Communities and Justice

How to apply for reappointment

When your term is approaching expiry, we’ll send you a courtesy email reminder to apply for reappointment. It’s your responsibility to apply for reappointment before the end of your term. You can log in to your JP Online account at any time to check the dates of your term of appointment. 

To apply for reappointment, you will need to:

Step 1: Log in to your JP Online account. 

Step 2: Complete the JP Knowledge Test. 

Step 3: Complete the application for reappointment. 

To complete this application you will need:

  • to confirm your personal information
  • answer questions about your eligibility to continue as a JP
  • an Australian driver's licence (If you have one. If you do not have one you can still reapply.)
  • to outline your reason for reapplying:
    • if you are applying to be a community JP you will need to demonstrate the need for your appointment by describing in 2000 words or less who you will provide JP services to and why there is a need for JP services within this section of the community 
    • if you are applying as part of an employment need, a scanned copy of a supporting letter signed by your employer on the letterhead of your company/organisation, demonstrating the need for your appointment. The letter must state:
      • how the duties of your employment require you to provide JP services 
      • how often you will be required to provide JP services 
      • whether you are employed on a permanent/ongoing basis or a temporary basis. If you are employed on a temporary basis, how long will you be working
  • to disclose any criminal offences including spent convictions and traffic offences that went to court.

Scanned copies listed above do not need to be certified. 

If you have changed your name since your previous application you will need to provide evidence that you have legally changed your name and are currently using your new name. 

Visit Changing your name using JP Online (PDF, 518.2 KB) for more details.

Unlike your original appointment application, you don’t need to request nomination from a Member of Parliament or provide character references.

You will receive an email notification when your application has been processed. 

How long does the reappointment application take to process?

The time it takes to process an reappointment application can vary depending on the complexity of the application. While the department aims to finalise all applications within three months, in some circumstances it may take up to six months. 

What to do if you no longer want to be a JP

If you don’t want to continue as a JP, you do not need to do anything — your appointment will automatically lapse on the expiry date of your current term and you will no longer be able to perform JP functions. 

Late reappointment applications

Late reappointment applications are not accepted. If you don’t apply before the end of your term, your appointment will lapse and you will not be able to perform JP functions. To continue to be a JP, you will have to start a new application for appointment.


Last updated:

16 Nov 2023