Notarial Power of Attorney — certifying a power of attorney before a notary
Notarial certification of a power of attorney, under the Notaries Law and the Notaries Regulations.
Quick answer
A notarial power of attorney is a document in which a person authorizes another to act on their behalf, with the signature on the document verified by a notary. The notary identifies the grantor, verifies that they understood the document's content and signed of their own free will. The grantor must appear before the notary with an original ID.
What does this service do?
A notarial power of attorney is a legal document in which a person (the grantor) gives authority to another (the agent) to act on their behalf in various matters. When notarial certification is required, the notary certifies the grantor's signature after identifying them, verifying that they understood the scope of the powers granted, and that they signed of their own free will. A notarial power of attorney is required for many matters: managing legal affairs, representation before authorities, conducting transactions, and especially — real estate transactions, mortgages and actions with banks.
Who is it for?
People wishing to authorize another to act on their behalf — including in real estate transactions, with banks, with authorities, in legal proceedings, or when they are abroad and cannot act themselves.
When is it needed?
When a receiving party (bank, authority, attorney, land registry) requires a notarially verified power of attorney. Also, when a person is abroad and needs someone to act on their behalf in Israel.
What does the notary check?
The notary verifies: the grantor's identity using an original ID; the grantor's capacity; understanding of the document — the grantor understands the scope of powers granted; free will; and document integrity.
Required documents
- Valid original ID of the grantor
- The original power of attorney document
- The agent's details (full name, ID number)
- For a real estate power of attorney — property details and plot number
- The number of copies required
How does the process work?
Preparing the power of attorney document (recommended to use an attorney to draft it).
Scheduling an appointment with the notary — a draft may be sent in advance for review.
Arriving with an original ID and the original document.
The notary identifies the grantor and verifies understanding and free will.
The grantor signs before the notary, and the notary prepares the certificate.
How much does it cost?
The notarial fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. The fee depends on the type of power of attorney and the number of copies. For a price estimate, send the document for review.
Full fee scheduleLegal notes
The act is performed under section 11 of the Notaries Law, 1976. The certificate is prepared on the mandatory form under the Second Schedule to the Notaries Regulations, 1977. The fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. The grantor must appear before the notary — this cannot be done remotely.
Can it be prepared in advance?
A draft power of attorney may be sent in advance for review. However, the signature itself must be made before the notary. In suitable cases an electronic notarial certificate may be issued — subject to the law, regulations, identification, appearance and signature required by law.
Common mistakes
Signing the power of attorney before arriving at the notary.
Arriving without the agent's details (full name and ID number).
For a real estate power of attorney — missing property details or an exact plot number.
Not bringing enough copies.
Frequently asked questions
Can a power of attorney be signed from abroad?
If the grantor is abroad, their signature must be verified before a notary in their country of residence, and then the document must be apostilled or verified at an Israeli embassy, as applicable.
Can the notary draft the power of attorney?
The notary verifies the signature. Drafting the power of attorney itself is recommended to be done by an attorney, to ensure the document is valid and covers the required powers.
Does the agent need to attend?
No. Only the grantor must appear before the notary. The agent's details should be brought with you.
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.