Attorney and Notary Rachel Rachel Shahar

Notary Services for Marriage Certificates and Apostille Stamps

In Israel, the Ministry of Religious Services is authorized to issue a copy of a marriage certificate. Obtaining a copy of a marriage certificate in Israel is relatively simple, although it may take some time to navigate the bureaucracy.

It is important to disclose from the outset: our law and notary office aims to ease and save the time of busy individuals who prefer not to deal with the headaches of bureaucracy and the completion of the required forms. Our office can save you precious time by serving as a one-stop shop that provides comprehensive services. We offer authentic copies of marriage certificates, apostille stamps from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and certified translations of marriage certificates into 88 different languages. These services are essential for obtaining foreign passports, acquiring citizenship in other countries, and receiving compensation and restitution from foreign countries around the globe.

Privacy Protection Law: Who is Entitled to a Copy of the Marriage Certificate in Israel?

The right to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate is derived from a broad definition of “family member.” This includes parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, and siblings of one of the registered spouses on the marriage certificate. The Privacy Protection Law, 1981, Section 13(a), states that every person is entitled to examine the information held about them, either personally or through an authorized representative or guardian.

Fees and Payments

As of 2025, the minimum fee for obtaining a copy of a marriage certificate is 66 NIS. This payment is made according to the regulations for Jewish religious services (Service Fees) established in 2013.

The Process for Requesting a Copy of a Marriage Certificate

1. Request for a Living Person
   • When the requester for a copy of the marriage certificate is one of the spouses, identification through an identity card must be confirmed. In cases where the requester is an authorized representative of one of the spouses, a written power of attorney approved by a lawyer must be presented. It is crucial that the power of attorney specifies the authority to receive the copy and that identification is verified through an identity card.
2. Request for a Guardian
   • If the individual requesting is a guardian of one of the spouses, a valid court appointment order for the guardian must be provided, and identification must be verified through an identity card.
3. Request for a Deceased Person
   • When requesting a copy of a marriage certificate for a deceased person, the requester must present a death certificate for one of the spouses, along with documents proving that the requester is a family member of the deceased. Acceptable documents may include a birth certificate, population registry excerpt, or an identity card with a supplement indicating the family relationship.
4. Declaration for Obtaining a Copy of the Marriage Certificate
   • In cases where a request for a copy is made for another family member, the requester is required to fill out a declaration affirming that the intended use of the copy will only be for the stated purpose. The declaration must be signed by the requester.
5. Request by Authorized Representative of a Deceased Family Member
   • In this case, a written power of attorney approved by a lawyer or notary must be presented, along with documentation proving the family relationship. The required documents may also include a death certificate and additional documents proving family ties.

What Our Office Offers

The process of obtaining a copy of a marriage certificate in our office is designed to be easy, accessible, and organized, ensuring that citizens can obtain the necessary information quickly and efficiently. The importance of the information and the processes we offer guarantees not only that you can acquire the needed information but also that the privacy and dignity of the spouses are maintained throughout the process.

We hope that the guidelines we have prepared for you provide not only a legal framework but also serve as a practical experience, allowing all parties involved in the process to navigate the associated bureaucracy without difficulty. As providers of legal services for obtaining copies of marriage certificates, it is important to know not only the process but also the implications of the information available to the public and, in particular, to family members when needed.

In Summary

Obtaining a copy of a marriage certificate is not a complex process. With the professional and organized services provided by our office, every individual can feel assured about their rights and manage their affairs fairly while maintaining their privacy.

Contact Us for an Apostille for Marriage Certificates

The Marriage Department at the Ministry of Religious Services is responsible for certifying marriage certificates for foreign countries and embassies for one of the spouses wishing to obtain additional citizenship.

Office Hours for Receiving Public and Certifying Marriage Certificates There are two options for certifying marriage certificates: immediate certification and certification via mail. The service of certifying a marriage certificate for an apostille does not incur a fee.