Get a document witnessed online
Part of the Justices of the Peace (JPs) topic
You can get a document witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations during an online meeting.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to get eligible documents witnessed online by a JP or Cdec who is approved as a special witness.
See How to get a document witnessed online for the full application process.
What you should know
Only JPs or Cdecs approved by the Chief Executive of the Department of Justice can perform this service. They are called special witnesses.
A special witness does not need to apply their seal of office (stamp) to electronically witnessed documents.
Only certain types of documents can be witnessed online. These include:
- affidavits
- statutory declarations (including Commonwealth and interstate forms)
- affidavits or documents for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- deeds (if the parties to the deed require a witness).
Who can use this service
You can get a document witnessed online if:
- you have an eligible document that requires witnessing by a JP or Cdec
- you can meet the technical requirements for an online meeting, including a
- stable internet connection
- microphone and camera for the video conference
- paper copy of the document, a pen and the ability to scan and email the signed document, or software that allows you to sign electronically.
Don't use this service if:
- you need to have a copy of a document certified
Instead, get copies of a document certified. - you need to have a Queensland Titles Registry form witnessed
Instead, contact a JP or Cdec of assistance. - you need enduring document or will witnessed
Instead, contact a JP or Cdec of assistance.
How to get a document witnessed online
Follow the steps.
Step 1: Contact a special witness and schedule an appointment
- Contact a special witness directly from the special witness list.
- Provide your name, contact details and a description of the document that needs to be witnessed.
- Arrange a time for the online meeting.
Step 2: Receive the audio-visual link
The special witness will send you the online meeting link (e.g. a link to a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar).
Step 3: Join the meeting and sign the document
At the scheduled time, use the link to join the online meeting.
You can either:
- physically sign a printed document
- use software that allows you to sign the document electronically.
The special witness must see you sign the printed or electronic document in real time. They will ask you to move your camera or share your screen so they can see you do this.
Step 4: Send the signed document to the special witness
- If you signed a paper document during the meeting, you need to scan and email the signed document to the JP or Cdec.
- If you used electronic signature software during the meeting, the JP or Cdec will witness the document electronically.
Step 5: The special witness signs the document
The JP or Cdec will witness the scanned physical or electronic document.
Their signature, along with their title, JP (Qual) or Cdec, confirms they witnessed the document.
They may also include their registration number or other identifying details.
Step 6: Receive a scanned copy of the witnessed document
The JP or Cdec will email you a scanned copy of the witnessed document.
It is your responsibility to save the witnessed document securely.
How long it takes
The time required to complete the process depends on the availability of the special witness and the complexity of your document.
How much it costs
Free.
From the Help centre
Find answers to frequently asked questions about services. including:
Give feedback about a JP or Cdec
Find more in the Help centre.
Managed by: Department of Justice