What ASIC’s new DIN laws mean for Australian directors

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced that, from 1 July 2027, obligations surrounding director identification numbers (Director IDs) will change.  The amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) which are set to commence will require that companies provide Director IDs to ASIC.  This article will briefly explain the function of a Director ID and the changes that will apply to Australian businesses.

What is a Director ID?

A Director ID is a unique identifier containing fifteen (15) digits which is given to a company director or someone who intends to become a company director.  A Director ID will be a requirement where an individual is the director of:

• an Australian company;
• a registered Australian body;
• a registered foreign company; or
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.

If a company has multiple directors, each director’s ID must be provided to ASIC.

What do the new changes entail?

Currently, each director must have a Director ID.  However, there is no requirement under the Corporations Act or any legislative instrument imposing that a director provide their Director ID to their company.  While a director must provide personal details, there is no need to give a specific identifier.

The Treasury Laws Amendments (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth) (Bill) will amend the Corporations Act.  Under section 205B of the Corporations Act, a director or alternate director will have to notify ASIC of their Director ID.^[1]  The Bill also gives ASIC several powers, including the power to disqualify a person from managing corporations for up to three (3) years in the event of non-compliance.^[2]

The changes can be summarised as follows:^[3]

• Each director must provide their Director ID to their company.
• Companies and other registrable bodies must provide Director IDs to ASIC during standard reporting processes.
• ASIC can publish Director ID information on its registers.
• The Registrar has an express power to correct Director ID information.
• ASIC can disqualify directors for not applying for a Director ID when directed by the Registrar.
• A failure to comply with certain requirements of the Director ID regime may incur an infringement notice, issued by ASIC under Part 9.4AB of the Corporations Act.

The purpose of the new changes is to:

• “reduce the risk of fraud and identity misuse;
• improve the accuracy of company records;
• make it easier to identify company directors; and
• improve the quality and usability of registry information“.^[4]

Offences and penalties

The following offences and penalties will be introduced under the Bill:^[5]

• Section 1272C – failure to have a Director ID when required to do so – 60 penalty units
• Section 1272D – failure to apply for a Director ID when directed by the Registrar – 60 penalty units
• Section 1272G – applying for multiple Director IDs – 1 year imprisonment
• Section 1272H – misrepresenting Director ID – 1 year imprisonment

Key considerations for businesses

It is a requirement that, before becoming a director, an individual applies for a Director ID.  Directors and businesses should remain aware of this requirement, noting that the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) is the body which issues and administers Director IDs.  Directors or prospective directors should apply for a Director ID through the ABRS website.^[6]

ASIC recommends that businesses ensure company and director details are up to date by taking the following steps:^[7]

• checking that company details are up to date;
• confirming all current directors are listed; and
• updating any incorrect names, addresses, or contact details.

Links and further references

Legislation

Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

Treasury Laws Amendments (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth)

Further information

If you need advice on the application of Director IDs, or director’s duties more broadly, contact us for a confidential and obligation‑free discussion.

Disclaimer

This article contains general commentary only.  You should not rely on the commentary as legal advice.  Specific legal advice should be obtained to ascertain how the law applies to your particular circumstances

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[1]  Treasury Laws Amendments (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth).

[2]  Treasury Laws Amendments (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth) s 206FA.

[3]  Explanatory Memorandum, Treasury Laws Amendment (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth) at Table 1.1.

[4]  Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Director Identification Numbers (Director IDs); Explanatory Memorandum, Treasury Laws Amendment (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth) at [1.4].

[5]  Treasury Laws Amendments (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 (Cth); Australian Securities and Investments  Commission, Director Identification Numbers (Director IDs).

[6]  Australian Business Registry Services, Director Identification Number.

[7]  Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Director Identification Numbers (Director IDs).

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