Director identification numbers (director IDs)

Apply for a director ID

Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) issues and administers director IDs.

Visit the ABRS website to learn more and apply

What is a director ID?

A director ID is a 15-digit identifier given to a company director or someone who intends to become a company director.

Director IDs are unique. No two directors have the same one.

Who must have a director ID?

All directors of Australian companies need a director ID. You also need a director ID if you are the director of a:

• registered Australian body
• registered foreign company
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.

When to apply

If you plan to become a director, you must apply for a director ID before you’re appointed.

If you’re already a director and do not have a director ID, you must apply now.

Director IDs and companies register

Currently, you do not need to tell us your director ID when you apply to register a company or make changes to director details.

The ABRS has more information about managing your director ID.

Director IDs do not change other company requirements in relation to ASIC

You must still keep your company details up to date with ASIC. For example, as a director, you must still notify us of changes to company addresses and other details. This includes your own details. This is so we can keep our registers up to date as a public record.

Penalties relating to director IDs

ASIC enforces director ID offences set out in the Corporations Act 2001.

It is an offence if you:

• do not apply for a director ID on time
• do not have a director ID when you should
• apply for more than one director ID or
• misrepresent your director ID.

Serious penalties may apply, including fines and imprisonment.

The penalties are described in ‘penalty units’. The unit value changes over time.

Learn more about penalties and penalty units.