Articles on: Post Aliyah

Renewing Documents & Passports in Israel

I'll search for the most current information about document and passport renewals in Israel.# Complete Guide to Renewing Documents & Passports in Israel

Israeli Passports (Darkon) & Travel Documents (Teudat Maavar)

**Understanding Israeli Travel Documents **Israel issues two types of international travel documents: **Darkon (ןוֹכְּרדַּ ) **- Standard biometric passport

ï Valid for 5 or 10 years depending on residency

ï Allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 169 countries

ï Required for US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

ï Gold standard Israeli travel document

**Teudat Maavar (מעבר תעודת) **- Travel document

ï Issued to new immigrants (olim) in first year

ï Valid for up to 5 years

ï Given when residency requirements not met

ï Fewer countries recognize it than Darkon

Eligibility Timeline for New Immigrants

0-120 days after Aliyah:

ï Can travel on foreign passport with Aliyah visa

ï Exit permit (Ishur Yetziah) required starting January 1, 2026

90+ days after Aliyah:

ï Eligible to apply for Teudat Maavar (5-year validity)

1 year after Aliyah:

ï Can apply for first Darkon IF spent 60% of first year in Israel

ï Otherwise receive Teudat Maavar for another 5 years

5-10 years after Aliyah:

ï Eligible for 10-year Darkon if present 36 out of last 60 months

ï Otherwise continue receiving 5-year Teudat Maavar

How to Renew Israeli Passport

Appointment Required:

ï Book online at www.govisit.gov.il

ï Select וההגירה האוכלוסין רשות (Population Authority)

ï Choose ביומטרי דרכון (biometric passport)

ï Must have Israeli cell phone number for SMS confirmation

Documents Needed:

ï Current/expired Israeli passport or Teudat Maavar

ï Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card)

ï Israeli credit card for payment (or pay online in advance)

For Minors:

ï One parent must be present

ï If parents not married, both must provide consent

ï If divorced, both parents must attend

ï Passport photo taken at appointment (bring photo for babies)

Processing Time:

ï 4-6 weeks for standard renewal

ï Delivered via HFD courier service to pickup location/locker

ï Track delivery via SMS notifications

Validity Periods:

ï **5 years: **If insufficient time spent in Israel

ï **10 years: **If meet residency requirements

ï Children under 16: Always 5 years

Online Passport Renewal (New Option!)

Eligibility (must meet ALL criteria):

ï Ages 21-60

ï Previously received biometric passport or Teudat Zehut

ï Current passport expired within last 6 months OR expires within 1 year

ï Computer physically located in Israel

Process:

ï Apply via my.gov.il portal

ï Upload recent headshot photo (no glasses, clear background)

ï Pay online

ï Receive 5-year passport (not eligible for US ESTA)

ï Delivery: 6-8 weeks

Limitations:

ï Cannot request name changes

ï Only 5-year validity (not 10)

ï No ESTA eligibility

Emergency/Urgent Passports

Option 1: Ben Gurion Airport

ï Terminal 3, 2nd floor, Ministry of Interior branch

ï Flight within 48 hours required

ï 1-year temporary passport issued same day

ï Bring: Teudat Zehut, expired passport, proof of flight, 2 photos

ï Pay online in advance

ï Expensive (check current rates)

Option 2: Temporary Passport at Local Branch

ï Available at 17 branches nationwide

ï 2-year validity

ï Ready same day (few hours processing)

ï Bring: Teudat Zehut, expired passport, 2 photos, flight proof

Option 3: Travel on Foreign Passport

ï Go to Population Authority (no appointment needed)

ï Request one-time approval (פעמי חד יציאה אישור)

ï Bring: Teudat Zehut, foreign passport, proof of travel

ï Currently allowed through December 31, 2025

Costs (Updated for 2025)

Fees vary by:

ï Age of applicant

ï Season (cheaper November-February, higher March-October)

ï Payment method (online always cheaper)

ï Type (first-time, renewal, lost/stolen)

General Range:

ï Adult passport: ₪265-435

ï Child passport: ₪141-270

ï Lost passport: ₪600 (adult), ₪310 (child/Teudat Maavar)

ï Check current prices: www.gov.il

Renewing from Abroad

At Israeli Embassy/Consulate:

Requirements:

ï Must schedule appointment

ï Israeli passport to be renewed

ï 2 passport photos (5x5cm, white background)

ï Israeli ID or foreign passport

ï Payment (varies by location, typically $82 adults/$43 minors)

By Mail (if eligible):

ï Must be 18+ years old

ï Arranged military status (ages 17-25)

ï Current passport not lost, stolen, or seriously damaged

ï Previous passport not expired more than 10 years

Mail Documents:

ï Renewal application form (Hebrew or English)

ï Two 2x2" (5x5cm) passport photos

ï Payment card information

ï Prepaid return envelope

ï Current passport

**Processing: **4-6 weeks (non-biometric passport issued)

**Note: **Biometric passports CANNOT be issued outside Israel

Israeli ID Card (Teudat Zehut - זהות תעודת)

What is Teudat Zehut?

