Top questions when applying for a director ID
Find answers to common questions people face 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 of a:
- company registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- corporation registered 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.
I’m not sure if I need a director ID. How do I check?
Check if you need a director ID:
- Search ABN Lookup using your ABN or business name. If ASIC Registration – ACN or ARBN or ARSN or ARFN is showing against your record, and you are a director, you need to apply for a director ID.
- Search ASIC companies register for director details (providing the company is complying with its maintenance obligations).
- Determine who the directors are for
- not-for-profit organisations that are not registered with ACNC and have an ARBN or ACN – check the ASIC companies register for director details (providing the organisation is complying with its maintenance obligations)
- charities that are 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 you are appointed.
People who are only directors of a corporation registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and were appointed before 1 November 2022, have until 30 November 2023 to apply.
All other directors should’ve already applied for a director ID.
What do I do if I missed the date to apply?
If you are a director and haven’t applied for a director ID, we encourage you to apply online now.
We will take a reasonable approach with directors who are trying to do the right thing.
Can my accountant apply for my director ID on my behalf?
No. Only directors can apply for their own director ID.
Your authorised tax, BAS or ASIC agent can help you decide if you need to apply, but they can’t apply on your behalf.
The reason you need to apply yourself is because you must verify your identity with the Registrar of Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
If you use a tax agent, they can assist you with your records, for example by providing you with your notice of assessment details and bank account details used for ATO refunds.
Director ID online application
How do I access the online director ID application?
To access the online director ID application, log in to ABRS online using your myGovID.
To log in to ABRS online, you’ll need:
- a smart device
- the myGovID app – the Australian Government’s Digital Identity app
- a myGovID 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 (863KB) or HTML accessible version.
What identity 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 completing proof of record ownership, 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.
- 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 with your application, check for system maintenance and known issues. Alternatively, we recommend searching ATO Community for a solution to the error code or error message. If you can't find the answer, you can ask a question on ATO Community.
myGovID and myGov
What’s the difference between myGovID and myGov?
myGovID isn’t the same as myGov.
myGovID
myGovID is your Digital Identity and is unique to you. It’s an easy and secure way to prove who you are online and securely sign into a range of government online services including your myGov account.
You’ll need a myGovID with at least a Standard identity strength to apply for your director ID online.
For more information, go to How to set up myGovID.
myGov
myGov is an account. Your myGov account lets you link to government services online in one place. You can access online services like Medicare through your myGov account.