Justice of the Peace - JP

A JP acts as an independent and objective witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes. For example, a JP may:

• certify a true copy of an original document
• certify a person's identity
• witness an affidavit for use in court
• witness a statutory declaration
• witness the signing of a document.

A JP cannot provide you with any legal advice.

Depending on what you need, there may be different documents you need to bring, so we suggest you contact the agency or organisation requiring you to get the form witnessed.

Most documents (except certifying copies of documents) require the JP to verify your identity. Please ensure you bring photo identification (drivers’ licence, passport, student card, etc) with you.

Many documents (e.g. police checks) require a 100-point ID check to be made by the JP. Please ensure you read your forms and bring the required documentation with you.

Do not sign any of your documents – you may complete the details required but if the document needs to be witnessed, declared or sworn, the JP must complete what is required and must personally see you sign it.

It is recommended that you organise your photocopying prior to attending. The Customer Service staff may be able to assist with photocopying if they are not serving other customers and you are only requiring a small number of copies.

No. The Justices of the Peace Regulations 2021 states “A justice must not provide legal advice when acting in their capacity as a justice”.

Free legal information and advice can be received from the Legal Services Commission legal help line on 1300 366 424 (Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm).

No. This is because the training and experience of a Notary Public is as a Senior Lawyer, capable of giving opinions on matters of law which a JP is not.

A list of South Australian Notaries (by area) can be found on the Notaries Society website.

Some of our JPs speak a second language (other than English, Mandarin, Hindi, Italian), and are available to assist with general enquiries about documents.

JP’s that speak other languages are located at the Norwood Town Hall, please call before you visit to confirm their shifts.

If you cannot read or understand written English, the JP is not able to formally assist with interpreting, or witnessing legal documents.

The JP can certify copies of documents in a language other than English.

For a list of JPs that are certified interpreters, visit: Consumer & Business Services - JP Search and select a language from the drop-down list:

You can locate a JP in your area by using the Consumer and Business Services Justice of the Peace search. This database allows you to search for a JP by name, suburb they work and/or reside, their contact number and languages other than English they may speak.

Many JPs will make home visits on request. For more information, please contact the Registrar at Royal Association of Justices of SA on 8297 4044 during their office hours (Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm).

There are also other local Councils who provide Justice of the Peace services. The closest services include Campbelltown City Council and City of Burnside.

In addition to JPs, there are other people who can legally witness a Statutory Declaration – e.g. government employees, accountants, religious ministers, medical professionals and bank officers who meet the criteria.

For a full list of authorised witnesses, visit the Attorney-General's Department website.

To become a JP you must apply online through the Attorney-Generals Department, Justice of the Peace Services. Applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide at least two written references as to your good character, reputation and standing in the community.

Apply Here: Become a JP

Once appointed as a JP you will receive a JP identification number and appointment certificate. Appointed JP’s can then apply to Volunteer in various locations including the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters.

Our current Volunteer vacancies can be viewed here: Current Vacancies

If you would like to know more information on what it is like to do the role of a JP, contact Adelaide Eastern Suburbs Justices Group Email: adelaideeasternjg@gmail.com