Notarial Signature Verification — certifying a signature before a notary
Certifying a signature on a document before a certified notary, under the Notaries Law and the Notaries Regulations.
Quick answer
Notarial signature verification is an act in which the notary certifies that a person signed a document before him, after identifying them, verifying that they understood the document's content and that they signed of their own free will. The certificate is prepared on the mandatory form under the Notaries Regulations. The signatory must appear before the notary with an original ID.
What does this service do?
Notarial signature verification is one of the most common acts a notary performs in Israel. The notary certifies that the signatory appeared before him, was identified by means of an original ID, declared that they understood the document's content, and signed it of their own free will. The notarial certificate is prepared on the mandatory form under the Second Schedule to the Notaries Regulations, and includes the signatory's details, type and number of ID, date, and the notary's signature. Signature verification is required for many documents: powers of attorney, declarations, bank documents, documents abroad, authority documents and more.
Who is it for?
Notarial signature verification is required for individuals and businesses signing documents requiring notarial certification — including documents for banks, government authorities, embassies, institutions abroad, declarations, powers of attorney and various legal documents.
When is it needed?
When a receiving party (bank, authority, embassy, institution abroad) requires notarial certification of your signature on a document. The requirement may arise from law, regulation, or the receiving party's procedures.
What does the notary check?
The notary verifies: (1) the signatory's identity using a valid original ID; (2) the signatory's capacity — that they are not a minor or a person unable to understand the document's meaning; (3) understanding of the document — the signatory declares they understood its content; (4) free will — the signature is voluntary, without coercion; (5) document integrity — there are no unapproved deletions or corrections.
Required documents
- Valid original ID (ID card or Israeli passport) of the signatory
- The original document to be signed — not a copy
- When signing for a company — company documents and authorization
- When signing for a minor — both parents' IDs and birth certificate
- The number of copies required (recommended to bring an additional copy for the notary's file)
How does the process work?
Scheduling an appointment with the notary — the document may be sent in advance for review.
Arriving at the appointment with an original ID and the original document.
The notary identifies the signatory and checks their capacity.
The signatory declares they understood the document's content and signs before the notary.
The notary prepares the notarial certificate on the mandatory form and signs it.
The signatory receives the certified document.
How much does it cost?
The notarial fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. The fee depends on the type of act, number of signatories, number of copies and more. For an accurate price estimate, send the document for review.
Full fee scheduleLegal notes
The act is performed under section 11 of the Notaries Law, 1976, which requires identifying the signatory, checking capacity and ascertaining free will. 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. Signature verification cannot be performed remotely — the signatory must appear before the notary.
Can it be prepared in advance?
The document may be sent in advance for review (a photo by WhatsApp or email) to receive guidance before arriving and shorten handling. However, the signature itself must be made before the notary. In suitable cases, an electronic notarial certificate may be issued with an approved electronic notarial signature — subject to the law, regulations, identification, appearance and signature required by law.
Common mistakes
Arriving without an original ID — a signature cannot be verified without identification.
Signing the document before arriving at the notary — the signature must be made before him.
Bringing a copy instead of the original — the notary must see the original document.
A document with unapproved deletions or corrections — may invalidate the certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Can a signature be verified by Zoom?
No. Section 11 of the Notaries Law requires the signatory to appear before the notary, be identified and sign before him. The document may be sent in advance for review, but the signature itself must be made in the notary's presence.
Do I need to bring an ID?
Yes, mandatory. The notary identifies the signatory using a valid original ID. Without identification, the act cannot be performed.
Can a signature be verified on a document in a foreign language?
Yes, provided the signatory declares they understood the document's content. In some cases the notary may require a translation or explanation.
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.