Justices of the Peace

Our Justice of the Peace are volunteers. They are typically available to do the following:

• Witness a person making a Statutory Declaration
• Witness a person making an Affidavit
• Certify that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate copy

A JP may decline to witness or certify any document at any time at their own discretion.

Before a JP can witness you signing a statutory declaration or affidavit, the JP is required to:

• check the document is completed correctly
• ask you questions to make sure you understand the purpose, effect and content of the document
• warn you it is a serious criminal offence to make a false statement in the document, and that the penalties include imprisonment
• confirm your identity (if the JP has not known you for 12 months or more, the JP must see your identification document)
• witness you sign the document.

Before a JP can certify a copy of an original document, they must have both the original document and the copy physically in front of them.

A JP is required to always comply with the law and follow the proper procedure. We ask that you follow their instructions and treat them with respect at all times.

NSW law does not authorise NSW JPs to witness signatures on overseas documents or to perform other tasks under overseas laws, or those required by an organisation or agency from overseas. A Public Notary is able to witness signatures on overseas documents and can be found through the Directory of Public Notaries.

The International Services branch of Centrelink provides assistance to people seeking to claim a pension from some countries. They can be contacted on 131 673.