documents – we can’t return documents sent to us.

If you’re a director of a corporation under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and are unable to provide all your proof of identity documents, you can use the ABRS director ID – Proof of identity reference form available on the ORIC website along with a paper application to apply.

We will mail your director ID to the postal address listed on your application. There is no need to call regarding the status of your application or lodge again during this time.

If you have issues using the form, see our Accessibility page.

Live outside of Australia

If you’re an Australian resident living overseas, you can apply for a director ID online if you have the required Australian identity documents.

If you can’t apply online, you need to submit:

• a paper application form – Application for a director identification number - for people living outside Australia (NAT 75433).

• certified copies of your documents that verify your identity.

Do not send original documents – we can’t return documents sent to us.

We will mail your director ID to the postal address on your application and or your myGov inbox if you applied online. There is no need to call regarding the status of your application or lodge again during this time.

If you have issues using the form, see our Accessibility page.

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