Every director of an Australian company needs a director identification number (Director ID) before they are appointed. The rule applies to overseas directors too, and it is often the step that delays a new company's registration.
What a Director ID is
A Director ID is a unique 15-digit number a director keeps for life, even if they change companies or countries. It lets regulators trace a director's history across companies, which helps prevent the use of fictitious identities.
Who needs one
Anyone appointed as a director of an Australian company, a registered Australian body or a registered foreign company needs a Director ID. That includes directors who live overseas and have never been to Australia, and alternate directors who act in a director's place.
How overseas directors apply
Each director must apply personally; no one can apply on their behalf. Directors who can set up a myID Digital ID, including Australians living overseas, can apply online. Most overseas directors cannot, so they apply by paper form instead:
- Complete the Application for a director identification number for people living outside Australia (NAT 75433).
- Have copies of their identity documents, such as a passport, certified in accordance with ABRS requirements, including through an Australian embassy, high commission or consulate or, where applicable, a public notary.
- Submit the form and certified copies to the Australian Business Registry Services.
The Director ID is then posted to the address on the application. Paper applications take considerably longer than online ones, and documents that do not meet the certification requirements are a common cause of delay. Applying late is an offence, so the application must be made before the director is appointed.
Practical tips
- Start the application as soon as you decide to set up in Australia.
- Check the certification requirements carefully before the director signs.
- Keep the Director ID on file: it is needed for every future appointment.
- If timing is tight, speak to us early so we can plan the order of Director ID applications, company registration and board appointments around your timetable.
How we help
We guide overseas directors through the application, review their forms and certified documents before they send them and coordinate the timing with company registration. Where your company also needs an Australian resident director, we discuss the timing with you as part of planning your set-up, through our resident director service.