2011-Jun 03: Justice of Peace - stamps not mandatory on certified or witnessed document

Visa Pak 19 - Clarification regarding Justice of Peace - stamps not mandatory on certified or witnessed document and more information about verifying JP's details.

Visa Paks

3 June 2011 

Justice of Peace - stamps not mandatory on certified or witnessed document 

It has come to our attention that some Immigration Officers have been returning documents certified or witnessed by a Justice of Peace (JP) because they do not contain a stamp with the JPs’ details on it. Please note that JPs are not legally required to add stamps or numbers (i.e., the Ministry's unique identifier) to the documents they are witnessing and/or certifying.  As long as the documents contain the JP’s name and signature, the documents are acceptable.

If IOs have concerns about any JP’s identity, they can verify the details of the JP via the yellow pages or the following website: www.jpfed.org.nz

However, it is not mandatory for JPs to be listed on the above website so if someone is not listed an email can be sent to jpfed@clear.net.nz to confirm whether the person is a registered JP.