GETTING YOUR TEUDAT ZEHUT

Israeli ID Card - Complete Guide for New Olim

WHAT IS THE TEUDAT ZEHUT?

Teudat Zehut (Hebrew: זהות תעודת) is Israel's national identity card, an official state document that serves to identify Israeli citizens and residents. It contains your unique ID number and personal details, serving as the foundation of your legal and social status in Israel.

**Full Name: **Teudat Zehut

**Translation: **Identity Card/Certificate

**Issued By: **Ministry of Interior - Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim)

**Age Requirement: **Issued from age 16

**Validity: **Biometric version valid for 10 years

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

The Identity Card Carrying and Displaying Act of 1982 states: "Any resident sixteen years of age or older must at all times carry an Identity card, and present it upon demand to a senior police officer, head of Municipal or Regional Authority, or a policeman or member of the Armed forces on duty".

You CANNOT Function in Israel Without It:

The Teudat Zehut is essential for nearly every official interaction:

ï           ☐ Healthcare registration with Kupat Cholim

ï           ☐ Opening bank accounts

ï           ☐ Setting up utilities (electricity, water, internet)

ï           ☐ Registering for Ulpan

ï           ☐ Accessing Sal Klita benefits

ï           ☐ Voting in elections

ï           ☐ Signing rental agreements

ï           ☐ Employment documentation

ï           ☐ Driver's license conversion

ï           ☐ Registering children for school

ï           ☐ Getting Israeli passport/travel documents

ï           ☐ All government services

ï           ☐ Most private sector transactions

Your Teudat Zehut number will be required for nearly every bureaucratic process in Israel, so keep it accessible and secure.

THE TWO PARTS OF TEUDAT ZEHUT

The Teudat Zehut is made up of two parts:

1.  The Card (Plastic/Biometric)

Contains:

ï           Your photograph

ï           Full name (Hebrew)

ï           Date of birth

ï           **Teudat Zehut number **(9 digits - your most important number in Israel)

ï           Date of issue

ï           Expiration date

ï           Biometric chip (on new cards)

2.  The Sefach (Paper Addendum)

Blue leatherette case with Israel's coat of arms, containing paper insert with:

ï           Marital status

ï           Spouse's name and ID number (if married)

ï           Children's names and ID numbers (minors)

ï           Permanent residential address

ï           Citizenship status

ï           Additional personal information

**Important: **Text appears in Hebrew and Arabic (both state languages), but document is filled out only in Hebrew.

BIOMETRIC VS. NON-BIOMETRIC

What is Biometric?

The biometric Teudat Zehut contains an image of facial features and images of fingerprints of the ID holder. This database of identification is intended to prevent fraud and identity theft.

The smart documentation includes:

ï           Image of facial features

ï           Fingerprint images (both forefingers)

ï           Encrypted chip with biometric data

ï           Many overt and covert security measures that cannot be forged

Current Status:

ï           Since June 1, 2017, issuance of non-biometric identity cards has been cancelled

ï           Old non-biometric cards still valid until expiration, then must get biometric version

ï           All new Olim receive biometric Teudat Zehut

Can You Opt Out?

It's possible to opt out of providing biometric data, but this may require you to renew your Teudat Zehut more frequently. However, this is NOT recommended for new Olim as it complicates many processes.

TIMELINE FOR NEW OLIM

AT THE AIRPORT (Day 1)

Currently, new immigrants receive a temporary Teudat Zehut valid for 3 months at Ben Gurion Airport, along with a Teudat Oleh (immigration certificate for the whole family).

What You Get:

ï           Temporary paper Teudat Zehut

ï           Valid for 3 months only

ï           Can be used immediately for basic transactions

**Note: **As of May 2023, there were plans to issue ID cards directly at the airport through the Ministry of Aliyah branch, but implementation status varies. Currently, most Olim still receive temporary IDs and must visit Misrad Hapnim for biometric cards.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER ARRIVAL (Days 2-7)

**CRITICAL: **It is recommended that Olim book an appointment with the Population and Immigration Authority and apply for a biometric Teudat Zehut as soon as possible after making Aliyah.

Why the Rush?

ï           Appointment slots fill quickly

ï           Processing takes time

ï           You need it for everything

ï           Temporary card expires in 3 months

ï           Better to have permanent ID early

APPOINTMENT BOOKING

**IMPORTANT: **Olim can schedule an appointment EVERYWHERE in the country and not necessarily only at their local branch of the Population and Immigration Authority.

