From 1 November 2021, a new regime for Director Identification Number has started, and this will impact both domestic and foreign directors of Australian registered body corporates.
Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique 15-digit identifier for verification of identity of a director, which will enable regulators, administrators and liquidators to trace a director’s corporate history and prevent the use of fictitious identities.
A DIN must be applied for a director or alternate director of:
- an Australian company (including corporate trustee, and charity which is a company);
- an Australian body registered with ASIC carrying an Australian Registered Body Number (such as incorporated associations registered with ASIC); or
- a foreign company which is registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia.
You do not need to apply for a DIN if you are the company secretary, but not a director.
Once the DIN is issued, the director should provide it to each company of which they are a director. Companies should keep the DIN on file and these may be required for ASIC filing.
Application for DIN
Australian-Resident Directors
For Australian-resident directors, the application can be made online, by paper or via telephone to Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) (https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number):
- You will need to verify your identity via the myGov ID Account;
- You may be required to submit the supporting documents including your Tax File Number (TFN) and residential address as held by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and complete the application process.
Foreign Directors
For foreign directors, the application must be made by paper by filling the form which can be found on https://www.abrs.gov.au/, and send the completed form together with certified copies of your identification documents to:
- Australian Business Registry Services
- Locked Bag 6000
- ALBURY NSW 2640
Your identification documents must be certified by:
- notary publics in your country; or
- staff at your nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate, including consulates headed by Austrade honorary consuls.
If your country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, you can ask the competent authority in your country to certify a copy of your documents by using an apostille.
All identification documents must be in English, and if your documents are in a foreign language, the documents must be translated into English.
Identification Documents Required for Application
If applying online and via myGov ID account, directors will need at least one Primary Identity Document and one Secondary Identity Document.
If applying via a paper application, directors will need certified copies of one Primary Identity Document and two Secondary Identity Documents.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_table]
| Director | Primary Identity Documents | Secondary Identity Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Director |
|
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| Foreign Directors |
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[/mk_table][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deadlines for Application of DIN
The deadline varies depending on a director’s appointment date. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_table]
| Appointment Date | Deadline for application |
|---|---|
| On or before 31 Oct 2021 | Apply by 30 November 2022 |
| 1 Nov 2021 to 4 Apr 2022 | Apply within 28 days of appointment |
| After 4 Apr 2022 | Apply within 12 months prior to appointment |
