Notary public or justice of the peace?
Which one you need depends on where the document is going.
On this page: Common questions Enquire
Most people looking for a free notary need a JP
A justice of the peace (JP) is the right choice for most documents used in Australia. A notary public is needed when the document is going overseas.
When a JP is enough
- certifying copies for an Australian bank, employer, school or government agency;
- witnessing a statutory declaration or affidavit for use in Australia.
JPs in Victoria are volunteers under the Honorary Justices Act 2014 (Vic). The Department of Justice has a find a JP service.
When you need a notary
When the document is going to a country outside Australia, and the receiving body asks for it to be notarised, apostilled or legalised. DFAT cannot legalise documents certified by a JP, so a JP-certified copy cannot get an apostille. A notarised copy can.
The difference at a glance
| Justice of the peace | Notary public | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | A volunteer under the Honorary Justices Act 2014 (Vic) | A lawyer on the Supreme Court of Victoria's roll of public notaries (Public Notaries Act 2001 (Vic)) |
| Documents for | Use in Australia | Use overseas |
| Cost | Free | A fee, quoted before you book |
| Notarial certificate and seal | No | Yes |
| Apostille from DFAT | Not possible on JP-certified copies | Yes |
Common questions
Can’t see your question? Call 1800 776 529 or send us a message.
Notaries charge for their work, because a notarial act takes preparation and carries a certificate that DFAT and overseas bodies rely on. If your document is for use in Australia, a JP will usually do it free.
For use in Australia, many lawyers can certify copies and witness declarations. For use abroad, the overseas recipient will normally insist on a notary, and DFAT will apostille a notarised copy but not a JP’s.
Some overseas bodies may accept it, but DFAT cannot then apostille or authenticate it. Check with the receiving body first.
Book a notary appointment
Tell us about the document and where it is going. We reply within one business day with what it needs and a quote.
What happens next
- Send the form, or email the document.
- We reply within one business day with what is needed and a quote.
- We book a time at our Frankston office.
Phone: 1800 776 529
Email: info@frankstonnotary.com.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Office: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston VIC 3199. Notarial appointments are at the office only.