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MissFlick(Initiate)Initiate
21 Feb 2023

The ABRS website states that paper applications may take up to 56 days to process. However, I am aware of multiple examples of people waiting much longer (applied as early as August) who have still not received their Director ID.


There is no process to check on the status of an application (have the ABRS received it, has it been lost in the mail, has the issued DIN notification been lost in the mail) and the ABRS website says not to submit another application. When you try to call them to get information, the recorded message informs you that they are at capacity and not taking calls!


What is going on, how long is too long??

3,960 views
7 replies
3,960 views
7 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 Feb 2023

Hi @MissFlick,


When applying via a paper form, it may take up to three months to process the applications. You don’t need to call us to follow up. If your clients have included all the required information, there should be no need to worry. Something to consider if your clients have a myGov account linked to the ATO. When we process the Director ID's if there is an active link, the letters will go there instead of through the post. We will get in touch with the applicants if we need anything from them.  

All replies

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
22 Feb 2023

Hey @MissFlick,


We're sorry you haven't received your director id yet. The processing timeframes depend on many factors like:


  • whether it's posted within Australia or not (postal timeframes vary)
  • whether the application is complete, and all proof of identity documents have been provided

If the application is incomplete, we'll contact you to for further information. If you have your MyGov account linked to the ATO you'll receive the notification of your director ID via your MyGov inbox. If you don't then you'll receive it via post.


Unfortunately, we are experiencing high call volumes and we do ask that you persevere, and someone will be able to assist you.

MissFlick(Initiate)Initiate
23 Feb 2023

Hi @AnitaATO


Thanks for your reply but I don't believe I got an answer to my question. What is the processing timeframe for paper applications (from date of receipt by the ABRS)?


Having a realistic timeframe would allow me to gauge whether something has gone wrong in the application process or if it is likely just in a long processing queue.


Some of our clients have been waiting more than 6 months with no contact from the ABRS. Is this unusual or is this the norm? How long should they keep waiting? At what point should they take action?


You suggest that I persevere with calling the ABRS but I have done that every day this week and don't even get the option to stay on hold until I can speak to someone. The recorded message just hangs up. I can't even leave feedback or a complaint. This is highly unsatisfactory!

Most helpful reply

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 Feb 2023

Hi @MissFlick,


When applying via a paper form, it may take up to three months to process the applications. You don’t need to call us to follow up. If your clients have included all the required information, there should be no need to worry. Something to consider if your clients have a myGov account linked to the ATO. When we process the Director ID's if there is an active link, the letters will go there instead of through the post. We will get in touch with the applicants if we need anything from them.  

kulingsoliman(Newbie)Newbie
26 May 2023

Hi @missflick can I ask if there is an update with regards to your client's Director's ID?


We're also currently finding a way to follow it up. Their landline hold time is 40 mins then someone answers then the call automatically drops!

MissFlick(Initiate)Initiate
4 July 2023

@Hash4Ram

Two of our clients received their DINs in May 2023 (applied November 2022), so 6 months wait.


However there is still one client waiting to hear back (applied August 2022).

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How long is it taking the ABRS to process Director ID paper applications? | ATO Community