Justice of the Peace (JP)

A Justice of Peace are authorised is authorised to witness and sign:

• Statutory declarations
• Affidavits
• Waiver rights
• Search warrants
• Divorce documents

A JP can also certify copies of original documents as well as witness the signing of advanced care directive documents. Please note if any birth/death/marriage certificates or licences need certification, copies of both front and back are required.

A Justice of the Peace is not required to sign a will.
To properly witness a will, 2 individuals over the age of 18 must be present at the same time and sign using the same pen. Both witnesses must not be named in the will.

JPs can only certify a copy of an electronic document if they are satisfied that the copy is a true and correct copy of the original document. To do this, the JP will need to:

• See the copy being printed directly from the official website or computer that is under the control of the document's issuing authority;
• See the electronic original on the official website that is under the control of the document's issuing authority and have compared the printed copy against the electronic original, or;
• The issuing authority has endorsed the printed copy of the original document with an official stamp in ink.

No more than 20 certified copies can be signed per person.

Besides JPs, there are other people who can legally witness a Stat Dec. You can see the full list of authorised witnesses on the Attorney-General's Department website.

Please organise your photocopying requirements prior to attending the Administration Centre.

Photocopying is available at either Officeworks or any Australia Post outlet (fees apply)
Photocopying facilities are also available at our library branches (fees apply).

You can click here to find a JP in SA near you.