If you want to become a director or you are already one, you’ll need a director ID. When you need to apply depends on the date you first become a director.
Who needs a director ID
You need a director ID if you’re an eligible officer of:
- a company, registered Australian body, or registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)
- an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
An eligible officer is a person who is appointed as either:
- a director
- an alternate director who is acting in that capacity.
You will only ever need one director ID. You don’t have to apply for another one if you become a director of other companies or corporations.
You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity. No one can apply on your behalf.
When you need to apply
You can apply for a director ID now.
When you need to apply is determined by when you were first appointed, and under which Act.
If you plan to become a director, you can apply before you’re appointed.
Corporations Act directors
When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you first become a director.
If you can’t apply by the date you need to, you can complete an application for an extension of time.
| Date you firm became a director | Date you must apply |
| On or before 31 October 2021 | By 30 November 2022 |
| Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
It is a criminal offence if you do not apply on time. ASIC is responsible for enforcing director ID offences, set out in the Corporations Act 2001.
CATSI Act directors
When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.
| Date you firm became a director | Date you must apply |
| On or before 31 October 2022 | By 30 November 2023 |
| Between 1 November 2022 | Before appointment |
To be a director under the CATSI Act, you must:
- be an individual who is at least 18 years old
- be a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person (unless the corporation’s constitution or rule book says otherwise)
- not be disqualified from managing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation, unless the appointment is made with the permission of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations or the Court.