Justice of the Peace

The City of Burnside provides a free Justice of the Peace (JP) program serviced by volunteers who are appointed by the Attorney General’s Department as JPs in South Australia.

Please note, as this is a volunteer service, we can’t always guarantee JP availability on the day and this is a drop-in service only – You do not need to make a booking. 

A Justice of the Peace service is provided at Burnside Civic Centre, Customer Service Centre, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 10 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 3 pm.

Please note our Justice of the Peace Service will be closed from 3 pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen at 10 am Monday 5 January 2026.

Alternatively, you can locate a JP in your area by using the Justice of the Peace search.

To help you get your documents witnessed please ensure you:

  • Arrive early – there may be high waiting times or queues.
  • Allow enough time or days to get your documents witnessed as JPs may not always be available.
  • Bring photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, student card etc) with you as some documents may require the JP to confirm your identity.
  • Read any instructions you have about the forms you want witnessed, to ensure that you bring with you all the required documents. For example, your passport, driver's licence, student card, academic record, birth certificate etc.
  • If you want the JP to witness your signature on a form e.g. Statutory Declaration you must provide photo ID.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the end of the session. If you arrive close to the service finish time, the JP may not be able to assist you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where else can I see a JP?

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

 

Who else can witness a Statutory Declaration (Stat Dec)?

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

See the full list of authorised witnesses on the Attorney-General's Department website.

 

What services does the JP offer?

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.

 

What documents do I need to bring?

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 (eg 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.

 

How many documents can I get witnessed?

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.

 

Can the JP provide legal advice?

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).

 

Is a JP the same as a Notary Public for overseas documents?

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.

 

Can I make photocopies of document at the library?

For your convenience, photocopying, printing and scanning is available at the City of Burnside Library.

Printing can be done either from library computers, of from your own device (see below for more details), or directly off a USB. Scanning can be saved onto a USB or sent to your email address.Before using printing and photocopying services, library patrons will need to add credit to their library account using the self-serve kiosk located next to the printers. Please see staff at the library information desk for assistance.

A4 size B&W: $0.20
A4 size colour: $1.00
A3 size B&W: $0.40
A3 size colour: $2.00

 

 

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