Notarial affidavit
A notarial affidavit is a written declaration signed before a notary, after the notary has identified the declarant and warned him or her to tell the truth. It is needed mainly when the affidavit is for a body abroad, or when a body in Israel expressly requires a notary. The fee is set by regulations: NIS 200 for the first declarant and NIS 80 for each additional one, before VAT.
What is a notarial affidavit?
An affidavit is a written declaration given in place of sworn testimony, and the notary certifies that it was made before him.
The notary identifies the declarant by an identity document, explains the meaning of the declaration and the criminal liability for a false one, and certifies the affidavit with his signature and seal. Receiving and certifying an affidavit is one of the acts a notary is authorised to perform under section 7 of the Notaries Law.
When do you need a notary and not a lawyer?
When the affidavit is for use abroad or at a foreign mission, or when the receiving body requires a notary.
- For use abroad: a court, authority, bank or university in another country. An apostille on the notary's signature is usually required as well.
- For a foreign mission in Israel, such as an embassy or consulate.
- When a body in Israel expressly requires it in its form or procedure.
For most proceedings in Israel, an affidavit verified by a lawyer is enough. See notary or lawyer. Before ordering a notarial affidavit, check with the receiving body exactly what it requires.
How is it done?
- The text. Bring the wording the receiving body requires. If there is none, the office drafts it from the details you provide.
- Come to the office with an identity document. The declarant signs in person, before the notary.
- Explanation and warning. The notary makes sure the declarant understands the content and warns him or her to tell the truth.
- Signature and certificate. The declarant signs, and the notary attaches the notarial certificate.
The affidavit can be drawn up in English, or a certified translation can be attached at the same sitting. The office translates between Hebrew and English.
How much does it cost?
NIS 200 for the first declarant and NIS 80 for each additional one, before VAT, under the 2026 tariff.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Receiving and certifying an affidavit, first declarant | NIS 200 |
| Each additional declarant | NIS 80 |
| Each additional certificate for the same affidavit, at the same sitting | NIS 77 |
If the notary also translates the affidavit, half of the translation-certificate fee is added. The fee is set by regulations and is the same at every notary. For an exact calculation including VAT, see the fee table and calculator.
What to bring
- A valid identity card or passport for each declarant.
- The text of the affidavit, or the receiving body's requirement.
- Documents the affidavit refers to, if any.
- If signing on behalf of a company: documents showing the signer's authority.
A full list by service is on the what to bring to a notary page.
Sources
- Notaries Law, 5736-1976: section 7 (powers of a notary) (Hebrew)
- Notaries (Fees for Services) Regulations, 5739-1978, at the 2026 tariff
Checked on 11 November 2026.
More on this topic: Signature certification | Apostille | Notarial translation | Notary fees | Certified true copy
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a notarial affidavit and one before a lawyer?
In both, the declarant is warned and signs before the professional. A notarial affidavit is needed when the document is for use abroad or at a foreign mission, or when the receiving body requires a notary. For most proceedings in Israel a lawyer's verification is enough.
Can it be signed remotely?
No. The declarant signs in person before the notary, after identification against an identity document.
Is an apostille needed?
When the affidavit is for a country that is party to the Hague Convention, an apostille on the notary's signature is usually required. The office handles this too.
Can the office draft the affidavit?
Yes. If the receiving body has no binding wording, the office prepares the affidavit from the details you provide.
Not sure which certificate you need? Let's start with a conversation
Tell us which authority the document is intended for and for what purpose, and we will tell you exactly which notarial certificate you need, whether an apostille is required and in what order, and how much it will cost under the regulations.