Director ID for SMSFs: What it is and how to get one

If you're setting up an SMSF with a corporate trustee, you'll need a director ID before you can be appointed as director.

Here's what you need to know.

What is a director ID?

A director ID is a unique 15-digit number issued by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

You keep the same director ID for life, even if you become a director of multiple companies.

The scheme was introduced to help prevent false identities and make it easier for regulators to track directors across companies.

Who needs a director ID?

You'll need a director ID if you're a corporate trustee, including one for an SMSF or the director of:

• a company

• an ASIC-registered foreign company

• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation

If your SMSF uses an individual trustee structure, you don't need a director ID.

When to apply

If you're planning to become a director of a company, including the corporate trustee of an SMSF, you must apply for a director ID before you're appointed.

If you're setting up an SMSF with a corporate trustee, it's worth applying for your director ID before starting the setup process.

How to apply

You can apply through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

Most people apply online using myID, but you can also apply by phone or paper form if you're eligible.

You'll need to verify your identity using documents such as:

• An Australian passport

• Driver's licence

• Medicare card

• Bank account details

• ATO notice of assessment

Your accountant, SMSF administrator or adviser can't apply on your behalf.

Receiving your director ID

If you apply online and your identity can be verified, you'll usually receive your director ID straight away.

If you apply by paper form, it’ll be sent to the postal address you provide.

What should you do with your director ID?

Keep your director ID somewhere safe.

You may need to provide it to your accountant, tax agent or company administrator when required. But you don't need to apply for another one if you become a director of a different company in the future.

FAQs

Does every SMSF member need a director ID?

No. A director ID is only required if your SMSF has a corporate trustee and you're a director of that company.

Do I need to give my director ID to ASIC?

Only if you're specifically asked to do so.

Setting up an SMSF with a corporate trustee?

If you're setting up an SMSF with Stake Super, we'll guide you through the process, including what's required before a corporate trustee can be established.

Speak to a Stake Super specialist or get started online.

This is not financial product advice, nor a recommendation that a self-managed super fund (‘SMSF’) may be suitable for you. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account. SMSFs have different risks and features compared to traditional superannuation funds regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (‘APRA’). Stake SMSF Pty Ltd, trading as Stake Super, is not licensed to provide financial product advice under the Corporations Act. This specifically applies to any financial products which are established if you instruct Stake Super to set up an SMSF. When you sign up to Stake Super, you are contracting with Stake SMSF Pty Ltd who will assist in the establishment and administration of an SMSF under a ‘no advice model’. You will also be referred to Stakeshop Pty Ltd to enable your trading account and bank account to be set up in order to use the Stake Website and/or App. For more information about SMSFs, see our SMSF Risks page.

Ciara Conway

Commercial Manager - Stake Super

Ciara is a Commercial Manager at Stake Super, with over 10 years of experience in the SMSF industry and an MA in Accountancy and Finance from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Having previously worked at a chartered accounting firm and one of the largest SMSF administrators in Australia, Ciara has extensive knowledge of SMSF compliance. She is also a current member of the SMSF Association.