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Top questions when applying for a director ID

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Find answers to common questions people have when applying for their director ID.

Who needs a director ID

Who needs to apply for a director ID?

You need a director ID if you're a director or an alternate director who is acting in that capacity of a:

  • company registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)
  • corporate trustee, for example of a self-managed super fund (SMSF)
  • registered Australian body, for example an incorporated association registered with ASIC, like sporting clubs that trade outside of their state or territory
  • charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.

We will take a reasonable approach to directors who are trying to do the right thing. ASIC is responsible for enforcing director ID offences set out in the Corporations Act 2001, which include failing to obtain a director ID when required.

I’m not sure if I need a director ID. How do I check?

Check if you need a director ID

  1. Search ABN Lookup using your Australian Business Number (ABN) or business name. 
  2. Scroll to ASIC Registration and if the record displays any of the following against your entity then you are a director, and you need to apply for a director ID. 
    • Australian Company Number (ACN) 
    • Australian Registered Business Number (ARBN)
    • Australian Registered Scheme Number (ARSN) 
    • Australian Registered Fund Number (ARFN) 
  3. Using ASIC Connect for director details (providing the company or registered body is complying with its maintenance obligations). 
  • To determine who the directors are for:
    • companies with an ACN – check the ASIC companies register for director details 
    • foreign companies and registered bodies like a sports and social club with an ARBN – check the ASIC companies register for director details 
    • not-for-profit organisations that are not registered with ACNC and have an ARBN or ACN – check the ASIC companies register for director details 
    • charities registered with the ACNC and have an ARBN or ACN – search for a charity on the ACNC website.

After selecting your charity, navigate to the People tab. If the role listed under your name is Director, you need to apply for a director ID.

I think I’ve been appointed a director without my consent. How do I check?

If you think you’ve been appointed as a director of a company without your consent, you can lodge an ASIC online enquiry

You will need to select the following options:

  • My question is about - company
  • I would like to know how to - Director ID.

When you fill in the online form, you’ll need to provide the Australian Company Number and the company name and include information that explains that you did not provide your consent to become a director of that entity.

Applying for a director ID

When do I need to apply for a director ID?

If you are planning to become a director, you must apply for a director ID before your appointment. You can apply up to 12 months in advance of being appointed.

Can my accountant, tax agent or lawyer apply for my director ID on my behalf?

No. You must apply for your own director ID. Your authorised tax, BAS or ASIC agent and or lawyer can help check your eligibility, but they can’t apply on your behalf.

Director ID online application

How do I apply online?

To apply, log in to ABRS online using your Digital ID, such as myID.

To log in to ABRS online, you’ll need:

  • a smart device
  • a myID 
  • with at least a Standard identity strength.

For full details on how to access the director ID online application and what you need, follow the steps at Apply for your director ID.

Watch our video how to apply for a director ID or download a copy of Apply for your director ID online in PDF (1.4MB) or HTML accessible version.

What ID documents do I need to complete the online director ID application?

To complete your online application, you need personal information to verify your identity. This information must relate to you personally, rather than to your company.

What you need:

Director ID paper application

How can I track my director ID paper application?

If you’ve submitted a paper application, there is no need to call regarding the status of your application. Once we process your application, we’ll send your director ID to the postal address you have provided or your myGov inbox.

Error messages and codes

I get an ‘Entry not valid’ message when entering my personal information.

When proving your identity, you may get a ‘Entry not valid’ message.

Check you’ve entered the required information correctly:

  • PAYG payment summary – must have been issued in the last 2 years.
  • Superannuation account details – must be from an APRA fund, not a self-managed super fund.
  • Dividend statement – only enter the investment reference number and include all numbers with no spaces.
  • Bank account details – use where you have received an income tax refund or where the account has earned interest in the last 2 years.

I get an error code when trying to complete my application online.

It may be a problem with your browser or connection. We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox browser to complete your application.

If you have issues while applying, check for system maintenance and known issues.

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