Israel accepts apostilles, and the document requirements for aliyah, marriage registration and status matters are more particular than most — the Ministry of Interior and the rabbinate ask for specific records in specific forms, and a document that satisfies one will not always satisfy the other.
Israel accepts apostilles
Israel is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, so a New York apostille is accepted without consular legalization. Documents are presented to the Ministry of Interior, the rabbinate, a university or an employer depending on the purpose.
What New York sends
Aliyah files need birth certificate records, marriage certificate and divorce record records where applicable, and a DCJS background check certificate. Marriage registration and status matters need vital records and, frequently, notarized declarations — which in New York means the County Clerk step before the apostille.
Study and work need transcript or diploma records. Property and inheritance matters handled from New York run on an apostilled power of attorney naming an Israeli lawyer.
Ask which authority will receive the document before you order anything. The Ministry of Interior, the rabbinate and the courts do not apply identical standards, and a record accepted by one has been refused by another often enough that confirming first is worth the phone call.
Translation
A Hebrew translation is commonly required, and Israeli authorities frequently expect it to be certified by an Israeli notary — which means the translation is arranged in Israel, after the apostille, rather than in New York. Confirm with the receiving authority before commissioning a translation here.
New York routing
The usual New York rules apply: state-issued vital records go directly to the Department of State, county-issued ones need that County Clerk first, New York City birth and death records need a Letter of Exemplification ordered with the certified copy, and notarized declarations need County Clerk certification keyed to the notary’s county.
How we handle it
- Tell us the document and what the consulate or receiving authority asked for. We identify the certification chain before anything is ordered.
- We obtain certified copies where needed, arrange notarization, and confirm which County Clerk the document has to pass through.
- We file at the New York Department of State counter in person rather than posting it into the queue.
- Certified translation runs in parallel, to the standard the destination actually accepts.
- The finished set is couriered to you, or directly to your lawyer or representative abroad.
Does Israel accept a New York apostille?
Yes. Israel is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, so a New York apostille is accepted without consular legalization.
Who should translate documents into Hebrew?
Israeli authorities frequently expect a translation certified by an Israeli notary, which means arranging it in Israel after the apostille. Confirm with the receiving authority before commissioning one here.
Will the same document work for the Ministry of Interior and the rabbinate?
Not always. They apply different standards, so establish which authority will receive the document before ordering records.
What does an aliyah file typically need?
Birth records, marriage and divorce records where applicable, and a police certificate — each apostilled. Requirements vary by case, so confirm your list with the receiving body.
How is a notarized declaration handled in New York?
It needs certification by the County Clerk of the county where the notary is certified, before the Department of State will issue the apostille.
New York documents, filed at the counter
Tell us the document and the destination country. We confirm the certification chain before anything is filed, quote the exact total, and present it in person.
Start an order Ask a question firstCall (760) 469-2997 or email submissions@federalapostille.org.
