Justices of the Peace

A JP can:

• 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

Have you checked whether a Commissioner for Declarations can sign your document? They are often easier to find.

1. Contact the JP at a reasonable time. If a mobile number is listed, consider sending  a text message before calling.
2. Try to contact a JP who is close to where you would like to meet.
3. If possible, provide a reasonable time to enable the JP to provide the service.
4. Ask the JP where and when they are available to provide the service. Don’t assume the JP will come to your location.
5. Tell the JP what the service(s) is that you require. Ensure the JP knows the amount and complexity of the service.
6. A JP may not agree to provide the service.

1. Have all the documents ready for the JP but do not sign them before meeting the JP.
2. If you need copies of original documents signed, take the printed copies with you to the appointment. It is not the JP’s responsibility to arrange copies for you.
3. Ensure you have personal identification documents with you.
4. Be mindful that JPs do not provide legal advice.
5. A JP cannot accept any payment or other benefit from providing the service.

You can visit one of the JP signing clinics listed below.

Or by searching our Find a JP database

The Department of Justices has developed these Guidelines which outline how it handles complaints made against Justices of the Peace appointed in Tasmania under the Justices of the Peace Act 2018 (the Act). The Department also has in place an overarching Complaints Policy and Procedures which should be read in conjunction with these Guidelines.

You can make a complaint against a Tasmanian Justice of the Peace (JP) here.

The Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and processing of applications for appointment of Justices of the Peace (JPs).

The Governor makes the appointments on the recommendation of the Attorney General. The Department also provides information about JPs to the Tasmanian public.

New Justices of the Peace (also known as JPs) will only be appointed if there is an identified need in a particular suburb and surrounding area, or where an applicant is employed in an area of need and can provide JP services at their place of employment, for example in a Service Tasmania branch.

If your expression of interest is successful, please note that there are associated costs for a National Police Check and introductory training of approximately $100. These expenses are the applicant's responsibility.

Before you submit an expression of interest

1. search for JPs in your area to see if there is a need for one.
2. read the criteria below and the Justice of the Peace position description (PDF, 150.3 KB) for information on the role, key requirements and criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Read the following criteria below before applying. You must:

• be an Australian citizen by birth, descent or naturalisation.
• consent to confidential enquiries being made to determine suitability for appointment (this may include an interview by Tasmania Police).
• be enrolled as an elector for the State of Tasmania.
• have attained the age of 18 years but not attained the age of 75 years.
• not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• be able to competently carry out the duties of the office.
• not be a person engaged in any occupation or employment which could cause a conflict between their business or other interests and their duties and responsibilities as a Justice of the Peace.
• be willing to complete the Justice of the Peace Introductory Course delivered by a Justice of the Peace Association.
• be willing to undertake and complete any future training or professional development prescribed by regulations or required by the Secretary of the Department of Justice.
• be readily available to witness documents.
• be located in an area which does not already have a sufficient number of JPs appointed.
• be a fit and proper person to hold the office of Justice of the Peace. Relevant to the assessment of this criteria, a person must not have been convicted or found guilty of
  • an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of 6 months or more or
  • an offence that, if committed in Tasmania, would constitute an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of 6 months or more or
  • an offence involving dishonesty.

Applying to become a JP

Apply

Complete the Expression of Interest form.

What happens next

The Department of Justice will acknowledge and assess your expression of interest.

Expressions of interest are supported where they meet the needs criteria as established by Government, and the person is suitably qualified. Factors determining support for a request for appointment include:

• The existing number of JPs in the community and their accessibility
• The applicant's availability to witness documents.
• The type of documents required to be regularly witnessed.

Was I successful

We will advise you of the outcome of your expression of interest and will provide you with an application form if your expression of interest is supported.

The process for appointment may take some time while criminal history checks and other administrative processes are undertaken.

If you would like to know more about the JP appointment process, download the Justice of the Peace Appointment Flowchart.