Document Witnessing Service

Sooner or later almost everyone needs a signature witnessed or a copy of a document certified, for a government form, a statutory declaration, a job application, or a financial matter. Pharmacists are among the professionals who can often help, which makes the pharmacy a convenient place to get it done without an appointment.

What is a document witnessing service?

It is a pharmacist witnessing your signature on a document, or certifying that a photocopy is a true copy of an original. Many forms and declarations require an “authorised witness”, and registered health practitioners such as pharmacists are commonly included in the lists of people who can witness or certify, alongside others like Justices of the Peace, lawyers, and police officers. Some pharmacists are also Justices of the Peace, which can broaden what they can witness.

What a pharmacist can typically help with

Depending on the document and the rules that apply to it, a pharmacist may be able to:

• witness your signature on a statutory declaration or form;
• certify copies of documents as true copies of the original;
• witness other documents that list pharmacists (or JPs) as acceptable witnesses.

What is acceptable depends on the specific document and the law that governs it, because different forms specify different categories of authorised witness. The safest approach is to check the document’s own requirements first.

Important: check who your document needs

Before you go, read the document carefully to see exactly who it requires as a witness. Some documents accept a broad range of professionals; others specifically require a Justice of the Peace, a lawyer, or a particular category. If a document needs a JP, make sure the pharmacist is one, or find a JP. Confirming this first saves a wasted trip and a rejected form.

What to bring

• The complete document (do not sign it beforehand if your signature needs to be witnessed; you usually must sign in front of the witness).
• For certified copies, both the original and the photocopy.
• Photo identification, as the witness generally needs to confirm who you are.
• Any specific instructions the document includes for the witness.

How it works at the pharmacy

Ask whether the pharmacy offers witnessing and whether a pharmacist (or JP) is available, as it depends on who is rostered. The pharmacist confirms your identity, watches you sign (or checks the copy against the original), and completes the witness section with their details. There may be a small fee, and busy periods can mean a short wait, so phoning ahead helps.

How it’s regulated in Australia

Who may witness or certify a particular document is set by the relevant Commonwealth, state, or territory law and by the document itself; pharmacists are registered health practitioners (regulated by the Pharmacy Board of Australia) and are commonly included as authorised witnesses, while Justice of the Peace appointments are made by state and territory governments. Always defer to the specific requirements printed on your document.

Official sources

• AHPRA: register of practitioners
• Australian Government: statutory declarations

Check who your document needs, then bring it in unsigned with your ID. Use the button below to find a pharmacy offering document witnessing near you.