Reporting a position holder's resignation or disqualification

Explains when and how to notify ACRA, and the consequences of non-notification.

File notice of cessation/resignation of position holder

Last updated 31 August 2026

When to notify

Companies must notify ACRA within 14 days if a director resigns or is disqualified. Learn more about when a director can or must leave office.

Requirements

Scenario	When to notify
Resignation	Company: Must withdraw the position holder within 14 days of resignation
Disqualification	Director: Must provide written notice of disqualification to the company Company: Must withdraw the position holder within 14 days of disqualification Note: The director may notify ACRA immediately if no other officers can file. For example, if the company secretary resigned and other directors are disqualified.

Scenario

When to notify

Resignation

Company: Must withdraw the position holder within 14 days of resignation

Disqualification

Director: Must provide written notice of disqualification to the company
Company: Must withdraw the position holder within 14 days of disqualification

Note: The director may notify ACRA immediately if no other officers can file. For example, if the company secretary resigned and other directors are disqualified.

Note: Non-compliance is an offence under section 165 (opens in new tab) of the Companies Act 1967.

How to notify ACRA

If the company fails to notify ACRA of a resignation or disqualification, the individual position holder can notify ACRA immediately by filing a Notice of Cessation (opens in new tab):

Note: Directors must file a separate notice for each company they resign or get disqualified from.

Before you begin

Required documents

For	You need to prepare
Resignations	Acknowledgement from the Board of Directors or receipt of the Registered Article Resignation notice
Disqualifications	Bankruptcy statement (if applicable) Court order or other supporting documents for disqualification

How to file a Notice of Cessation

Refer to the Filing a notice of cessation/resignation of position holder (opens in new tab)guide.

After you notify ACRA

You can check the notification status after one to three days. If the director was disqualified, learn more about what to do after disqualification.

Processing time and notification status

What to expect	Details
Wait for a response	Applications that meet the requirements will be processed in accordance with our standard procedures and may be approved immediately. Applications requiring further review will be processed within 20 working days. We will notify you if additional time is needed.
Check the notification status	You can check your status through: Bizfile, under Transaction Status Enquiry Email, if you provided an email address to ACRA

What to expect

Details

Wait for a response

Applications that meet the requirements will be processed in accordance with our standard procedures and may be approved immediately. Applications requiring further review will be processed within 20 working days. We will notify you if additional time is needed.

Check the notification status

You can check your status through:

Bizfile, under Transaction Status Enquiry
Email, if you provided an email address to ACRA

Consequences of non-notification

If the company or ex-director fails to notify ACRA:

Both the company and every company officer can be fined up to $5,000 each.
Default penalties may apply if the offence continues after conviction.
The director will remain in ACRA's records until the notification is lodged.
The director is still responsible for managing the company.

Note: Please seek professional advice if you are unsure about the legal duties and liabilities of the company and its officers.