Director Identification Numbers

From 1 November 2021, it became a legal requirement for Directors of all companies to verify their identity and obtain a Director Identification Number (a ‘DIN’).

The DIN is a unique identifier that a director applies for once and keeps forever.  Its purpose is to help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.

There is a phased approach to when individuals must ensure they have their DIN depending upon when they were appointed a director:

• Existing directors have until 30 November 2022 to apply and obtain their DIN.
• New directors appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 must apply within 28 days of their appointment.
• And from 5 April 2022, intending directors must apply before being appointed.

Note that an individual can apply for a Director Identification Number without being a director.

Having thoroughly considered the available guidelines for this process we have decided that, whilst directors appointed between now and 4 April have 28 days to obtain their DIN, we will not process applications for new companies or new directors without the DIN being provided to us at the outset.  This means the intending director/s will need to apply and obtain their DIN before completing our online application form.

Our decision to institute this requirement before 5 April has been determined, in part, by the observation that it is now a criminal offense if the registration deadline is missed.  Our experience suggests that it will be inevitable that some directors will not comply with the requirement once they have their company establishment documents. In addition, it is a legal requirement where we are acting as the registered ASIC Agent (as we are in most cases), for us to maintain a record of the DIN.

In order to obtain their DIN, individuals will need to apply personally (they cannot outsource this) and should follow the steps laid out at Australian Business Registry ServicesExternal Link (ABRS). If not already established, their first step is to set up myGovID which is an app downloaded to a smart device that lets the individual prove their identity. This then enables them to log into a range of online government services, including the new ABRS DIN registration service.  Once they have downloaded and set up myGovID, the DIN can be applied for using the link above.

Should they have difficulties with the application, they should contact ABRS directly for assistance.

We would urge existing directors to apply for their DIN early, following the same steps as outlined above.  Once obtained, please provide us with the number, via our secure online portal, preferably with a PDF copy of the DIN application/issuance confirmation so we can update our DIN register.