By ANNA USHER

You know the moment: the bank wants proof of your identity, a government form needs a stat dec, or you’ve been asked for a certified copy of an important document – and suddenly it’s urgent. The good news? You don’t need to trek across town.

There are reliable Justice of the Peace (JP) options right here across Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby.

First: what a JP can (and can’t) do

In NSW, JPs are volunteer appointees who can witness statutory declarations, witness affidavits, and certify true copies of original documents.

Before you head out, save yourself a double trip:

• Bring photo ID for NSW statutory declarations.
• For certified copies: bring the originals + photocopies. If the document was issued electronically, it may need to be downloaded and printed from the issuing website in front of the JP (libraries are perfect for this).
• JPs can’t witness/certify certain documents (including Enduring Powers of Attorney, Proof of Life forms, Queensland Land Title documents, and laminated Citizenship Certificates).
• A JP can’t charge a fee, write your stat dec/affidavit, or give legal advice.

Here’s where to find your nearest J.P

Mosman Library
Wednesdays: 12pm–2pm
Tuesday evenings: 5.30pm–7.30pm (

Stanton Library
Tuesdays: 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Thursdays: 4pm – 6pm
Fridays: 1pm – 3pm

North Sydney Council Customer Service Centre
Mondays: 2pm – 4pm
Wednesdays: 10am – 2pm
Thursdays: 10am – 11am

Kirribilli Centre
Tuesdays: 9.00am – 9.30am (Bookings essential on 9922 4428).

Greenwood Plaza
Wednesdays: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Fridays: 12.30pm – 2.00pm (Plaza Level, outside Peter Jackson).

Chatswood Library (Lower Ground, 409 Victoria Ave)

Mondays: 12pm–2pm
Wednesdays: 10am–12pm
Saturdays: 10am–12pm

Northbridge Plaza

Tuesday: 10am – 12pm and 5pm – 6pm
Thursday: 5.30pm – 6.30pm

West Chatswood Library
Tuesday: 5pm – 6pm

Artarmon Library

Thursday: 6pm – 7pm

Service NSW Centre – Chatswood
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm

Things to Know

You need to provide ID at your appointment with a Justice of the Peace.

• Bring your original documents and your own pen. A maximum of five pages can be presented at North Sydney Council Customer Service, with a maximum of 10 pages for certification at Stanton Library, Mosman Library, Chatswood Library and Artarmon Library.
• Only one customer can be served at a time, but a carer or co-signer is permitted.
• If you require an Enduring Power of Attorney to be witnessed, it can be signed by a Solicitor or Court Registrar.