What You Need to Know About Director ID’s
                     What You Need to 
Know About 
Director ID’s
To modernise Australian business registers, the 
Australian government has introduced a new company 
director tracking system, the Director Identification 
Number (DIN). Once the Australian Taxation Office 
(ATO) confirms a person’s identity, they will receive a 
unique DIN. Importantly, directors keep this number 
permanently. As a result, a director will be able to use 
this number across multiple companies for each 
directorship they hold.
The DIN has received strong support from the 
Australian Securities and Investment Commission 
(ASIC). They believe it will significantly benefit 
regulators and individuals doing business. Additionally, 
it will help provide greater security and modernise the 
way director information is collected. This article will 
explain how the company director tracking system 
works in Australia.
Individuals who are currently a director or will be acting 
as a director in the future must apply for a DIN. The 
Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) will be 
responsible for introducing and maintaining the DIN 
regime.
The DIN Regime
The DIN regime has commenced with a transitional 
period applying from 1 November 2021. Notably, with 
the commencement of the DIN regime, the following 
applies:
existing directors will need to apply for a DIN by 30 
November 2022;
new directors appointed between 1 November 2021 
and 4 April 2022 will be required to apply within 28 
days of their appointment; and
new directors appointed from 5 April 2022 will need to 
apply for a DIN before their appointment.
The table below outlines key dates you should note.
All directors, acting alternate directors and 
management committee members of ‘registered 
bodies’ will require a DIN. Registered bodies include 
companies and registered Australian bodies under 
the Corporations Act.
To apply for a DIN, visit the ABRS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the company director tracking system?
The Australian government has introduced a new 
tracking system, the Director Identification Number to 
modernise Australian business registers. Accordingly, a 
director will be able to use this number across multiple 
companies for each directorship they hold.
Why do you need a DIN?
The Federal Government wants to prevent the use of 
fraudulent or false director identities, in particular, 
illegal phoenixing, a widespread issue in Australia. 
Phoenixing occurs when a company is liquidated, 
abandoned or wound up to avoid paying its debts, and 
the same group of people start a new company.
What do you need to do?
You can apply for your DIN from 1 November 2021. If 
you are becoming a director, you can apply before your 
appointment. The law provides a clear timeframe for 
when you need to apply.
Why is the DIN being introduced?
Before the DIN regime, ASIC did not verify the identity 
of directors. Likewise, there was limited transparency of 
relationships between directors and multiple 
companies. Also, directors may have multiple records 
within ASIC systems. The new company director 
tracking system promotes good governance and 
significantly improves data security.
I am a company director. Is it compulsory for me to 
comply with the new tracking system?
All directors, acting alternate directors and 
management committee members of ‘registered 
bodies’ will require a DIN. Further, there will be 
significant civil and criminal penalties for directors who 
do not comply.
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