Explaining the differences between Notaries and JPs

You may be asked at some time “What is the difference between a Notary Public and a Justice of the Peace?” Yes, it’s common to refer to Notary Publics as ‘international Justices of the Peace’. But it is a misnomer.

A most significant difference is that a Notary in Queensland is a required to be a Lawyer with a minimum 10 years in practice…  while a JP is not required to be a Lawyer.

A Notary Public is recognised internationally for their role in validating documents for use abroad, while a JP is recognised only within the boundaries of Australia. As The Society of Notaries of Queensland says, ‘Notaries have a global perspective’.