What is a Director Identification Number (DIN) and how do you get one?

What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)?

The DIN is a unique identifier for existing and new directors of companies registered with ASIC including public companies, private companies (including corporate trustees), Australian and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) corporations, registered foreign companies, incorporated associations with an Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN), and some charities (if incorporated and/or with an ARBN).

Once you have obtained a DIN, it can then be linked to a director’s role on the companies register and is a permanent number tied to the individual’s name, even after you cease to be a director.

The DIN requirement will be administered by the ATO. Your DIN is a unique identifier that you will only need to apply for once and keep forever.

Why have Director Identification Numbers been introduced?

The 15-digit DIN was introduced by the ATO to combat illegal phoenix activity, enabling tracking of directors and their relationship across companies, ensuring corporate history of directors is easily accessible and reducing fraud through verification of identity.

Illegal phoenix activity is when a company or individual attempts to escape financial obligations by liquidating and re-establishing the company under another name.

Penalties apply for non-compliance with the DIN regime.

Who needs to register for a DIN?

Every director of a company or other entities listed with ASIC is required to register for a DIN. This includes foreign directors of Australian companies or other Australian registered bodies who do not reside in Australia.  Directors must register for their DIN personally and you cannot ask another person to register on your behalf.

When do I need to apply for my DIN?

Final deadlines for DIN applications are approaching. For anyone who became a director on or before 31 October 2021, you are required to apply for your DIN by 30 November 2022.

If you were appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you had 28 days after your appointment to apply. If you are a new director, you will need to apply prior to being appointed.

Penalties apply if you fail to apply by the required date.

How do you apply for a DIN?

If you don’t already have MyGovID, you can complete this process at MyGovID.  Please note that this is different to MyGov which links to your Medicare and Centrelink accounts.

Once you have MyGovID in place, the DIN application is available at www.abrs.gov.au

You will require various identification documents to complete both applications.  These documents include, but are not limited to, your driver’s licence, Medicare card, bank details, ATO notice of assessment and superannuation fund details.  Having these documents on hand will expedite the process and it should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete both applications.