What is a Director Identification Number? | A Guide to DINs

A Director Identification Number is a unique 15-digit identifier issued to every director of a company registered in Australia. Introduced under the Modernising Business Registers program, it became a new requirement in November 2021 to improve corporate transparency and prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.

Every director ID is a unique combination that remains fixed for life. Even if a director resigns, changes companies or moves overseas, the same identifier stays with them. The DIN helps provide traceability, linking a director’s profile and association with companies over their career and improving data sharing between government agencies.

The director identification number format is as follows:

• Starts with “036”, which is Australia’s country code under ISO 3166.
• Followed by an 11-digit unique identifier.
• Ends with a single check digit used for error detection.

The system is governed by Part 9.1A of the Corporations Act 2001 and the Treasury Laws Amendment (Registries Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2020. It applies to directors under both the Corporations Act and the CATSI Act 2006, including directors of Australian companies, registered foreign companies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations.

All director IDs are administered through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), which also manages the application portal. Once issued, directors keep their director ID forever.

Who Needs a Director Identification Number?

You must apply for a director identification number if you’re a director of any entity registered under the Corporations Act or the CATSI Act. This includes individuals who act as a company director, even if they’re not formally appointed but make decisions in that role.

The director ID is a unique requirement that ties every individual to their company roles across their career.

You need a director ID if you are:

• Run a company registered with ASIC and carry on business in Australia.
• Hold a directorship in a registered Australian body, such as an incorporated association that’s registered and trades outside the state or territory.
• Act for a registered foreign company, including any foreign company registered with ASIC.
• Serve on the board of a Torres Strait Islander corporation or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation under the CATSI Act.
• Manage a corporate trustee role for a self-managed superannuation fund.
• Operate as part of a charity or not-for-profit organisation that’s a company registered with the ACNC.
• Have been appointed as a director and are carrying on business in Australia.

The Purpose of Director Identification Numbers

The director identification number was introduced to make it easier for government agencies to identify the person behind each company role. It assigns one fixed number to one individual, giving regulators a way to trace corporate control without relying on names or addresses.

This system improves how misconduct is investigated. It supports cross-agency cooperation by removing confusion caused by spelling differences, name changes or directors with similar details.

A director ID also helps prevent delays when reviewing appointments, resignations or new company applications. Because each director has already verified their identity, approval processes become faster and more reliable.

How to Apply for a Director Identification Number

Each person who needs a director ID must complete the application themselves. The process is different for directors living in Australia compared to those based overseas. Applications must follow the approved method, use valid documents and meet the required identity checks.

1. Set Up Your Digital Identity

To apply online, directors need a myGovID account. This is a government-issued digital identity app used to prove who you are. It’s not the same as myGov, which is used for ATO and Medicare services.

Your myGovID must be set to Standard or Strong identity strength. This is required to access the application form and confirm your identity through the ABRS system. Once downloaded, the app will prompt you to scan documents and verify personal information.

Directors who live outside Australia can’t use myGovID. Instead, they must request a paper form and submit certified documents to apply by mail. The paper method takes longer and must meet all requirements set by the registrar.

2. Gather the Required Documents

Before starting, directors need to collect documents that confirm their identity. These will be used to match records and allow the system to accept the application.

Documents include:

• Australian Tax File Number (TFN) is optional, but speeds up processing.
• The residential address that is recorded with the Australian Taxation Office.
• Two identity documents from the approved list, such as:
  • Bank statements
  • ATO notices
  • Superannuation statements
  • Centrelink summaries
  • PAYG payment summaries

These details must match existing government records. Incorrect or mismatched documents can delay the issue of your director ID.

3. Apply Online

Once your identity is verified and your documents are ready, you can submit your application using ABRS online services. The system will prompt you to enter personal details, upload verification data and confirm your eligibility.

Directors applying from within Australia must use the online method. Those overseas can request a paper form or complete the process over the phone, depending on their situation.

Every applicant must apply on their own behalf. You need to provide your own documents and complete the process personally. Applications lodged by agents or others will not be accepted.

How long does it Take to Get a DIN?

If you apply online using myGovID, most applications are processed in under 5 minutes. The system checks your details against government records and issues your director identification number immediately if everything matches.

Paper applications take longer. If you’re applying from overseas or by mail, the process can take up to 56 days. This includes the time needed to receive, review and verify certified identity documents.

Once issued, your director ID is active straight away. You don’t need to wait for an approval letter or separate confirmation unless you request one.

How much does it Cost to Get a DIN?

There’s no cost to apply for a director identification number. The process is free for all directors, whether applying online, by phone or by paper form.

No government fees apply at any stage. If you’re asked to pay by anyone, it may be a scam or an unauthorised third-party service.

FAQs on What is a Director Identification Number?

What are the penalties for not having a DIN?

There are serious consequences if you fail to apply for a director ID when you need one. Penalties include criminal charges of up to $13,320 and civil fines of up to $1,375,000.

In March 2024, ASIC launched its first prosecution for director ID non-compliance. The maximum civil penalty under the Corporations Act is 50,000 penalty units, which equals $16.5 million. For directors under the CATSI Act, the maximum civil penalty is $200,000.

You can also be penalised for providing false or misleading information during your application or for misusing a director ID in forms lodged with ASIC or the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

Can a director hold more than one DIN?

No, a person can only hold one director identification number. Trying to apply for more than one is an offence. If you intentionally request multiple director IDs, you may face a prison sentence of up to 12 months and additional penalties under the Corporations Act.

What if I need to update my details?

If your director details change after you’ve received your director ID, you must update your information with the ABRS.

For companies under the Corporations Act, you must tell the company within 7 days. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, the timeframe is 14 days. The company must then notify ASIC within 28 days to avoid late fees or regulatory action.

You can update your director information through the online services portal or by contacting the registrar.

Can foreign directors still apply for a DIN?

Yes, but the process is different. A foreign company registered with ASIC must still meet the requirement if it appoints a director who’s carrying on business in Australia.

These directors cannot apply online. Instead, they must fill out a paper form and send in certified identity documents. This rule applies even if the director holds dual citizenship or previously lived in Australia.

What happens to your DIN if the company closes?

Your director ID stays with you even if the company you manage shuts down or is removed from the register. You don’t need to reapply if you take on a new role.

The number is tied to you permanently. It helps regulators trace your profile and association with companies over time and supports accurate tracking across the companies register.

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