Notary public

The notary institution in Israel is regulated by the Notaries Law of 1976 (חוק הנוטריונים, התשל"ו-1976). Unlike many countries, in Israel notary is not a separate profession but an advocate who, after at least ten years of advocacy practice and passing exams, receives authorisation from the Ministry of Justice to perform notarial acts: certifying signatures, notarised translation, certifying copies, drafting and certifying powers of attorney, affidavits, and other notarial acts. A notarial document carries special evidentiary weight and is accepted by government authorities in Israel and abroad.

How a notary differs from an advocate. An advocate (עורך דין) is licensed by the Israel Bar Association and may draft documents, advise and represent clients in court. A notary is an advocate with at least ten years of practice who holds a separate Ministry of Justice licence and may certify signatures, translations, copies and affidavits for use in Israel and abroad. Alla Flat holds both licences: advocate 49324 and notary 224143.