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Our online application form will be unavailable from 15 Sep 2026, 6pm to 18 Sep 2026, 9am due to system enhancement. If you wish to apply during this period, please consider alternative channels (opens in new tab). We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Thank you.

Public Defender's Office

How to Apply

Apply online or in person at MinLaw or State Courts. Have your court and financial documents ready before you apply.

Last updated 6 April 2026

Online Applications

Apply online at go.gov.sg/applypdo (opens in new tab).

If you encounter difficulties and need help with the completion of the online application form, please refer to our application guide for more information (click here (opens in new tab)).

In-person Applications

Apply in-person at:

  • Ministry of Law Services Centre

    • 45 Maxwell Road #07-11 The URA Centre (East Wing), Singapore 069118
      Mondays to Fridays: 8:30am to 5:00pm (Closed on weekends and public holidays)

    • Please book an appointment at go.gov.sg/omp (opens in new tab) before visiting the Ministry of Law Services Centre

  • State Courts (Help Centre)

    • 1 Havelock Square #B1-18 State Courts, Singapore 059724 (Mondays to Fridays: 9:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:00pm)

Supporting documents required

You will need to submit the following supporting documents:

Court documents

  • Bail bond (or bailor’s confirmation, whichever applicable)

  • Cautioned statement(s)

  • Charge sheet(s)

  • Latest court mention slip

  • Any other document from the court, or medical reports where applicable

Financial documents

  • Latest bank statement(s) or bank account passbook(s)

    • (Please provide bank statement(s) from the most recent calendar month, with your full name and bank account number clearly reflected. For bank passbook(s), please provide the first page bearing the account holder's name and account number, and the last updated page. Transactions from the most recent month before the application date must be clearly reflected)

  • Payslips for the last 12 months (if employed without CPF contributions)

  • Any other supporting documents to show employment and income (if self-employed)

  • Latest Central Depository (CDP) account statement (if relevant)

  • Updated/Latest statements of investment products (such as fixed deposits, unit trusts, Singapore Saving Bonds and other investment products)

  • Identity card (if applying in-person at MinLaw Services Centre or State Courts HELP Centre)

Cannot find your charge sheet?

Submitting a copy of your charge sheet is mandatory. If you do not have a copy of your charge sheet or other court documents, you can refer to the guide on how to download from ICMS (click here (opens in new tab))