Your Israeli ID card is the foundation of your legal identity in Israel:

ï Required for all citizens age 16+

ï Must carry at all times (legal requirement)

ï Unique 9-digit ID number (Mispar Zehut)

ï Two parts: plastic card + paper appendix (Sefach) with family info

ï Used everywhere: banking, healthcare, government, utilities

When to Renew

Mandatory Renewal:

ï Old non-biometric cards issued before August 25, 2012 expired January 31, 2025

ï Cards issued August 26, 2012 - June 30, 2013 expire 12 years from issue date

ï Biometric cards valid for 10 years

Update When:

ï Change of name (marriage, legal name change)

ï Change of address

ï Change of marital status

ï Card lost, stolen, damaged, or worn

How to Renew Teudat Zehut

Appointment Required:

ï Book at www.govisit.gov.il

רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה Select •

ï Choose ביומטרית זהות תעודת (biometric ID card)

ï Can schedule anywhere in Israel (not just local branch)

Documents Needed:

ï Current/expired Teudat Zehut (if available)

ï Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill)

ï Valid photo ID if no current Teudat Zehut

ï Payment receipt (₪135) or Israeli credit card

Process:

ï Arrive at appointment

ï Biometric photo and fingerprints taken

ï Receive temporary Teudat Zehut (use immediately)

ï Permanent card delivered in 7-10 business days

Delivery:

ï Couriered to home address on file

ï Provide 4-digit code (given at appointment) to courier

ï Track via SMS notifications

Activation Required:

ï Must activate within 30 days of receipt

ï Options: Call *3450, online at gov.il portal, or in person at any branch

ï Destroy old card after activating new one

Online Teudat Zehut Renewal

Eligibility (must meet ALL):

ï Ages 21-60

ï Previously received biometric card

ï Current card expired within 6 months OR expires within 1 year

Process:

ï Apply via my.gov.il

ï Upload recent photo

ï Pay online

ï Receive via registered mail (Israel Post) in 6-8 weeks

Replacing Lost/Stolen Teudat Zehut

Requirements:

ï Appointment at Population Authority

ï Valid photo ID (passport, military ID, marriage certificate - driver's license NOT sufficient)

ï Declaration of Lost Teudat Zehut (available at office)

ï Payment: ₪135

If Stolen:

ï May request fee exemption with police report

Driver's License Renewal

License Validity Periods

Standard License (Class B - private vehicle):

ï **First 2 years: **"New Driver" (Nahag Chadash) period

ï **Next 5 years: **5-year validity

ï **After 7 total years: **Valid until age 70

ï **Age 70-75: **Renew every 5 years (no medical exam required as of April 2024)

ï **Age 75-80: **Renew every 5 years WITH medical exam

ï **Age 80+: **Renew every 2 years WITH medical exam

Professional Licenses (taxi, bus, heavy vehicles):

ï **Age 50-60: **Renew every 5 years WITH medical exam

ï **Age 60-70: **Renew every 5 years WITH medical exam

ï **Age 70+: **Renew every 5 years WITH medical exam

Automatic Renewal Process

How It Works:

ï License renewal date = your birthdate

ï One month before renewal, receive temporary paper license in mail with payment voucher

ï License renews automatically after payment (unless disqualifications, unpaid fines, or medical issues)

Payment Options:

**1. Online: **Best option - cheaper and immediate

**2. Phone: **Call *5678 or 1-222-5678 (overseas: +972-3-969-5678)

**3. Self-service kiosk: **At licensing offices

**4. Post Office: **In person

**5. Bank Transfer: **Via online banking

After Payment:

ï Receive temporary license by email (print and carry)

ï Permanent photo license arrives by mail in 2-3 months

ï Use temporary license with Teudat Zehut until permanent arrives

**Costs: **Check current fees at Ministry of Transport website

Medical Requirements (Age 75+)

Required Tests:

ï Eye exam by optometrist

ï Medical questionnaire by family doctor

ï Forms mailed 6 months before renewal date

Submission:

ï Mail to: Update and Control Department, POB 270, Holon 5810201

ï Or bring to licensing bureau if expires within 1 month

Lost/Stolen License

Replacement:

