Director Identification Number Requirements for SMSFs

Due to newly introduced legislation, all company directors are required to obtain a director ID - including directors of a corporate trustee for a self-managed super fund (SMSF).

What is a director identification number?

A director ID is a 15-digit unique identifier given to a director who has verified their identity with the Australia Business Registry Services (ABRS). It was introduced to help:

• Prevent the use of false and fraudulent director identities.

• Make it easier for external administrators and regulators to trace directors’ relationships with companies over time.

How to apply for a director identification number?

Anyone who is a company director or intends to become a company director can apply for a director identification number via the Australian Business Registry Services website here.

On this page, you will find information on how to register online, over the phone or via a paper application depending on your circumstances.

Unfortunately registering for a director ID is not something your SMSF administrator, accountant or adviser can do on your behalf. Directors (or soon to be directors) must apply for their own director ID.

To complete the application process, you need to be able to prove your identity using a minimum of 2 identity documents such as your Australian passport and driver's licence. You will also need additional information to verify your identity such as:

• Bank account details
• An Australian Taxation Office (ATO) notice of assessment
• A dividend statement for shares you own in your own name

Who needs a director identification number?

The director ID requirement applies to all existing directors of a company, corporate trustee (including SMSFs), an ASIC-registered foreign company, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, and anyone intending to become a director of an existing or new company.

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.

When do I need to apply for a director identification number?

If you intend to set up an SMSF with Stake Super or wish to update the trustee structure of your SMSF to a corporate trustee, you should apply for the director ID before completing the application.

If you already have an existing SMSF please refer to the below table for a summary of the dates on which you need to apply for a director ID:

Penalties may be applicable if you don’t apply for a director ID before the deadlines.

How will I receive my director identification number?

When applying online you should receive your director ID instantly. If you are applying from outside Australia and using a paper application form, your director ID will be sent to the postal address provided in the application.

What do I do with my director identification number once I have it?

Once you have obtained your director ID keep it safe. A director ID can be shared with your accountant, company secretary, ASIC registered agent or tax professional. When the ASIC companies register is transitioned to the ABRS in the future, director IDs will be linked to the companies of the director. 

Keep up to date with any changes that affect director ID holders through the ABRS website.

Director identification number FAQs

How does this affect SMSF members?

This requirement only affects SMSF members who have a corporate trustee SMSF structure and therefore act as directors of that corporate trustee.

Are all Stake Super customers required to obtain a director identification number?

If you are a member of an SMSF set up through Stake Super with a corporate trustee, you must obtain a director ID. Existing SMSF holders using an individual trustee structure who have transferred (or are intending to transfer) the administration to Stake Super or who set up an SMSF with Stake Super will not need to obtain a director ID.

Do I need to provide my director identification number to ASIC?

There is no requirement to provide your director ID to ASIC, unless otherwise requested.

Who can I speak to at Stake if I have more questions?

If you have any questions about obtaining a director ID or anything about Stake Super more generally, email us at smsf@hellostake.com and our SMSF specialists will be more than happy to help.

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.