I am unable to access any of the help services involved with setting up mygovID in order to apply for a Directors ID. Even trying to access without a mygovID function led to an unanswered phone call. What do I do now? It seems that there is no other way to do it other than the good old fashioned postal method. Please advise. (signed Frustrated 83 year old accountant.)
Hi @ross.mclennan,
I am sorry that has been your experience.
I am unsure of the issues you had with myGovID but there is some information that may help to set it up
There was an unplanned systems outage for ABRS which seems to have impacted the call volumes. So you may want to try again today. If you want to apply by post we'd still need to speak to you to send you the form.
If you don't think you'll meet the deadline you can apply for an extension as per @Xpez's advice.
You also have until the 14th December to apply without worrying about penalties.
Go to ABRS to get an extension.
Calls are not answered at ABRS. How do you get an extension?
Hi @mchow,
If you require an extension you can request one using the form from this link - Application for extension of time for Director ID. There's also information on the ABRS website which you can access from here.
Hi @ross.mclennan,
I am sorry that has been your experience.
I am unsure of the issues you had with myGovID but there is some information that may help to set it up
There was an unplanned systems outage for ABRS which seems to have impacted the call volumes. So you may want to try again today. If you want to apply by post we'd still need to speak to you to send you the form.
If you don't think you'll meet the deadline you can apply for an extension as per @Xpez's advice.
You also have until the 14th December to apply without worrying about penalties.
You have two needs:
1.Director Identification Number
The Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website and support line are currently overwhelmed with people trying to register for a Director Identification Number.
As you will have experienced, your call to the ABRS likely ends with a message "You can apply for a Director Identification Number online with your myGovID". And thus the revolving cycle continues...
The ABRS Director Identification Number registration form is also experiencing technical problems which prevents some users from completing their online application.
You will need to persist with trying to call the Australian Business Registry Service and apply for your Director Identification Number over the phone. Apply for your director ID | Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS)
There is an available application form for an extension available on the ABRS website.
Application for an extension of time to apply for a director ID (NAT75390, PDF, 271KB)
You can also write directly to your local Member of Parliament explaining your plight, this will be referred to the ABRS and they will be obligated to contact and assist you.
Considering that the ATO and Australian Business Registry Services online systems have been impacted by system issues these past weeks, their respective support lines almost impossible to contact and the ABRS having a known issue impacting some individuals attempting to register online there is sufficient reason for an extension to be provided.
The ABRS and ATO may announce this after 30 November as it is literally impossible for their systems and support staff to handle the overwhelming number of registrations required by the deadline. It would also be a public relations and Member of Parliament complaints nightmare for the ATO and ABRS to start issuing fines to small business owners and senior aged Australians with self-managed super funds.
2.myGovID
When calling myGovID support you are calling the ATO. The ATO contact center gives priority to ATO enquiries first. myGovID and Relationship Authorisation Manager calls are placed at the end of the call queue.
For some time now anywhere between 50-75% calls go unanswered every day.
The percentage of calls being unanswered is likely considerably higher due to the high demand for obtaining a Director Identification Number.
If you feel you are not being provided the support you need, you can report this accordingly as frequently as you can provide evidence for. i.e. Each time you call, daily etcetera.... to Google and Apple. Instructions are provided below.
You can also write to your local Member of Parliament explaining your issues and this will be escalated, then someone from myGovID will be obligated to contact you.
Feedback direct to Google or Apple communicating your poor support experience, or lack thereof.
Android users
Apple iOS users
You will need to find the "Report a Problem", this will require accessing your Apple ID from your device so you can then complete the feedback report. This may require some creativity depending on your iOS but there is plenty of reference material online.
https://reportaproblem.apple.com
With sufficient negative feedback Google and Apple will contact myGovID and the ATO advising if the support doesn't improve it will "de-indexed" and then removed from their app stores.
5 Nov 2025 · 6 min read time
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