How to Book:

ï           **Online: **MyVisit system at https://myvisit.com

ï           Phone: *3450

ï           Must have Israeli cell phone number (they SMS appointment confirmation)

ï           **Special: **Someone with a Teudat Zehut number (Ezrach Oleh, Ktin Chozer, Returning Resident) can schedule online appointment from abroad pre-Aliyah

Scheduling Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/ scheduling-appointments-for-government-offices/

Without Appointment:

ï           Soldiers in uniform can be processed without appointment

ï           Most others need appointments

DOCUMENTS YOU MUST BRING

YOU MUST bring the following documents to the Population and Immigration Authority when applying for your Biometric Teudat Zehut:

Required Documents (MUST HAVE):

1.              Original birth certificate (with Apostille)

◦                    Must be original, not photocopy

◦                    Must have apostille or proper authentication

◦                    If not in Hebrew, may need certified translation

2.              Original marital status certificate, if relevant (with Apostille)

◦                    Marriage certificate (if married)

◦                    Divorce decree (if divorced)

◦                    Death certificate of spouse (if widowed)

◦                    All must have apostille

**3.              Original proof of Judaism **(the same document you brought to your Jewish Agency

interview)

◦                    Could be: ketubah, brit certificate, Jewish birth certificate, etc.

4.              All relevant background checks with apostilles

◦                    FBI background check (USA)

◦                    RCMP check (Canada)

◦                    Criminal record check from country of residence

◦                    **EXEMPTION: **Ezrachim Olim and Ktinin Chozrim are exempt from background checks

5.              Valid foreign passports

◦                    For all family members

◦                    Must be valid

**6.              Aliyah Visa **in your passport

**7.              Temporary Teudat Zehut **(received at airport)

Additional Items to Bring:

ï           Teudat Oleh

ï           Proof of address in Israel (if available)

ï           Any additional family documents

ï           Patience and time!

**CRITICAL: **Everyone who needs a Teudat Zehut must be physically present.

THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS - STEP BY STEP

Before You Go:

ï           Organize all documents in a folder

ï           Make photocopies of everything

ï           Arrive 15 minutes early

ï           Bring water and snacks (waits can be long)

ï           Bring book or entertainment

ï           Have Israeli phone number active for SMS

ï           Know your temporary Teudat Zehut number

At the Appointment:

Step 1: Document Review

ï           Official will review your documents and assist with necessary forms

ï           They check all originals against copies

ï           May ask clarifying questions

ï           Verify all information

Step 2: Biometric Data Collection

ï           Biometric photograph taken (no need to bring photos)

ï           Fingerprint scans taken

ï           Both forefingers scanned

ï           Process is quick, not invasive

Step 3: Application Completion

ï           Sign forms (all in Hebrew - ask for translation if needed)

ï           Confirm all details are correct

ï           Pay any fees (if applicable - generally no fee for first biometric card)

Step 4: Receive Temporary Documentation

ï           You will receive a temporary, paper Teudat Zehut valid for 3 months

ï           Application confirmation with instructions for tracking, delivery, and activating your biometric Teudat Zehut

ï           **CRITICAL: **Save the delivery code given to you!

Special Note About Verification:

**IMPORTANT: **The Israeli Ministry of Interior reserves the right to request additional documents confirming the applicant's right to aliyah. The Population Authority may send your file to main office of Ministry of Interior in Jerusalem for verification under the Law of Return, even if the consul previously approved your case and you hold an Aliyah visa.

This is rare but can happen. Don't panic - it's standard security procedure.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT - WAITING & DELIVERY

Processing Time:

**Official Timeline: **Your Teudat Zehut will be couriered to the home address listed for you in the Population and Immigration Authority files 7-10 business days after your appointment.

**Current Reality: **Due to delays, processing now takes 1 to 1.5 months (6+ weeks)

Factors Affecting Timeline:

ï           Volume of applications

ï           Holiday periods

ï           Verification requirements

ï           Address accuracy

Delivery Process:

Requirements:

ï           Must have Israeli cell phone number - Misrad Hapnim will confirm contact info via SMS

ï           You will need to give courier a code (provided at Misrad Hapnim meeting) for courier to deliver card

ï           Be home or have someone there to receive delivery

ï           Courier won't leave without confirmation

**CRITICAL: **Diligently check your text messages for message from Misrad Hapnim asking if you received your biometric Teudat Zehut. Following their directions, confirm receipt of your new ID card.

Tracking Your Application:

ï           Use application confirmation received at appointment

ï           Online tracking available through Misrad Hapnim portal

ï           Can call *3450 with reference number

ï           Check status regularly

Activation:

Misrad Hapnim offers ability to activate your biometric Teudat Zehut online as well as many other online services.

