Digital Notary in Israel — what can actually be done electronically?
The office provides notarial service including electronic notarial certificates, electronic notarial signature and digital apostille — subject to the law, regulations and the identification and appearance requirements applicable to every act.
Quick answer
An electronic notarial certificate may be prepared and verified with a digital apostille through the Ministry of Justice system. However, the notarial act itself — signing, identification, capacity check — requires the signatory to appear before the notary by law. Sending documents in advance for review significantly shortens handling.
What can be done?
Electronic notarial certificate — preparing a notarial certificate with an approved electronic notarial signature, through the Ministry of Justice system.
Digital apostille — verifying an electronic notarial certificate with a digital apostille via the Ministry of Justice system.
Sending a document for preliminary review — the client may send a document photo by WhatsApp or email to receive guidance before arriving.
Advance coordination — full information on required documents, costs and process can be obtained in advance.
Issuing certificates in digital forms — according to the 14 notarial form templates in the office system.
What cannot be done?
No notarial act may be performed remotely by Zoom without meeting the law's requirements — section 11 of the Notaries Law requires the signatory to appear before the notary, be identified and sign before him.
Not every document can be certified electronically — each case must be checked against the law's requirements and the receiving party.
An electronic notarial certificate is valid only after an approved electronic notarial signature through the dedicated system.
The correct and lawful process
The client sends a document photo in advance for review (WhatsApp, email or the website form).
The notary reviews the document and returns guidance: what to bring, whether a translation or apostille is needed.
The client arrives with all documents. The notary identifies, checks capacity, understanding and free will.
The notarial certificate is prepared — where appropriate, with an approved electronic notarial signature.
If needed — verification with a digital apostille through the Ministry of Justice system.
The client receives a valid, signed and verified notarial certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What is an electronic notarial certificate?
A notarial certificate prepared and signed with an approved electronic notarial signature, through the Ministry of Justice digital service system. The certificate is valid and recognized as a notarial certificate in every respect.
What is a digital apostille?
A digital apostille is electronic verification of an electronic notarial certificate, done through the Ministry of Justice system. It enables fast verification of documents for use in Hague Convention countries.
Can a notary act be done by Zoom?
Section 11 of the Notaries Law requires the signatory to appear before the notary, be identified and sign before him. Therefore the notarial act itself requires physical presence. However, documents may be sent in advance for review to shorten handling.
What can the client send in advance?
A document photo, translation, identification details and questions may be sent — all of these allow advance preparation and shorten handling on the day of the appointment, without compromising legal requirements.
When is appearance before the notary still required?
In every act that requires signing before the notary — signature verification, power of attorney, affidavit, will and more. The notary must identify the signatory, verify understanding and free will, and confirm that the signature was made before him.
Questions about digital certificates?
Send an inquiry and we will explain exactly what can be done for you
Adv. & Notary Zion Bahalul
Israeli Certified Notary
An attorney and notary providing professional notarial services in Hebrew, English and Spanish. Specializing in notarial certifications, powers of attorney, translations, apostille and international documents.
The information on this site is general and does not constitute individual legal advice, nor does it replace a professional review. Every notarial act is performed subject to the Notaries Law, 1976, the Notaries Regulations, 1977, and the identification, appearance and signature requirements applicable to each act.