Upgrade your JP type
Justices of the Peace Branch fee schedule update
Our fees and charges increase on 1 July each year. On 1 July 2023, our fees and charges were increased by 3.4% in line with the government’s indexation policy. You can contact us to find out details about specific fees, charges or prices.
You can use this form to upgrade your appointment type if you’re registered in Queensland as either a:
- Justice of the Peace Commissioner for Declarations (JP Cdec)
- Commissioner for Declarations (Cdec).
Upgrade categories
You can upgrade to either a Cdec or a JP (Qualified)—i.e. JP (Qual)—depending on your current appointment type, so if you're:
- a JP Cdec, you can either change to a Cdec or apply to become a JP (Qual).
- already a Cdec, you can apply to upgrade to a JP (Qual).
Who can become a JP or Cdec
You can be appointed as a JP or Cdec if you:
- consent to a criminal history check by police
- live in Queensland and are correctly enrolled to vote here
- agree to follow the code of conduct for JPs and Cdecs
- tell us if your occupational licence has been suspended, revoked or disqualified.
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 conditions are from the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991 (the Act).
How to apply
Fill in our online form to apply.
JP (Qual)
If you’re applying to upgrade to a JP (Qual), you’ll need to upload a copy of your statement of attainment from the course in providing community justice services (Justice of the Peace [Qualified]).
Before you begin your duties, you will also need to:
- take an oath or affirmation of office
- pay the upgrade fee.
Fee waiver
If you are facing financial hardship and wish to apply for us to waive the upgrade 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.
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 member of parliament (MP) to nominate you for your new appointment. Your MP may contact you to arrange an interview before your nomination.
When your MP tells us they nominate you, 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’ll let you know. Otherwise, we’ll write to you to let you know if your application is approved.
Next steps for upgrading to a JP (Qual)
If you’re upgrading to be a JP (Qual), you’ll need to take an oath or affirmation of office and pay a transfer fee before you can begin your duties. You should not begin your duties as a JP (Qual) until we send you a letter confirming your appointment.
Next steps for changing to a Cdec
If you’re changing from a JP Cdec to a Cdec, you won’t need to do anything further. You won’t need to take an oath or affirmation or pay any fees.
We’ll send you a letter confirming your new appointment.
Contact the Justices of the Peace Branch
If you have trouble completing this form or need further information or help, you can 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 to The Registrar of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, PO Box 5894, WEST END QLD 4101.