Government locks in director ID deadline

Government locks in director ID deadline - the DIN just got real

Perrier Ryan • October 19, 2021

We've been advising and updating for a little while now about the new director ID regime proposed – and now enacted – by the Government.

Key dates for the implementation have now been released:

From 1 November 2021 – existing company directors have to apply for a director ID by 30 November 2022;
From 1 November 2021 – directors appointed from 1 November 2021 to 4 April 2022 will have just 28 days after appointment to apply for their director ID
From 5 April 2022 – new directors appointed will be required to apply for their director ID before appointment.

Other points to note:

Essentially, the director ID confirms a director's identity and will, in future, show which companies a director is linked to
As it is about identity confirmation, directors must apply for their director ID themselves – no agent can do it on behalf of a client
The fastest way to get a director ID is to apply online – you will need to make sure you've set up your myGovID
It is free to apply and open for applications from November 2021
The director ID will be attached to a director permanently
The law (currently) does not authorise the ABRS to disclose director IDs to the public without the director's consent. For now, director IDs will not be searchable by the public – this may change in the future.
Penalties do apply for failing to apply for a director ID within stipulated timeframes.