Director IDs are coming: Action is required

November 8, 2021

The Australian Federal Government is making some important changes to help minimise fraud and protect the privacy and security of company directors.

As part of this process, directors of all Australian companies will need to verify their identity by applying for a Director Identification Number (DIN).  This 15-digit number is a unique identifier that a director will keep indefinitely – even if the person changes companies or moves – and will be used to help stamp out fraudulent activity by enabling the government to verify and track individual directors’ corporate history accurately.

If you are a company director or support your organisation’s directors, it’s critical that you understand the new requirements, as failure to apply within the required time frame can result in penalties. 

Who is included?

An eligible director is a director or acting alternate director of:

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

Charities and not-for-profits that are public companies are included in this list. Directors of incorporated associations do not need to apply for a DIN unless the association has an Australian Registered Body Number to operate outside the state or territory in which it is incorporated.

When do I need to apply?

Applications opened on1 November 2021, so now is the time to act.

If you need to set up a new company or add directors to an existing company, all directors involved should have applied for their DINs before we start the process. Otherwise:

  • Existing directors (appointed on or before 31 October 2021) have until 30 November 2022 to apply.
  • New directors (appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022) will have 28 days to apply from the time of their appointment. From 5 April 2022, you will need to apply before the appointment.

How do I apply?

We have detailed step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a DIN.  Please click here to access them. If you have any queries please contact us.

You can also learn more and begin the ID application process by visiting the ABRS website.

Can Oreon help me with my application?

Unfortunately, we cannot obtain a Director ID on behalf of our clients. As a director, you’ll need to sign up for this yourself before the deadline, but we are happy to answer any questions you may have about the new system.

Where we manage your companies with ASIC, please advise your usual Oreon contact as soon as you receive your DIN so we can update our records and ASIC accordingly.

For more information on how to apply, possible extensions and the penalties for non-compliance, please get in touch with us.

 
<< Return

Related Posts