If you are a director of a company (including an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander corporation or a registered foreign company) or a registered Australian body, you will need to hold a director identification number (DIN).

A DIN is a 15 digit identifier that is unique to you and will remain with you for life.

Directors appointed before 31 October 2021 have until 30 November 2022 to apply for their DIN. Those who become the director of a company between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 must apply for a DIN within 28 days of being appointed. After 5 April 2022, you will need to have made the application before being appointed as a director. Under section 1272C of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) it is a strict liability criminal offence if an eligible company officer fails to hold a DIN besides these timeframes.

The application is made via Australian Business Registry Services through your myGovID app, although may also be made by phone or in writing if needed. There is no fee.

Just like a company’s details on the ASIC Register, it is incumbent on you to ensure the details recorded for you are correct (including current address).

Since 1921, Finn Roache has been advising and assisting companies and their directors in compliance matters. We would be pleased to discuss the ramifications of this new milestone in corporations law with you.