How to become a JP or Cdec
Justices of the Peace Branch fee schedule update
Our fees and charges usually increase on 1 July each year. On 1 July 2024, our fees and charges were indexed by 0% in line with the government’s indexation policy. This means they have not changed and will be the same as they were in 2023-24. You can contact us to find out about specific fees, charges or prices.
As a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) (JP) or Commissioner for Declarations (Cdec) you will handle important documents that could have a significant impact on someone’s life. You must be properly trained and qualified to provide professional services in all situations.
Who can become a JP or Cdec
You can be appointed as a JP or Cdec if you:
- are 18 or older
- are an Australian citizen
- live in Queensland and are correctly enrolled to vote here
- have 2 referees
- consent to a criminal history check by police
- agree to follow the code of conduct for JPs and Cdecs
- tell us if your occupational licence has been suspended, revoked or disqualified.
You must also have completed the relevant training course: Course in Providing Community Justice Services (Commissioner for Declarations) (Justice of the Peace [Qualified]).
JP and Cdec training
Before you can apply you need to complete the pre-appointment training course.
- 11282NAT Course in Community Justice Services (Justice of the Peace [Qualified])
- Comprised of 2 units
- NAT11282001 Perform non-bench judicial and minor bench duties
- NAT11281001 Witness or certify documents
- Comprised of 2 units
- 11281NAT Course in Community Justice Services (Commissioner for Declarations)
- Comprised of 1 unit
- NAT11281001 Witness or certify documents
- Comprised of 1 unit
Either of these courses will provide you with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform your duties.
You must apply to become a JP or Cdec within 2 years of successfully passing your assessment.
Find places that offer the course
Your Career, Australia’s training directory, has a list of accredited training organisations that run this course in Queensland.
To become a JP you need to complete the entire course. To become a Cdec you only need to complete the relevant sections of the course.
The training organisation will provide you with all the materials you need for the course.
Who cannot be appointed
You are not eligible to apply or hold office if you:
- are an insolvent under administration
- have a disqualifying conviction (unless you apply for and are granted an exemption)
- have had your appointment as a JP or Cdec revoked within the last 5 years.
These restrictions are from the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991 (the Act).
How to apply
To complete this form you will need:
- your statement of attainment from the relevant JP or Cdec course
- written character references from 2 suitable referees
- proof of Australian citizenship (if you were born overseas).
- your completed application for an exemption (if you have a disqualifying conviction).
Once approved, new JPs or Cdecs need to pay a registration fee before they begin their duties.
Fee waiver
If you are facing financial hardship and wish to apply for us to waive this fee, you must apply for this at the same time.
To apply for the fee waiver, fill out the application for a fee waiver.
Exemption for disqualifying convictions
You may be able to get an exemption if you have a disqualifying conviction.
The Act defines a disqualifying conviction as a conviction (including a spent conviction) for an offence that:
- is indictable (e.g. murder, rape, robbery, assault, and break and enter), including dishonesty offences (e.g. fraud)
- involves a breach of confidentiality
- is against the Act
- results in a prison sentence, even if it is suspended.
If you have a disqualifying conviction, you must apply for an exemption at the same time.
To apply for an exemption, fill out the application for exemption from a disqualifying conviction.
Submit your application
The assessment process can take approximately 3 months.
What happens next
When you submit your online application it will be automatically received by us.
Your application will also be automatically sent to your State Member of Parliament (MP) for nomination of your appointment. Your MP may contact you to arrange an interview before your nomination.
When your MP tells us that they nominate you for appointment, we will assess your application against the relevant sections of the Act and the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Regulation 2017. The assessment process can take approximately 3 months.
If there are any issues with your application, we will let you know. Otherwise, we'll write to let you know if your application is approved.
When your application is approved, you'll need to take an oath or affirmation of office and pay a registration fee before you can begin your duties as a JP or Cdec.
Contact us
If you have trouble completing this form or need more information or help, contact us by:
- emailing jp@justice.qld.gov.au
- phoning 1300 301 147
- visiting our office at Level 6, 154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101
- posting a letter to The Registrar of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations, Department of Justice, PO Box 5894, West End QLD 4101.