To become a magistrate in England and Wales, you need to be aged between 18 and 74, show good character and the right personal qualities, and commit to at least 13 full days a year in court. You don't need legal qualifications or training, because you'll get full training. You apply online on the I can be a magistrate website after visiting a court.
Magistrates are volunteers, which surprises a lot of people. The other thing that catches applicants out is the homework you must do before you're allowed to apply.
Everything here comes from the GOV.UK guide Become a magistrate, read on 26 October 2026. This page covers how to apply and what the role asks of you; it isn't legal advice.
The role at a glance
| Question | GOV.UK answer |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 74; magistrates must retire at 75 |
| Qualifications | None needed; full training is given |
| Time in court | At least 13 full days a year, or 26 half days |
| Minimum service | Normally at least 5 years |
| Training | About 10 days in the first 2 years, then about 1 or 2 days a year |
| Pay | Unpaid; allowances for lost earnings, travel and subsistence |
What magistrates do
Magistrates hear cases in courts in their community, in the criminal court, the family court or both. Each case is usually heard by 3 magistrates, one trained as a chairperson, with a legal adviser in court to advise on the law and procedure.
- Almost all criminal cases begin in a magistrates' court.
- Magistrates deal with crimes such as minor assaults, motoring offences, theft, handling stolen goods and TV licence evasion.
- They can give fines, unpaid work in the community, or prison for up to 12 months for one crime.
- The most serious crimes, such as murder, rape and robbery, are passed to the Crown Court.
- Family court magistrates deal with cases about children, including care, adoption and arrangements between separated parents.
The step most people miss: 2 court visits first
Before you can apply, you must visit a criminal court at least twice in the 12 months before you apply, and you'll be asked about it in your application. The court will tell you when to visit and which courtrooms to see.
You can't visit a family court, because those cases are heard in private, so if that's where you'd like to sit, you research how family courts work instead. Either way, this is the step to start now, because it takes time to arrange.
How to apply, step by step
- Check you're eligible: aged 18 to 74, with no conflict of interest from your job.
- Visit a criminal court at least twice in the 12 months before applying, or research family courts if that's your aim.
- Prepare examples showing you can understand different perspectives, communicate with sensitivity and respect, work professionally, make fair and impartial decisions and stay open to learning.
- Line up 2 references. If you're employed, one must be from your employer, and neither can be a relative or someone you live with.
- Find a role in your area and apply on the I can be a magistrate website, or register your interest if there are no roles near you.
- Attend an interview, where you'll be asked about good character.
If you can't apply online, you can contact your local advisory committee and ask for another format, such as a paper form.
Who can't be a magistrate
You're unlikely to be taken on if you've been found guilty of a serious crime or a number of minor offences, been banned from driving in the past 5 to 10 years, or been declared bankrupt. Some jobs also rule you out because of a conflict of interest: for the criminal court, most roles linked to the criminal justice system or prisons, such as police or prison officers; for the family court, roles such as private detectives and educational welfare officers.
Fitting it around work
By law, your employer must allow you reasonable time off work to be a magistrate. You get your rota well in advance, so you can give plenty of notice. If you sit in more than one type of court, you'll need at least 30 half days a year, with at least 15 in each. Many employers give paid time off, and if you lose earnings you can claim an allowance at a set rate.
If you'd like to see the courtroom side first, our guide on what to wear to court for jury service is a good primer, and this look at court transcription jobs with no legal background covers another way to work in the justice system.
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It also helps to know the personal qualities GOV.UK looks for: being aware of social issues, mature and fair, reliable and committed to your community, and able to follow evidence and reach a fair decision. Your application examples should show those qualities in action, so think of real situations from work or volunteering.
My verdict
Becoming a magistrate is open to far more people than most realise: no legal qualifications, an age range of 18 to 74, and full training. The commitment is the real test, at least 13 days a year for at least 5 years, unpaid apart from allowances. Book your 2 criminal court visits first, talk to your employer early about time off, and gather examples of fair, careful decisions you've made, because those are what the application asks for.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need qualifications to become a magistrate?
No. You don't need formal qualifications or legal training, because you'll get full training and a legal adviser in court helps with the law.
How old do you have to be to become a magistrate?
You have to be aged between 18 and 74, and magistrates must retire at 75.
Are magistrates paid?
No. Magistrates are not paid, but you can claim allowances for lost earnings, travel and subsistence.
How much time does being a magistrate take?
At least 13 full days a year, or 26 half days, and you're normally expected to serve for at least 5 years.
Do you have to visit a court before applying?
Yes. You must visit a criminal court at least twice in the 12 months before you apply.
How many references do you need?
You need 2 references. If you're employed, one must be from your employer, and neither can be a relative or someone you live with.