Activation Process:

ï           Follow instructions received with card

ï           May need to visit Misrad Hapnim website

ï           Confirm receipt via SMS

ï           Card becomes fully active

WHAT TO DO WHILE WAITING FOR PERMANENT CARD

Your temporary Teudat Zehut (3-month validity) can be used for most purposes:

You CAN Do:

ï           Open bank account (some banks accept temporary)

ï           Register for Kupat Cholim

ï           Register with Misrad Haklita

ï           Basic government services

ï           Some employment processes

You CANNOT Do:

ï           Apply for Israeli passport/travel documents (need permanent)

ï           Some advanced banking services

ï           Certain legal transactions

Strategy:

ï           Start all processes with temporary

ï           Follow up with permanent number once received

ï           Keep temporary safe until permanent arrives

YOUR TEUDAT ZEHUT NUMBER - MEMORIZE IT!

The official nine-digit number belongs to one of the main identification codes of a citizen.

**Format: **XXX-XXX-XXX (9 digits)

Why It's Important:

ï           Used more often than your name

ï           Required for ALL official transactions

ï           Israelis memorize this number

ï           Like SSN in US but used even more frequently

Tips:

ï           Memorize it within first week

ï           Save it in multiple places

ï           Add to your phone contacts

ï           Write it down securely

ï           Share only with official entities

Uses:

ï           Banking

ï           Healthcare

ï           Employment

ï           Taxes

ï           Utilities

ï           Deliveries

ï           Government services

ï           School registration

ï           Literally everything!

IF YOUR TEUDAT ZEHUT IS LOST OR STOLEN

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

ï           Immediately report to Misrad Hapnim

ï           File police report if stolen

ï           You'll be issued new card after filing report and providing ID confirmation

Consequences of Delay:

ï           May be fee for replacement

ï           Delay in reporting could lead to security or identity theft risks

ï           Your ID number is essential for personal records in Israel

Prevention:

ï           Keep in secure location when not carrying

ï           Make photocopy for records

ï           Never leave in unattended bag

ï           Be careful in crowded places

COMMON ISSUES & SOLUTIONS

Issue 1: Appointment Slots All Booked

Solution:

ï           Can book at ANY branch nationwide, not just local

ï           Check multiple branches

ï           Check early morning for cancellations

ï           Book far in advance if possible

ï           Consider less popular branches (smaller cities)

Issue 2: Missing Documents

Solution:

ï           Order documents from origin country immediately

ï           Get apostille ASAP (takes time)

ï           Some documents can be obtained from Israeli consulates

ï           Nefesh B'Nefesh can help expedite

Issue 3: Name Spelling Issues

Solution:

ï           We do not encourage you to change your legal name to Hebrew name if different than what is on your passport, as it can affect your legal documents in other countries

ï           Ensure spelling matches passport exactly

ï           Hebrew transliteration can vary - be consistent

ï           Fixing later is complicated

Issue 4: Card Doesn't Arrive

Solution:

ï           Check SMS for delivery attempts

ï           Verify address with Misrad Hapnim

ï           Call *3450 with application number

ï           May need to pick up at post office

ï           Can request redelivery

Issue 5: Information Incorrect on Card

Solution:

ï           Immediately contact Misrad Hapnim

ï           Visit branch with documentation

ï           Correction may require new card

ï           Do NOT use card with errors

ADDRESS CHANGES

Your Teudat Zehut Sefach (paper addendum) shows your official registered address.

When You Move:

ï           Must update address at Misrad Hapnim

ï           Can be done online through gov.il portal at https://www.gov.il

ï           Or visit Misrad Hapnim with proof of new address

ï           Important for: mail delivery, voting location, services

Documents Needed:

ï           Current Teudat Zehut

ï           Proof of new address (rental contract, utility bill)

ï           May need to update at multiple agencies

TEUDAT ZEHUT VS. OTHER ID DOCUMENTS

**Important: **Teudat Zehut is for use ONLY within Israel, not valid for international travel. For international travel, you need Darkon or Teudat Maavar.

