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NSW Caretaker Convention in effect on this site from Friday 3 March 2023.

Department of Justice is now the Department of Communities and Justice.  Find out more >

​Becoming a JP

By volunteering to become a Justice of the Peace (JP) you will provide services to your community or place of employment.

Important Information – 2023 NSW State Election and caretaker conventions –  Justice of the Peace Appointments

The NSW State election will be held on Saturday, 25 March 2023. The NSW Government will enter a caretaker mode from 3 March 2023.

The  Government avoids making appointments during the caretaker period. Therefore, no new Justice of the Peace (JP) appointments will be made during this time.

In order to process any outstanding appointments, the Department of Communities and Justice will be putting a temporary hold on processing new JP applications from 28 January 2023 until the end of the caretaker period.

If you have already started a JP application

You must submit your application as soon as possible. As of the 28 January 2023, no JP applications will be forwarded to MPs for nomination. Your application will remain on hold until after the caretaker period.

Can I still register for a JP Online account after 28 January 2023?

Yes, you can still create a JP Online account, attempt and pass the JP Knowledge Test and submit your application, however your application will not be processed until after the caretaker period.

Existing JPs applying for reappointment

Appointed JPs will still be able to submit their JP Reappointment application and be reappointed during the caretaker period.


Information for new JP applicants.

To become a JP you will need to:

For more details visit the appointment process.

To complete the JP appointment application you will need:

  • proof of identity documents 
  • proof of Australian citizenship or eligibility to vote in NSW elections
  • contact details for two character referees
  • if you are applying to be a community JP, demonstrate the need for your appointment
  • if you are applying as part of an employment need, a scanned copy of a supporting letter signed by your employer on the letterhead of your company/organisation, demonstrating the need for your appointment.

Visit Step 3: Complete the JP appointment application for more detailed information about the specific documentation required.

Are you eligible to become a JP?

To be eligible for appointment as a NSW Justice of the Peace (JP), you must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be nominated by a NSW Member of Parliament (MP)
  • be an Australian citizen or a person who is entitled to vote at a general election for the Legislative Assembly
  • be of good character
  • not be an undischarged bankrupt.

To find out more about eligibility and character, you can read the Guidelines on the appointment of Justices of the Peace: assessing eligibility and good character [PDF 44KB] issued by the Attorney General.