Justice of the Peace (JP) Information
A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a community volunteer appointed by the NSW Attorney General to act as an independent and impartial witness performing official tasks. JPs play a crucial role in the NSW community and help people access legal and administrative services with ease.
What Services Does a JP Provide?
- Witnessing signatures on statutory declarations and affidavits
- Certifying true copies of original documents
- Witnessing the signing of documents such as powers of attorney or guardianship papers
- Certifying identity documents for legal, financial, or academic purposes
- Administering oaths and affirmations
Preparing to See a JP
- Bring all required original documents and necessary photocopies.
- Have valid identification on hand (e.g., driver's licence or passport).
- Do not sign forms in advance—the JP must witness your signature in-person.
- Check form instructions to ensure you’re using the correct version or wording.
- If you are certifying copies, ensure photocopies are clear and legible.
Frequently Witnessed & Certified Documents
- Statutory declarations (NSW or Commonwealth)
- Affidavits for court proceedings
- Academic transcripts, birth or marriage certificates
- Financial documents (e.g., banking identification forms)
- Parental consent documents for travel
Limitations of JPs
- JPs are not legal advisors and cannot provide legal advice
- JPs cannot witness documents in languages they do not understand
- They do not have authority to solemnise marriages, issue police checks, or act as a notary public
Where Can I Find a JP?
You can find JPs at council offices, libraries, community centres, and some shopping centres. Use the NSW JP Finder home page to search by suburb or postcode for JP sessions near you.
For more information or to verify a JP, check the official NSW Government JP Public Register.
Interested in Becoming a JP?
If you are over 18, a NSW resident, and of good character, you can apply to become a JP. Applications are made online via the NSW Government’s official JP website. JPs must follow a strict code of conduct and serve the community fairly and honestly.
JP Service FAQs
- Is there a cost for JP services? No, JP services in NSW are always free.
- Can a JP refuse to witness or certify a document? Yes, if you lack ID, your document is incomplete, or it would breach their legal obligations.
- Are JP services confidential? Yes, JPs must keep all information they witness confidential unless required by law.
Need Further Assistance?
Have more questions? Contact us or visit the official NSW JP website for detailed resources.
This website is an independent community service and is not affiliated with the NSW Government.