You need a director identification number (director ID) if you’re a director of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.

Who needs a director ID

You need a director ID if you’re an eligible officer of:

• a company, registered Australian body, or registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

An eligible officer is a person who is appointed as either:

• a director
• an alternate director who is acting in that capacity.

You will only ever need one director ID. You don’t have to apply for another one if you become a director of other companies or corporations.

You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity. No one can apply on your behalf.

When you need to apply

You can apply for a director ID now.

When you need to apply is determined by when you were first appointed, and under which Act.

If you plan to become a director, you can apply before you’re appointed.

Corporations Act directors

When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you first become a director.

If you can’t apply by the date you need to, you can complete an Application for an extension of time to apply for a director ID (NAT 75390, PDF 271KB). We are continually working to improve the accessibility of this website and our forms. If you need further assistance, you can contact us.

To be a director under the Corporations Act, you must:

• be an individual who is at least 18 years old
• not be disqualified from managing corporations, unless the appointment is made with the permission of ASIC or the Court.

Notice

Note: If you were already a director on or before 31 October 2021, you have until 30 November 2022 to apply. That’s still the case even if you become a director of another company after 31 October 2021.

CATSI Act directors

When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.

To be a director under the CATSI Act, you must:

• be an individual who is at least 18 years old
• be a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person (unless the corporation’s constitution or rule book says otherwise)
• not be disqualified from managing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation, unless the appointment is made with the permission of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations or the Court.

For more information please visit Australian Business Registry Services here.