No. JP services are free of charge.
Justices of the Peace provide their services voluntarily as a public service.

Not always. Some JPs attend community signing sessions, while others may assist by appointment. Availability depends on the individual JP and location. It’s best to check ahead where possible.

You should bring original identification documents, such as:

• a driver’s licence
• passport
• proof‑of‑age card

The JP must be satisfied about your identity before witnessing or certifying documents.

Bring:

• the original document that needs to be signed or witnessed
• any copies that need to be certified
• all pages of the document, even if not every page is signed

Do not sign your document before seeing the JP unless the instructions specifically say to do so.

No. A JP cannot complete forms for you, explain legal documents, or give advice. Their role is limited to witnessing or certifying.

If you are unsure how to complete a document, seek advice from the organisation that provided it or from a legal professional before seeing a JP.

Yes. A JP can certify that a copy of an original document is a true and correct copy, provided:

• the original document is presented
• all pages are complete

Some organisations have specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to check before requesting certification.

Some JPs may assist in special circumstances, such as for seniors or people with limited mobility. This depends on availability and is not guaranteed.

Some hospitals carry a list of JPs willing to come out to the specified hospital.

A JP may refuse to act if:

• identification is not provided
• the document is incomplete
• there is a conflict of interest
• the JP believes the request is inappropriate

This is to ensure integrity and public trust. You may be able to see another authorised witness if required.

Not necessarily. While JPs are widely accepted as authorised witnesses, each organisation sets its own requirements. Always confirm with the organisation requesting the document which witnesses are acceptable.

A JP is one type of Authorised Witness.
Authorised Witnesses may also include lawyers, police officers, or other professionals authorised by law. Some documents accept multiple types of authorised witnesses.

Availability varies. Some signing sessions are scheduled during set times, while individual JPs may have limited availability outside business hours.

JPs are volunteers who also have personal and work commitments. Availability can vary depending on location, time, and demand.

There is no limit but if there is a high demand for the JP service and you have more than 10 documents that need witnessing, you may be asked to re-join the queue.

We suggest you arrive early and have enough time to get your documents witnessed as JPs may not always be available or there may be high waiting times at certain locations.

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.