Witnessing documents just went virtual

The NSW Government has introduced new regulations to further minimise face to face contact while still allowing people to have important legal documents witnessed in real time. The new remote process via audio visual link can employ technologies like Zoom, Skype, Whatsapp or FaceTime. This regualtion will expire on 26th September 2020.

The range of people eligible to witness documents has also been broadened, such as a range of health professionals. Witnessing of written oaths , declarations or affidavits are also expanded and include Australian legal practitioners.

How does it work?

The signatory will sign the document while the witness watches through audio-visual connection in real time. The witness will sign the same document as signed by the signatory and endorse the document with a statement that identifies the method used and that it was in accordance with the new regulation. Proof of identification can also be conducted audio-visually.

For more information on these changes, you can contact the Department of Communities and Justice at policy@justice.nsw.gov.au. There is additional information available on the Department’s Justice of the Peace site too.

This information was sourced from the Department of Communities and Justice site about using video tech for witnessing documents. You can also visit the Department’s COVID-19 response pages.