FAQs

Question	Answer
How long does a certified copy stay valid for?	A certified copy should be okay forever. However some organisations require the certified copy not to be older than 3 months.
Can the JP certify a copy when the original is not available online?	Yes, the JP can ask the client to take a Statutory Declaration stating the copy is an exact copy of the original
How do I find a JP who speaks my language?	A list of JPs and their language skills is available by selecting 'Locate a JP' from the Main Menu and scrolling down to the bottom search area and selecting a language from the search box
Can a JP perform a marriage ceremony?	No, a Justice of the Peace does not have the authority to be a Marriage Celebrant. They are two completely separate activities and require different skills and qualifications.
Can I get photos of myself certified by a JP?	Yes, if the JP can identify the client using other means including other suitable photographic ID, a Statutory Declaration or similar.
Can a JP certify a copy when the original is online?	Yes, if the JP can identify the client using other means including other suitable photographic ID, a Statutory Declaration or similar.
How do I find a JP?	There are a number of ways to find a JP. The prime method is to select 'Locate a JP' from the Main Menu enter your suburb or postcode in the search box and you will be provided with a number of Service Desks, days, times and map for location. The other method is to search for an individual JP by selecting 'Locate a JP' from the Main Menu and entering suburb or postcode and you will be provided with a list of JPs and their contact information.
What can a JP help me with?	A JP can only assist you in taking your Statutory Declaration, Affidavit etc. They cannot assist in completing documentation.
How does someone become a JP?	For further information on how you may become appointed as a Justice of the Peace, go to the Main Menu and select 'Becoming a JP'
How do I raise a concern or complaint about a Justice of the Peace?	Select 'Contact Us' from the Main Menu and scroll down to 'I wish to raise an issue about a JP or their work'.
Will the JP sign my statutory declaration, even though I haven't completed it?	No, the Statutory Declaration needs to be completed in all respects other than the signature which must be signed in front of the Justice.
Will JPs certify copies of a document that are not in English?	Yes, as long as the JP can ensure the copy is exactly the same as the document presented as an original. The Justice is not stating that the item is an original, they are certifying the copy as appearing to be a genuine copy and that the person presenting the original is stating it to be an original.
Why do I need to ring so many JPs before I can get one that is available?	Justices are volunteers and may have other responsibilities or commitments (including employment). Try going to a Service Desk where you know that a JP will be present at the time you intend to visit.
What does it mean for a JP to certify a document?	When a document is certified by a JP, they are saying that the copy appears to be an exact duplicate of the document presented.
When making an appointment, what does the JP need to know?	The JP should know what documents they are about to administer. Documents should not be signed prior to the visit. Exchange of contact details is important in the case of unexpectedly unavailability by both parties.
Is a JP the same as a Notary Public?	No, a notary public is a lawyer authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury to officially witness signatures on legal documents, collect sworn statements, administer oaths and certify the authenticity of legal documents for use overseas. Notary Public‚ They typically charge for their services.
I need to make an Affidavit but I don't want to swear on a bible?	You are able to take your Affidavit by Affirming in lieu of swearing.
I need to make an Affidavit and I want to swear on the Bible or other Holy Book‚ do I need to supply my own?	Normally the JP will have a bible but if you wish to swear your Affidavit on a different religious book then you should take a copy with you.
I need a certified photocopy but I downloaded the original from the Internet can I still get it certified?	Yes, the JP can certify it as a copy of the document as long as it can be viewed on an electronic device on the original website, through an App or as an attachment to the original email.
I live in a rural area or on Great Barrier / Waiheke Island. Are there JPs available near me?	Yes, JPs are available in remote locations in Auckland. Go to Find a JP on the Main Menu and type in the location box only.
Can the JP help me with my NZ Passport Application?	Yes, they may be able to help confirm your application if the JP has known you for a period of 12 months. For a New Zealand passport, they are doing this in their capacity as someone who knows you and not in their capacity as a Justice of the Peace.
Can the JP help me complete my form?	No, the JP cannot assist you in the completion of documentation.
Can I take my partners Statutory Declaration (or Affidavit) to the JP for signing?	No, the person named in the Statutory Declaration or Affidavit will need to be present.
Can I take copies of anyone else's documents to a JP to get certified?	That will depend upon the purpose of the document that is being certified. If the documents are being used to support a financial transaction including purchasing or selling a house, withdrawal of KiwiSaver or applying for a loan, then the person whose identity is being verified will need to be present and the appropriate wording used or stamps applied.
Can I see a JP on a Sunday?	Yes, if you make an appointment with a JP at their home or another location.
Can I get the JP to put their stamp on my document just to verify it?	No, a JP must confirm the purpose they have added their identity and authority to act as a JP on the document.
Can I get advice from the JP?	No, JPs are not legally able to provide advice.
Can a JP notarize a document?	No, only a Notary Public can notarize a document.
Can a JP certify my documents?	It will depend upon the documents being presented. Justices of the Peace are authorised under New Zealand law and documents from another country or jurisdiction may not recognise the authority of a New Zealand Justice of the Peace. You should check this as part of preparing to visit a JP.
Are there any cost or fees to use a JP?	No, all JP services in New Zealand are free.