Director Identification Numbers (DIN)
A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique 15-digit identifier that every director of an Australian company, registered foreign company, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation must hold. The DIN regime is administered by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) and was introduced to prevent the use of fictitious identities and make it easier for regulators to trace directors across multiple entities.
Directors who were appointed before 1 November 2021 were required to apply for their DIN by 30 November 2022. Directors appointed on or after 1 November 2021 but before 5 April 2022 had 28 days from their appointment to apply. Directors appointed from 5 April 2022 onwards must apply before their appointment date. The company should not appoint anyone who has not yet obtained a director ID.
The application must be made personally by the individual. It cannot be done by an agent, accountant, or company secretary on the director’s behalf. The application is made online through myID (formerly myGovID) or, if the director cannot use myID, by phone or paper form to ABRS. Through myID, the DIN is issued immediately and is valid for life, even if the person ceases to be a director.
Penalties for non-compliance are significant. Not having a director ID when required is a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of 60 penalty units ($21,840 from 1 July 2026), and it is also a civil penalty provision, so much larger civil penalties are possible. Applying for more than one director ID, or misrepresenting your director ID, can lead to up to 12 months imprisonment. ASIC has been prosecuting directors without a director ID since 2024.
CoSec Partners verifies DIN status for all directors as part of every company registration and ongoing corporate secretarial engagement. If a director has not yet obtained their DIN, we will flag this before proceeding with any appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate Director ID for each company I am a director of?
No. A Director Identification Number is attached to the individual, not to a company. One number covers every directorship you hold, including future appointments, and it stays valid for life even after you cease to be a director. Intentionally applying for more than one DIN is a criminal offence.
Can my accountant apply for my Director ID for me?
No. The application must be made personally because it requires the director to verify their own identity, through myID (formerly myGovID) or the ABRS phone or paper process. Your adviser can walk you through the process and confirm when the number has been issued, but cannot make the application on your behalf.
What happens if a director does not have a Director ID?
The director is in breach of the Corporations Act and can be prosecuted, and the company should not appoint anyone who has not yet obtained a director ID. Not having one when required is a criminal offence of up to 60 penalty units ($21,840 from 1 July 2026) and also a civil penalty provision. Applying for more than one director ID, or misrepresenting one, can lead to up to 12 months imprisonment.
Does a director of a dormant or trustee company still need a Director ID?
Yes. There is no exemption for dormant companies, SMSF corporate trustees, or companies inside a family group. The obligation attaches to the office of director, not to the level of activity in the entity, and directors of these entities are the group most often found to be non-compliant.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. While we endeavour to keep content accurate and current, laws and regulations change frequently. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified professional adviser. CoSec Partners Pty Ltd accepts no liability for actions taken based on this content.