Lawyers
Electronic Notarized Certificates and Digital Apostille Verification
e-Notary & e-Apostille Services
In 2021, the State of Israel took a significant step forward by joining the era of digital transformation in the notarial field. New regulations now allow notaries to issue electronic notarized certificates and verify them with a digital apostille, streamlining what was once an entirely paper-based process.
But what exactly is a digital notary certificate, and how might it benefit you? Attorney and Notary Igal Mor explains the process, its advantages, and what you need to know.
By Igal Mor, Adv. & Notary
Accuracy in Legal Advice. Excellence in legal support.
What Is a Notary and What Is Their Role?
Before exploring the details of electronic notary certificates and digital apostille verification, it is important to understand the role of a notary public in Israel. A notary is a licensed attorney who has met additional qualifications set by the Notary Law, granting them the authority to perform official acts of authentication and certification.
Below are some of the central powers granted to notaries in Israel under the law:
Verification of financial agreements; verification of signatures on powers of attorney; certification of document copies; certification of translated documents; attestation of wills; and other acts as defined by law.
Traditional Signature Verification Before a Notary Public
For many years, the traditional red notary seal was a familiar sight on official documents. The conventional process required the signatory to appear in person before the notary, present valid identification, and sign the document in the notary’s presence. The notary would then affix their official seal and stamp to complete the certification.
The introduction of digital notarization now allows signature verification and document approval to be completed electronically, offering a modern alternative to the traditional process.
Efficient and Secure Service
The Digital Transformation in Notarial Services
As outlined above, the role of a notary in Israel encompasses a wide range of powers, all centered on the approval and authentication of official documents. These documents often serve critical purposes in legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and international matters.
It should be noted that Israeli law does not permit notarial verification through video conferencing alone. The signatory must still appear in person before the notary for identity verification. However, the output of the process — the notarized certificate itself — can now be issued in digital format.
Until February 2021, notarizing documents involved the physical stamping and sealing of paper documents. The new regulations introduced the option of issuing notarial certificates in electronic format, signed with the notary’s secure digital signature.
Digital Signature Verification — How Does It Work?
Although physical notarization remains a valid option for anyone who prefers it, the regulations now also allow notaries to issue electronic notarized certificates. The digital certificate carries the same legal weight as its paper counterpart and is signed using the notary’s certified digital signature, ensuring both authenticity and security.
Traditional or Digital Verification — Which Should You Choose?
Today, two main options are available: traditional signature verification at the notary’s office with a physical seal, and digital verification resulting in an electronic notarized certificate. The choice depends on your specific needs and the requirements of the receiving party.
For those unfamiliar with digital signature methods, the traditional option may feel more comfortable. However, digital notarization offers significant advantages in speed and convenience, particularly when documents need to be transmitted electronically or used internationally.
e-Apostille — Digital Apostille Certification
The digital transformation in the notarial field did not stop at electronic notary certificates. The Ministry of Justice also introduced the e-Apostille — a digital version of the apostille certification used to authenticate documents for international use under the Hague Convention. This allows Israeli notarized documents to be recognized abroad through a fully digital process.
Costs
In accordance with Ministry of Justice guidelines, the cost of a digital notary certificate is the same as a traditional paper certificate. The fees are regulated under the Notary Regulations and are not subject to market pricing, ensuring consistent and transparent costs for all clients.
A Look Ahead
Digital notary certificates and digital apostille certifications represent the first step in a broader digital revolution in the notarial field. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations that will make document authentication even more accessible and efficient.
In the meantime, the digital document verification process — both e-Notary and e-Apostille — offers a welcome improvement, facilitating the transfer of electronic documents and enabling faster, more efficient service for the public.
Contact Us
Need the services of a qualified attorney and notary? For legal advice on document notarization, e-Notary certificates, or e-Apostille services, contact us by phone at 02-595-3322 or WhatsApp at 050-811-6181.