New legislation now requires all directors of Australian companies to have a director identification number (DIN). You will need to apply for a DIN if you are a company director or an alternate director. This includes if you are director of a corporate trustee for a SMSF or family trust.
Tight timeframes and heavy penalties can apply, so you need to make sure you have completed the process by the relevant date.
Also be aware that the director ID requirements apply to anyone who was a company director on or before 31 October 2021, but have since resigned.
What is a DIN?
A DIN is a unique 15-digit identifier that a director will apply for once and will keep forever. A director can only have one DIN that they must use for all companies.
The purpose of introducing DINs is to prevent the use of fictitious director identities, assist regulators trace directors’ relationships with companies and better identify directors involved in unlawful activity.
When do I need to apply for a DIN?
When you must apply for a DIN depends on the date you became a director. The table below summarises the key dates of when you need to apply for a DIN.
|
Date you were appointed a director |
Date you must apply for a DIN |
|
On or before 31 October 2021 |
By 30 November 2022 |
|
Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 |
Within 28 days of appointment |
|
From 5 April 2022 |
Before appointment |
How do I apply for a DIN?
Unfortunately, we are unable to apply for a DIN on your behalf. You must apply for your own DIN to verify your identity. We can however assist you by advising you of the steps and timelines involved.
While there are also options to apply by phone or with a paper form, it is recommended that you use the online process.
If you are living overseas, you can still apply online if you can verify your identity with myGovID. If you cannot, you must lodge a paper form with additional requirements that we discuss later.
What do I do once I have my DIN?
Print out and/or write down the 15-digit number and keep it with your important documents. Remember this is a permanent number that you retain for your lifetime, so you may need it again for any future directorships you may take on.
You must also provide this number to Burnett Business Centre as soon as possible. Email us at the email address shown on the PDF download as soon as your get your DIN. You can post or drop in a copy if you prefer.
Don’t get caught out
All directors should apply for their DIN before the relevant deadline, and we recommend doing so as soon as possible. Failure to comply with the new DIN requirements or providing false or misleading information may result in both civil and criminal penalties.
Please also take care when applying for your DIN. If applying online, only apply via the official abrs.gov.au website as it is a secure site that is designed to keep your information safe.
Contact us at Burnett Business Centre if you need any assistance with applying for your DIN or understanding your DIN obligations.
Detailed Instructions