Contracts, court documents, vital records, and notarial acts – all may need notarization. The notarization process is usually straightforward, but across borders, things become more complicated. However, notarizing your document in Israel is still very possible. Learn how a public notary in Israel can help.
Why can’t I just ask an American notary to notarize my document as normal?
Notary services are state-specific. A notary is qualified to work in their state alone. Even the most experienced notary in the country would not be allowed to practice outside of their state’s borders.
This has led some people to fly into the US to notarize their documents. The issue with this is that it’s costly and not time-efficient. Not everybody can, or wants to, take time off work or spend a lot of money to solve a bureaucratic issue.
How about the Embassy?
The traditional solution to notarization abroad is to go to the relevant embassy. The American Embassy does indeed offer notary services. However, most Americans who have experienced the Embassy will know that it is hardly an easy process to get an appointment without waiting a long time – sometimes several months.
As many things requiring notarization are time-sensitive, it’s understandable that people seek an alternative solution.
How else can I have a document notarized in Israel?
Consult an Israeli notary who has experience in validating documents for foreign use.
While non-US notaries can’t technically notarize documents for the United States, they can sign them off and stamp them with an apostille – a process which is equivalent to US notarization and which is recognized by the American government and legal system.
Israeli notaries are also lawyers with many years’ experience. As such, they are highly knowledgeable about the local legal system. For ease of mind, and to catch out any potential complications, seek out a notary who has a lot of experience with notarizing documents for the US.
Is notarization all I will need?
It is possible you may also require additional services, such as an official translation or an extra certificate of some kind. Consult with your notary about this.
How much will the process cost me?
The cost will differ on what exactly you need doing, but all pricing is regulated by the Ministry of Justice. This means you will not pay more than the fixed fee visible on the Ministry’s website
