A Director Identification Number (director ID) is a unique 15-digit identifier required for directors of Australian companies. Managed by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), it helps prevent fraudulent identities and promotes transparency.
A person will need a director ID if they'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.
To be a director under the Corporations Act, they 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.
A person must apply for their own director ID to verify their identity. No one can apply on their behalf.