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If you are the director of a company, you may have heard about the new Director Identification Number (DIN). In today’s 2025 environment, this unique identifier remains a key requirement for all directors across Australia. In this guide, we’re giving you the latest rundown on everything you need to know about DINs.
DINs form a critical part of the Australian Government’s ongoing Modernising Business Registers (MBR) initiative, designed to streamline compliance and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses nationwide.
In this article, we’ll dive into the MBR program updates, explain what a DIN is and why it matters, and guide you through the registration process with up-to-date tips tailored for 2025. For further insights on business registration, do check out our Registering Your Small Business guide.
What Is The Modernising Business Registers Program?
The MBR program was introduced to simplify the many manual processes involved in business registration across Australia. By combining multiple registers – including the Australian Business Register and up to 30 of ASIC’s registers – into one streamlined system, companies can now focus more on growth and customer engagement rather than getting bogged down by paperwork. This integration is intended to enhance the trustworthiness and value of business information.
Since its initial rollout, the MBR program has been fully implemented, helping both new and existing businesses maintain compliance in 2025. If you’re interested in understanding more about legal business structures, our article on Operating as a Sole Trader provides great insights.
What Is A Director Identification Number (DIN)?
The DIN is one of the key initiatives under the MBR program. It is a unique 15-digit number assigned to each director which remains constant throughout your career – regardless of the companies you serve. This personal identifier enables regulatory authorities, such as ASIC, to track your directorships across different companies, thereby enhancing corporate transparency and accountability.
The Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) securely stores these numbers, ensuring that your professional history is accurately recorded. This system not only helps prevent fraudulent activities but also simplifies future regulatory inquiries. For further assistance on managing corporate governance, see our article on What Regulations Affect Your Corporation.
Do I Need A Director Identification Number?
Both new and existing directors of companies are required to register for a DIN. This applies to:
- Companies registered under the Australian Corporations Act, including both foreign and domestic entities.
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act.
- Charities and non-for-profit organisations that are public companies limited by guarantee.
If you fall into one of these categories, you must register for a DIN within the specified timeframes to remain compliant. Operating as a director without a DIN, or providing incorrect information during registration, carries significant penalties enforced by ASIC.
When Do I Need One?
The timeframe for applying for a DIN depends on when you were or will be appointed as a director. It’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines to avoid any compliance issues.
Consider the following timelines, which have been updated for current regulations:
| Date of Appointment | DIN Registration Deadline |
| On or before 30 June 2023 | Registered by 31 December 2023 |
| Between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024 | Within 28 days of appointment |
| From 1 July 2024 onwards | Before appointment is formally confirmed |
What If My Company Is In External Administration?
If your company is currently being deregistered, placed in external administration, or wound up, you may still be required to apply for a DIN.
Even if your company is no longer operational, a DIN might still be necessary – particularly if you were serving as a director when the new requirements were introduced but have since stepped down during the transition period. If you resigned after 1 January 2024, it is advisable to apply for a DIN promptly.
How Do I Get A Director Identification Number?
Since November 2021, the process to register for a DIN has been fully digitised, and as of 2025, it is seamlessly completed online. Importantly, you must register for your DIN yourself – no one else can do it on your behalf.
The simplest way to apply is online by following these steps:
Step 1 – Set Up myGovID
myGovID is the secure government service that verifies your identity. If you haven’t set up your myGovID yet, visit the myGovID website for guidance. For related matters such as business registration, you might also check out our guide on Starting a Business From Home.
Step 2 – Gather Your Documents
When you apply for a DIN, the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) will verify your identity using information held by the ATO. You will need to provide details such as:
- Your tax file number (TFN)
- Your residential address as recorded by the ATO
- Two documents to verify your identity (for example, bank account details, an ATO notice of assessment, super account details, dividend statements, Centrelink payment summaries, or PAYG payment summaries)
Step 3 – Complete Your Application
With your myGovID set up and your documents ready, you can apply for a DIN online via the ABRS website here. The streamlined digital process significantly reduces the turnaround time for registration.
What If I Can’t Get A myGovID?
If you are unable to obtain a myGovID, you still have the option to apply via phone or by submitting a paper form. However, these methods tend to take significantly longer because you will need to have your identity documents certified – a process that can be particularly challenging for directors residing outside Australia.
Therefore, we strongly recommend using the online application process wherever possible. For expert advice on managing digital identity requirements, you might find our online legal tips helpful.
Why Do I Need A DIN?
DINs are implemented to bolster corporate governance by preventing and tracking fraudulent activities. One critical issue that DINs address is phoenixing – a practice which, in recent years, is estimated to have cost the Australian economy well over $7 billion annually.
By providing a unique, unchanging identifier for every director, the DIN makes it much harder for unscrupulous individuals to hide behind similar names or evade accountability. This improved traceability benefits not only regulatory agencies like ASIC but also financial institutions that depend on reliable corporate records.
What Is Phoenixing?
Phoenixing occurs when a business incurs liabilities and debts, only for its director to form a new company under a different name, transfer assets, and dissolve the original company without settling outstanding debts. A critical element in this deceptive practice has been the manipulation of director identities. The DIN, as a constant identifier, combats such fraud by enabling ASIC to track a director’s involvement across multiple companies over time.
| Example of Phoenix Activity: Noah, a director of an accounting firm facing severe financial challenges, accumulates large debts and expenses. Instead of clearing these liabilities, Noah establishes a new company with a similar name. He then transfers valuable assets from the faltering firm to the new venture, leaving the old company burdened with unpaid debts. As a result, when the old company is liquidated, creditors and other stakeholders are left with nothing while Noah continues business under a new guise. With DINs in place, such activities are much easier to trace and deter. |
Are There Any Benefits?
While the primary goal of DINs is to prevent fraudulent practices like phoenixing, they also offer several additional benefits. By enhancing transparency and accountability, DINs help improve trust in corporate governance. This can facilitate smoother interactions with financial institutions and investors, potentially leading to more favourable funding and partnership opportunities.
Ultimately, these benefits contribute to a more secure and trustworthy business environment in Australia. For further reading on corporate legal frameworks, our guide on What Regulations Affect Your Corporation provides valuable context.
What Will Not Change?
The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring that the handling and sharing of your information under the new system continue to adhere to existing laws. All data management and sharing practices that were in place previously will persist, governed by the same strict legal frameworks.
Additional Insights for 2025
As we advance further into 2025, additional enhancements under the Modernising Business Registers Program are on the horizon. These upcoming improvements promise even greater efficiencies in business compliance, a reduction in administrative burdens, and increased public trust in corporate records. Stay informed by following our latest articles – for example, our guides on Business Structure and tips on maintaining compliance – so you’re always ahead of the curve.
Still Unsure?
DINs and the updates under the Modernising Business Registers Program are now critical components of complying with Australian corporate law in 2025. If you’re feeling uncertain about staying compliant or need guidance on your next steps, our team is here to help.
Get in touch with our team at 1800 730 617 or via email at team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligation consultation. For more legal insights and practical advice, take a look at our Guide to Choosing the Right Business Lawyer.
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