Need a document notarized for use in the United States? You’ll know that this can be a complicated process, especially if you’re abroad. To learn how you can overcome it using experienced notaries such as Rachel Schachar Notary Public in Israel.
Are there American notaries in Israel?
By definition, American notaries can only practice in the state they are qualified to work in. Because of this, even licensed notaries are not helpful to those needing to notarize documents abroad. Therefore, no, there are no American notaries in Israel.
Traditionally, those needing to notarize a contract or document related to the United States need to make an appointment with the U.S Embassy. However, Israel’s American Embassy is often busy, meaning that there are long waiting times. In some cases, this is merely an inconvenience – in others, the wait time is so long that it actually takes longer than the contract deadline.
Thankfully, the USA and Israel are both party to the Hague Apostille Convention, an agreement between countries that allows local notaries to verify documents for other nations, provided that they are granted an apostille of authentication.
This means that local notaries can notarize your document or contract, which will then be sent over to the notary of the Ministry of Justice to authorize for American use.
About the process
Israeli notaries are highly qualified. Unlike U.S notaries, they are also qualified lawyers, and are required to have ten years or more of legal experience, alongside having passed a course on notarization with the Ministry of Justice.
However, it is best to go to a notary who is familiar with and has experience in the American authorization process. A notary like Schacher, who maintains contact with U.S title companies, knows the process well, and has the benefit of understanding the precise instructions for sending the documents over.
The process is done a lot more quickly than through the Embassy. It may vary according to your specific needs – such as whether you might require a translation – but if urgent, it can be done in just a few hours.
Pricing is fixed according to Ministry of Justice regulations. Other services, like translation or additional certification, may not be included in the initial, fixed price.
