This website is an independent community service and is not affiliated with the NSW Government. The official JP Public Register is hosted by the NSW Government - this site links to it but does not host it.
What a Justice of the Peace does
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 help people access legal and administrative services with ease. Common JP services include:
- 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
JPs commonly witness or certify statutory declarations (NSW or Commonwealth), affidavits for court proceedings, academic transcripts, birth or marriage certificates, financial documents such as banking identification forms, and parental consent documents for travel.
There are limits to what a JP can do: JPs are not legal advisors and cannot provide legal advice, cannot witness documents in languages they do not understand, and have no authority to solemnise marriages, issue police checks, or act as a notary public.
Find or verify a JP
Find a JP
The NSW Government publishes the official JP Public Register, where you can search by postcode, a JP's name, day of availability, language spoken, or JP registration number. See the NSW Department of Communities and Justice's Find a JP page for guidance on using the register.
Many JPs also volunteer at public sessions in council offices, libraries, community centres, and some shopping centres. Use the JP Finder home page to search public JP sessions by suburb or postcode.
Verify a JP
To confirm someone is a currently appointed JP, search their name or registration number in the official JP Public Register. The register is the authoritative record - if a JP does not appear there, treat their appointment as unverified.
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.
Become 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 through JP Online, the NSW Government's application portal. Eligibility requirements, the application steps, and the appointment process are set out on the NSW Department of Communities and Justice's Become a Justice of the Peace page. 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. JPs are volunteers and are not permitted to charge a fee or accept a gift for providing JP services, so JP services are 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 NSW Department of Communities and Justice's Justice of the Peace pages for detailed official resources.
This website is an independent community service and is not affiliated with the NSW Government.