A statutory declaration is a legal document that contains a written statement about something that is true. It must be witnessed by an approved person.

If the affidavit or statutory declaration is for use abroad, it will not be recognised in a foreign jurisdiction unless it has been performed before a notary, except in a small number of specific circumstances.

On electronic signing, the Regulation allows for electronic signing and remote witnessing by audiovisual means of affidavits, statutory declarations, enduring powers of attorney and wills.

Can NSW JPs witness documents for use overseas? NSW JPs are not authorised under NSW law to witness the execution of documents for use overseas, including “proof of life” forms for the purposes of claiming overseas pensions. NSW JPs can certify copies of original documents from overseas.

A statutory declaration can be made overseas provided that it is witnessed by a person who falls within one of the categories in Schedule 2 to the Regulations. A doctor who is registered to practise medicine in Australia may witness a Commonwealth statutory declaration when he or she is overseas.

A JP (Mag Ct) can:

• issue search warrants.
• issue arrest warrants.
• grant bail.
• witness documents.
• witness statutory declarations.
• witness affidavits.
• witness and administer oaths and affirmations.
• certify a true copy of an original document.

A medical practitioner. A Justice of the Peace (with a registration number in the State in which they are registered). A minister of religion (registered under Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961).

In the strict meaning of the term, a Justice of the Peace is a court judge with lessened legal privileges. Most importantly, Justices of the Peace also have the authority to perform wedding ceremonies and administer oaths to marrying couples.

The most notable difference is that a Notary can actually give legal advice; a JP cannot. A Notary can officiate over and administer oaths, affirmations and offer legal advice and services. A Justice of the Peace can’t do any of these tasks.

No, there is no expiry date on a document certified by a JP.

List of people authorised to certify copies of original documents

• Architect.
• Chiropractor.
• Conveyancer.
• Dentist.
• Financial adviser or financial planner.
• Legal practitioner.
• Medical practitioner.
• Midwife.

To certify documents outside Australia, bring a copy and the original document to:

• An Australian consulate or embassy official.
• A Notary Public.
• A local member of the police.

Pharmacists generally are authorised to certify that documents are true copies of originals. It is important that you do not sign the document before taking it to the pharmacy as the pharmacist must physically witness you signing the document in their presence.

UK

• Solicitor.
• Magistrate.
• Notary Public.
• Justice of the Peace.
• Officer of a Court appointed by a Judge to take affidavits.

Bring your document with you. The fixed cost is £20 for EACH & EVERY document signed and stamped. Appointment takes 5 minutes. Your document MUST be fully completed by you BEFORE you attend but DO NOT sign it.

A certified copy of a document is valid as long as the document is valid. eg. a birth certificate or diploma is valid forever, a passport or driver’s licence is valid up until the document expires. So if your passport is still current, the certified copy is still current.

How Do I Certify A Copy Of A Document?

1. The document’s custodian requests a certified copy.
2. The Notary compares the original and the copy.
3. The Notary certifies that the copy is accurate.

A certified copy can be used in place of the original deed to execute the transfer or sale or for any other purpose. Here is how to get a certified property title. If you lose the original, lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station about the missing document.

“Notarized Copy” and “Certified Copy” are used interchangeably. A certified copy does not verify the authenticity of the original document, only that the copy is a true copy of what appears to be an original document to the Notary Public. Of course, Certified Copies can only be made of documents that are original.