Notarization and Document Verification
Israeli Missions Around The World Chicago Consular Services Notarization and Document Verification

Notarization & Document Verification

  • 1/3/2023
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    NOTORIZATION
     
    A notary approval can only be issued on a document in which the signer can read and understand the content in a fluent manner.
    Notary approval will not be given in a language that the signer does not understand in a fluent manner.
    In case the signer does not understand the language of the document in a fluent manner, they should provide a translation by an authorized translator and a notary approval (apostille).
     
    1. General:
    The authority of a diplomatic and consular representative to utilize notarial powers abroad derives from Section 50 (A) of the Notaries Law, 5736 - 1976. Under this law, such an action performed by the representative by virtue of these powers is equivalent to the act of a notary.
    Notarization must be performed in the physical presence of the diplomatic/consular representative.
    Israeli missions abroad are not authorized to prepare or edit legal documents.
     
     
    2. Notarizations provided by the mission:
    The notarizations provided by the mission under the law and its provisions:
    • Verification of signatures
    • Life certificates
    • Certification of the accuracy of a document copy
    • Taking and certifying affidavits
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    The diplomatic/consular representative will not notarize documents in the following circumstances:
    • The act is not performed freely and willingly.
    • The act contravenes the laws of the country in which the mission is serving.
    • The document is fraudulent and/or violates the law.
    • The document is incomplete or defective.
    •  If the representative or the signatory does not know the language of the document, the translation will be implemented

              under special conditions that are specified in the relevant legislation.

     
    Comment:
    The diplomatic/consular representative may exercise discretion regarding each notarization and he may refuse to notarize a document if he is not convinced that all the legal requirements have been met.
     
     
    3. Original documents and copies:
    The mission is authorized to confirm that a particular document is a certified copy of another document, subject to internal guidelines. If it is necessary to verify the copies of original documents, the mission's Consular Department will photocopy the original document in order to ascertain that the copy is identical to the original and will then issue the certification. Photocopies of documents that were not made by the mission's Consular Department will not be accepted.
    There is a charge for photocopying documents. For the cost per photocopied page, see the table of fees in section 1-56, subsection 2 (click here to open the table of fees). The service will be given only if the copies required by the Israeli authorities.
     
     
    4. Identification of the person requesting the service:
    The representative will identify the citizen by means of his passport, identity card, or other public document bearing a picture of the citizen, which is satisfactory to the diplomatic/consular representative.
    Identification for the purpose of signing a document to be used in a real estate transaction will be performed solely by means of an identity card or a passport. Israeli Citizen must present an Israeli ID.

    Comment: The diplomatic representative has no authority to carry out notarizations regarding minors without prior authorization from the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.
     
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    Notary services:
    Notary service will be given by appointment only between
    Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am-11:30pm
     
    1. The Consulate notarizes documents for Israeli authorities only.
    2. The consulate can only notarize documents that the person who signs in front of the consul is familiar with the written language and can fully understand and read what is written in the documents.
    3. In case the documents are written in a language that you cannot read, formal (professional) translation is required (notarized). The consulate does not provide translation services.
    4. You need to be identified with an valid ID card, the same identification number that is used in the document, Israeli citizens need to identified with an Israeli document (passport/ID card/driver’s license)
    * An Israeli ID card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
    5. The Consulate does not notarize US official certificates.
    6.  For payment methods, please see the "Payment Methods" page. (Paid to: “Consulate General of Israel”). No AMEX. No personal checks.​​
    7. The documents should be be organized and ready to sign (do not sign before you arrive at the consulate!). The Consulate does not provide any legal advice regarding the content of the documents!
     A document stating that an explanation is required by an attorney will not be signed by the consul!!!
     with appointment only !
     
    If for some reason you cannot arrive to the consulate, because of circumstances or distance, you can sign the documents in front of a local notary public.
    The documents along with the notarization will be taken by you to the secretary of state, there you will verify the document with an Apostille seal (in the same state it was signed)
    For your attention - you should check with the contact person in Israel, whether they will accept the document if signed in this way, sometimes it is obligatory to sign the forms at the consulate.
     
     

    Proof of life (for Bituach Leumi, Misrad Habitachon, etc)
    To receive a life certificate you are required to arrive to the consulate, but you should do so without setting an appointment beforehand!
    For a Life certificate ("Proof of Life") only, you will be welcomed without a pre-set appointment. 
    *Please make sure to arrive only during the consulate's operating hours and days (9:30-12:30, Monday to Friday, excluding Israeli and American holidays.

    The applicant must show Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID )/ Israeli passport only.
    If you have the letter from the Bituach Leumi, Misrad Habitachon, etc, bring it with you to the consulate.
    If you have the letter- the service will be without fee.
    If you do not have the letter, you will pay for a notary service as required.
     
    If for some reason you cannot arrive to the consulate, because of circumstances of distance,
    You can sign the documents in front of a local notary public.
    The documents along with the notarize, will be taken by you to the secretary of state and verify the document with Apostille seal (in the same stated it was signed)
    The document will be sent independently by you.

     

     Please contact the following Secretary of State in the following states (For an apostille seal)

    1. Illinois- Chicago - 312-814-2067
    2. Indiana- Indianapolis - 317-232-6542
    3. Iowa- Des Moines - 515-281-5204
    4. Kansas- Topeka - 785-296-4564
    5. Michigan- Lansing - 517-373-2531
    6. Minnesota- St. Paul - 651-296-2803
    7. Wisconsin- Madison - 608-266-5503
    8. Missouri- St. Louis - 314-340-7490
    9. Nebraska- Lincoln - 402-471-2558
    10. North Dakota- Bismarck - 701-328-2900
    11. South Dakota- Pierre - 605-773-5004
     

     VerificAtion by means other than apostille
    Verification of a document in a country that is not a signatory to the Hague Convention should be implemented as follows:After the document is verified by the competent authority in the foreign country (usually the Foreign Ministry or Ministry of Justice), the Israeli consular representative verifies the signature of the competent authority.
     
     

  • Notarization

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  • Public Document Verification (Apostille)