FEES

**Good News: **No state fee is charged for issuance or replacement of biometric Teudat Zehut.

Exceptions:

ï           Replacement due to loss/theft may have fee

ï           Expedited services may cost extra

ï           Name changes may involve fees

SPECIAL CATEGORIES

Ezrachim Olim (Israeli Citizens Born Abroad)

ï           Can schedule appointment from abroad pre-Aliyah

ï           Exempt from background check requirement

ï           Process often faster

Ktinin Chozrim (Returning Minors)

ï           Can schedule appointment from abroad

ï           Exempt from background checks

ï           May need parent's documents

Children Under 16

ï           Don't receive Teudat Zehut

ï           Listed in parent's Sefach

ï           Get their own at age 16

Soldiers

ï           Can be processed without appointment (in uniform)

ï           Military ID serves as secondary identification

EXPERT TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Before Aliyah:

1.        Order all necessary documents months in advance
2.        Get apostilles while still abroad (easier)
3.        Make multiple certified copies
4.        Translate documents if needed
5.        If eligible, schedule appointment from abroad

Upon Arrival:

1.        Verify temporary Teudat Zehut info immediately
2.        Book biometric appointment within first week
3.        Don't wait until temporary expires
4.        Memorize your ID number
5.        Save all documentation

During Process:

1.        Arrive early to appointments
2.        Bring ALL original documents
3.        Ask questions if unsure
4.        Get written confirmation of everything
5.        Save all reference numbers

After Receipt:

1.        Verify all information correct
2.        Make photocopy for records
3.        Update all accounts with permanent number
4.        Store original safely

5.        Carry with you always (legal requirement!)

Cultural Tips:

ï           Israelis treat Teudat Zehut casually - you'll see people handing them over constantly

ï           Don't be shocked if service providers ask for it frequently

ï           It's normal to give your ID number over phone

ï           Guards at malls will check it

ï           Always have it with you when going anywhere official

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Official Resources:

ï           Misrad Hapnim: *3450

ï           MyVisit Appointments: https://myvisit.com

ï           Gov.il Portal: https://www.gov.il

Nefesh B'Nefesh Guides:

ï           Complete Teudat Zehut Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/ teudat-zehut-israeli-identification/

ï           Appointment Scheduling: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/scheduling-appointments-for-government-offices/

ï           NBN Answers Helpline: *3680 or answers@nbn.org.il

Support Organizations:

ï           Nefesh B'Nefesh (North America/UK): https://www.nbn.org.il

ï           Jewish Agency offices

ï           City-specific Olim groups

COMPLETE CHECKLIST

☐  Week 1:

ï           [ ] Verify temporary Teudat Zehut received at airport

ï           [ ] Check all information is correct

ï           [ ] Memorize your Teudat Zehut number

ï           [ ] Book biometric appointment online or by phone

ï           [ ] Confirm you have all required documents

☐  Before Appointment:

ï           [ ] Gather all original documents with apostilles

ï           [ ] Make photocopies of everything

ï           [ ] Confirm appointment time and location

ï           [ ] Plan transportation to appointment

ï           [ ] Ensure all family members available

ï           [ ] Have Israeli phone number active

☐ Appointment Day:

ï           [ ] Arrive 15 minutes early

ï           [ ] Bring all originals AND copies

ï           [ ] Have temporary Teudat Zehut with you

ï           [ ] Complete all forms

ï           [ ] Provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints)

ï           [ ] Get temporary extension if needed

ï           [ ] Save delivery code given to you

ï           [ ] Confirm home address for delivery

☐ After Appointment:

ï           [ ] Save all confirmation documents

ï           [ ] Note tracking information

ï           [ ] Check SMS regularly for updates

ï           [ ] Be available for delivery

ï           [ ] Have delivery code ready for courier

ï           [ ] Activate card when received

ï           [ ] Confirm receipt via SMS

ï           [ ] Verify all information correct on permanent card

☐  With Permanent Card:

ï           [ ] Update bank account

ï           [ ] Update Kupat Cholim

ï           [ ] Update employer

ï           [ ] Update all services

ï           [ ] Make photocopy

ï           [ ] Store original safely

ï           [ ] Carry with you always

FINAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Getting your Teudat Zehut is one of the most important steps in becoming Israeli. Yes, it involves bureaucracy. Yes, there are lines and waiting. Yes, it can be frustrating.

BUT:

ï           Every Israeli has been through this

ï           The process works

ï           You'll have it soon

ï           It's worth the effort

ï           You're building your new life

The moment you hold that permanent biometric Teudat Zehut, you're officially, fully, completely Israeli. Welcome home!

B'hatzlacha (Good luck) with getting your Teudat Zehut! Questions? Contact:

ï           Misrad Hapnim: *3450

ï           Nefesh B'Nefesh Answers: *3680

ï           Your local Olim Facebook group

ï           Fellow Olim who've been through it!

Updated on: 02/02/2026