Director Identification number and why you need one

The Director Identification Number (DIN) will require all directors to confirm their identity. It will be a unique identifier for everyone who consents to be appointed a director under the corporations’ Act 2001 (Cth)

All directors will be required to establish their identity with the new Commonwealth Registrar before receiving their unique director number. They will retain their DIN throughout their lifetime, even if they cease to be a company director.

Which entities will the DIN apply to:

If you are a director of any of the following organisations, you must get a DIN:

a company (for example, a company limited by guarantee registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))

an Indigenous corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)

a corporate trustee (for example, of a self-managed super fund)

a Registrable Australian Body (RAB) (for example, an incorporated association that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as a RAB)

a foreign company registered with ASIC that carries on business in Australia

Why have the Directors Identification been Introduced?

The reason for the director’s Identification number is to help prevent the use of fictitious director identities, help regulators trace directors’ relationships with companies over time, and better identify director involvement in unlawful activity such as illegal phoenix activity.

When do I need to Apply for a Directors Identification Number?

A director under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) must apply for a DIN:

by 30 November 2022 if they became a director on or before 31 October 2021

within 28 days of appointment if they became a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, or

before appointment as a director if they become a director from 5 April 2022

A director under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) must apply for a DIN:

by 30 November 2023 if they became a director on or before 31 October 2022

before appointment as a director if they become a director from 1 November 2022

If you require any further information, please contact us on hello@ethicalmatters.com.au or 1300 167 802.