What is a DIN? Who needs a DIN? How do I apply for a DIN?
Everything you need to know about the new Director Identification Number including;
What is a director identification number?
Who needs a director identification number?
How do I apply for a director identification number?
When do I need to apply for a director identification number?
DIN guidelines
Managing your director identification number
What is a director identification number?
A director identification number is an identifier unique to you. You can imagine the DIN similar to a tax file number, you apply for it once and you keep it forever even if you change director roles. It however is different and does not replace any of your other obligations under Australian law. This number is designed to help reduce the chance of fraudulence using your identity.
Who needs a director identification number?
Any and all directors of a company (including registered foreign companies, registered Australian bodies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations). All directors, company owners acting as director or those in the role of director for another company need to apply.
Sole traders do not require a DIN.
How do I apply for a director identification number?
The Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) is responsible for DINs. To apply, visit https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number
Only you can apply for your DIN and you will need to verify your identify to apply. You can apply for your director ID online using your myGovID. The site above also contains information on how to apply for a myGovID if you do not already have one. You will also need your tax file number, address (same address recorded by the ATO) and the answer to two questions based on information ABRS holds on you - information can be from any of the below documents:
A bank account you received a tax refund to or that has earned interest in the last 48 months - you will need to supply your BSB and account number
Notice of assessment from the last five years - you will need the date of issue and reference number.
Super account from the last five years - you will need your member number and the super funds ABN
Dividend statement from the last two years - you will need your investment reference number
Centrelink payment summary from the last two years - you will need your taxable income
PAYG payment summary from the last two years - you will need your gross income
If you choose to apply by phone, you will require your TFN, address, the answer to two questions based on your documentation and two Australian identity documents. Paper applications require the same with copies of identity documents to accompany the application. Do not forget to get your copies certified before sending them with your application.
For more information or advice, you can can talk to your accountant or visit the ABRS website.
When do I need to apply for a director identification number?
If you've been a director prior to November 1st, you're in luck - you have until 30 November 2022 to apply. However, if you've been appointed a director after November 1st 2021 and before 4 April 2022, you have 28 days to apply from your appointment. After the 5 April 2022, new directors must apply before they can be appointed.
DIN guidelines
DIN is enforceable by the Corporations Act 2001, including failure to hold or apply for an ID. Also included is applying for multiple DINs and misusing or misrepresenting a DIN. The director's identification number does not replace any existing obligations for company directors.
Managing your director identification number
Your director ID needs to be provided to the record-holder of your company. To maintain or update your details if needed, you can log on to ABRS using your myGovID - this account will show your status, actions in progress, activity and profile details.
Your company must be notified within 7 days of any detail changes and your company record keeper is responsible for notifying ASIC of the change. Director IDs are private and should be protected by yourself and your company.
For more information, visit:
https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number
https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/news-items/new-id-requirement-for-directors/
https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/manage-your-director-id