Apostille — authenticating documents for international use
Apostille under the Hague Convention (1961) — authenticating notarial documents for use abroad.
Quick answer
An apostille is a certificate authenticating the authority of the notary who issued the document, for use of the document in countries party to the Hague Convention (1961). The apostille does not authenticate the document's content, but the authority of the notary who signed it. In Israel, notaries may issue an apostille on notarial certificates they themselves issued.
What does this service do?
An apostille is an international mechanism for authenticating documents, based on the 1961 Hague Convention. Countries party to the convention recognize an apostille as sufficient certification of the document's validity, without further verification by the embassy. In Israel, notaries may issue an apostille on notarial documents they themselves issued (such as signature verification, certified translation, certified copy). For non-notarial documents (such as judgments, official certificates), the apostille is issued by the courts or the authorized authorities. The apostille authenticates the notary's/authority's authority, not the document's content itself.
Who is it for?
People and businesses presenting notarial documents in countries party to the Hague Convention — including the USA, Spain, the UK, Canada and more.
When is it needed?
When a receiving party in a foreign country (a Hague Convention member) requires an apostille on an Israeli notarial document.
What does the notary check?
The notary issues an apostille on documents he himself certified. Before the apostille, the notary has already performed the notarial act (signature verification, translation, copy, etc.) according to the law's full requirements.
Required documents
- The original notarial document the notary issued (signature verification, translation, copy, etc.)
- Destination country details
- The number of copies required
How does the process work?
Performing the required notarial act (signature verification, translation, etc.).
Requesting an apostille on the notarial document.
The notary issues the apostille.
The client receives the document with the apostille.
How much does it cost?
The notarial fee for issuing an apostille is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. For a price estimate, contact the office.
Full fee scheduleLegal notes
The apostille is issued under the 1961 Hague Convention, to which Israel is a party. The notary's authority to issue an apostille is set in the Notaries Law, 1976, and the Notaries Regulations. The fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978.
Can it be prepared in advance?
In suitable cases, a digital apostille may be issued on an electronic notarial certificate, through the Ministry of Justice system — subject to the law, regulations, identification, appearance and signature required by law.
Common mistakes
Requesting an apostille without first performing the notarial act.
Not checking whether the destination country is a Hague Convention member — if not, embassy verification may be required.
Requesting an apostille on a non-notarial document — for official documents the apostille is issued by the court or the authorized authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an apostille and notarial signature verification?
Signature verification is a notarial act certifying a signature. An apostille is a certificate of the authority of the notary who issued the document, enabling its use abroad.
Does every country accept an apostille?
Only countries party to the Hague Convention (1961). If the destination country is not a member, further verification by the embassy may be required.
Can the notary issue an apostille on any document?
The notary issues an apostille on documents he himself certified. For official documents (judgments, certificates) the apostille is issued by the court or the authorized authority.
Related services
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.