Apply to become a Justice of the Peace

Introduction

Justices of the Peace (JPs) provide a valuable and important service to the community and/or the workplace. In NSW, JPs are appointed for 5-year terms.

If you'd like to apply to become a JP, you need to register online first.

Eligibility

You must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be able to establish that your appointment as a JP is required for your employment, or to fulfil a community-based need for the appointment
  • be nominated by a NSW MP
  • be an Australian citizen or a person who's entitled to vote at a general election for the Legislative Assembly
  • be of good character
  • consent in writing to confidential inquiries being made as to your suitability for appointment, including a criminal records check
  • not be an undischarged bankrupt.

What you need

  • to register for JP Online
  • to pass the JP Knowledge Test which is based on the information in the JP Handbook
  • to complete an appointment application form which includes requesting a NSW Member of Parliament (MP) to consider nominating you
  • the application will indicate which documents you need to provide, and may include any of the following:
    • your Australian birth certificate
    • your Australian passport 
    • your Australian citizenship certificate
    • a document from the NSW Electoral Commission which shows you are currently enrolled to vote in NSW
    • ​a change of name certificate and proof of use of that name
    • contact details for 2 character references
    • if you are applying to be a community JP, you will need to describe the community-based need for your appointment in 2000 words or less
    • if you are applying as part of an employment need, a letter on your employer’s letterhead demonstrating the need for your appointment.

How to apply

  1. Select the 'Register for JP Online' button.
  2. Confirm your eligibility and enter your personal details.
  3. Receive an email from the Department of Justice confirming your registration. 
  4. Take the JP Knowledge Test on JP Online. 
  5. Gather all required supporting documentation. 
  6. Select 'Apply to be a JP' to complete the appointment application using JP Online. 
  7. If your local MP agrees to nominate you, your application will be sent directly to the Department of Justice for processing.
  8. Take the Oaths of Office at a NSW Local Court.

More information

  • It'll take a minimum of 12 weeks from the date the MP forwards your application to the Department of Justice, for your application to be processed.
  • JPs need to take the oaths of office, and undertake to comply with the Code of Conduct for JPs in NSW.
  • You can also use JP Online to:
    • apply for reappointment
    • submit a request to notify of a change in circumstances
    • check your JP number and expiry date
    • update your JP Public Register details
    • order JP products. 

To make sure that you have all the information and documentation you need to complete this transaction, please visit the Justices of the Peace website.

Links

Last updated: 15 November 2023