Notary Services

A notary in Israel is a licensed lawyer who has been granted additional authority by the Ministry of Justice to perform specific legal acts that require a heightened level of authentication and formality. Unlike in some other legal systems where notaries operate as a separate profession, Israeli notaries are practicing attorneys who have met additional qualification requirements, including years of experience and specialized examinations. This dual role means that an Israeli notary brings both legal expertise and notarial authority to every engagement. The acts performed by a notary carry a presumption of validity and are recognized by courts, government agencies, and foreign authorities. Our law firm in Tel Aviv provides comprehensive notary services, combining legal counsel with notarial certification to ensure that documents are not only properly authenticated but also legally sound and fit for their intended purpose.

The range of services provided by a notary in Israel is extensive and covers both domestic and international needs. Core notarial acts include the authentication of signatures on documents, the verification of affidavits and statutory declarations, the certification of copies as true copies of original documents, and the preparation and certification of notarized powers of attorney. Notaries also verify translations of documents, confirming that a translated text accurately reflects the content of the original. For documents intended for use abroad, an Apostille certification — issued in accordance with the Hague Convention — may be required to authenticate the document for recognition in foreign countries. Our law firm in Tel Aviv handles all of these services efficiently and professionally, ensuring that each document meets the applicable legal and formal requirements.

There are many situations in which the services of a notary are required or strongly recommended. Any document that must be presented to a foreign government, court, or institution will typically require notarial authentication and, in many cases, an Apostille. Real estate transactions, particularly those involving powers of attorney granted to third parties to act on behalf of the buyer or seller, require notarized documents. Corporate transactions, including the authentication of board resolutions and shareholder consents, may also require notarial certification. Individuals preparing a Continuing Power of Attorney or executing certain types of wills may need notarial involvement. Immigration applications, academic credential verifications, and commercial agreements with international counterparties are further examples of contexts in which notary services are essential. As a lawyer in Tel Aviv offering notary services, Adv. Even ensures that clients receive both the notarial certification and the legal guidance they need.

While every notary in Israel is a lawyer, not every lawyer is a notary, and the distinction matters. A regular lawyer can draft documents, provide legal advice, and represent clients in court, but cannot perform notarial acts such as authenticating signatures, verifying affidavits under notarial authority, or issuing notarized certifications. A notary's certification carries a statutory presumption of authenticity that a lawyer's signature alone does not. This distinction is particularly important for documents intended for use abroad, where foreign authorities may require notarial authentication as a condition of acceptance. Engaging a notary who is also an experienced lawyer — as is the case at our law firm in Tel Aviv — provides the added benefit of receiving legal advice alongside notarial services. This means that the notary can review the substance of a document, identify potential legal issues, and ensure that the client's interests are protected, rather than simply certifying a signature without regard to the document's content or implications.