Apply before the company is registered
ASIC says a proposed director must apply for a director ID before the company is registered. The director must apply personally through Australian Business Registry Services. It is free, unique to that person and only needs to be obtained once.
Who needs a director ID?
A person needs a director ID if they are a director, or intend to become a director, of a company or other body corporate registered under the Corporations Act 2001 or the CATSI Act. A person does not obtain a new director ID for each company.
Who applies?
The individual director must apply for their own director ID because the process verifies their identity. An accountant, company formation service or prospective fellow director cannot apply on their behalf.
Once issued, keep the director ID securely and provide it to the company, company secretary or authorised agent when required. Do not publish it or treat it as a public company number.
Director ID is not the same as an ACN or ABN
A director ID identifies a person. An ACN identifies a registered company. An ABN identifies an entity in dealings with government and other businesses. These numbers serve different purposes.
Read ACN versus ABN for the company number comparison.
Director consent is also required
A director ID does not appoint the person as a director. The company must obtain and keep the person's written and signed consent before appointment. Directors should understand their legal duties before agreeing to take the role.