ï Call Ministry of Transport: *5678 or 1-222-5678

ï Or visit License Bureau for same-day duplicate

ï Pay replacement fee

Important Notes

ï NOT receiving renewal in mail doesn't exempt you from responsibility

ï Cannot use payment receipt as license (must have temporary license)

ï Must have Israeli cell phone for SMS updates

ï Name/address changes must be done at Population Authority BEFORE paying renewal

Converting Foreign Driver's License

Eligibility to Drive on Foreign License

Timeline:

ï Can drive on valid foreign license for 1 year from entry date

ï Leaving Israel doesn't reset timeline (unless absent 6+ consecutive months)

ï After 1 year MUST convert to Israeli license

Who Can Convert Immediately (No Test)

Fast-Track Conversion Requirements:

ï Foreign license held for 5+ years before Aliyah/arrival

ï New immigrants (olim) have 5 years from Aliyah date to convert

ï License must have been issued BEFORE Aliyah

Process:

Make appointment at Misrad Harishui (Bureau of Motor Vehicles)
Bring: Foreign license + copy, Teudat Zehut, Teudat Oleh (for olim)
Pay conversion fee
Receive temporary license immediately
Permanent license mailed in up to 3 months

**Locations: **Only specific branches handle conversions (Afula, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Be'er Sheva, Beit Shemesh, Dimona, Eilat, Haifa, Holon, Jerusalem Binyan Clal, Jerusalem Talpiot, Netanya, Petach Tikva, Ramat Gan, Tiberias)

Conversion with Short Road Test

Requirements:

ï Foreign license held 2-5 years before Aliyah

ï Or tourists/temporary residents converting within 1 year

Process:

Complete medical questionnaire (Tofes Yarok) online
Eye exam at approved optometrist
Take Mivchan Shlita (short conversion driving test)
Exempt from written theory test
Get temporary license after passing
Pay fee
Permanent license mailed

License Type:

ï Marked "New Driver" (Nahag Chadash) for 2 years

ï Subject to new driver restrictions

International Driver's License

For Israelis Traveling Abroad:

ï Can only obtain if you have permanent Israeli license

ï Available at licensing offices

ï Valid: 1 year

ï Cost: Under ₪20

ï Required by most car rental companies abroad

**Note: **US, Canadian, UK license holders do NOT need international license in Israel

Renewing US Passports in Israel

New Appointment System (November 2024)

Major Changes:

ï New customer service centers in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

ï All appointments must be made through ustraveldocs.com

ï Create profile and schedule online

ï Free pickup/drop-off at customer service centers

ï Premium delivery options available for fee

ï New appointments released Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 PM weekly

Renewal by Mail (Adults Only)

Eligibility:

ï Your most recent US passport is undamaged

ï Was issued in your current name (or can provide legal documentation for name change)

ï Was issued when you were 16+ years old

ï Was issued within last 15 years

Required Documents:

**1. Form DS-82 **(renewal application)

**2. Current US passport **(will be cancelled and returned)

**3. One passport photo **(2x2 inches, white background)

**4. Payment: **$130 (check current fees)

**5. Appointment Confirmation Page **from ustraveldocs.com

Payment Options:

ï Pay online through appointment system

ï Credit card at appointment (if in person)

ï Do NOT use personal checks - cashier's check/money order only for mail

Mail To:

**Via Israel Post: **Passport Unit U.S. Embassy Jerusalem P.O. Box 290 Jerusalem 9100201

**Via Courier (Aramex, Israel Post Courier): **Passport Unit U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Agron Street 18 Jerusalem 9419003

**Tel Aviv Branch Office: **American Citizen Services EBO Tel Aviv 71 HaYarkon Street Tel Aviv 6343229

Return Delivery:

ï As of October 1, 2025, Israel Post resumes delivering US passports

ï Arrange prepaid postage label from Doar

ï Or premium delivery service (fee)

**Processing Time: **4-6 weeks (can be longer during high demand)

First-Time/In-Person Applications

When Required:

ï Never had US passport before

ï Applying for child under 16

ï Passport lost, stolen, or damaged

ï Name change without legal documentation

ï Need to apply in person for any other reason

Appointment Required:

ï Schedule at ustraveldocs.com

ï Select "DS-11 - interview required"

ï Jerusalem or Tel Aviv location

Documents for Adults:

ï Form DS-11 (completed but UNSIGNED)

ï Proof of US citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, CRBA, expired passport)

ï Photo ID (passport, driver's license, Teudat Zehut)

ï One passport photo (2x2 inches, white background)

ï Payment: $165

ï Prepaid return postage label (if using Israel Post)

Documents for Children Under 16:

ï Both parents must be present (American or not)

ï If only one parent present: notarized consent from other parent + photo ID

ï Notarization can be done by Israeli notary

ï Child must be present

ï Form DS-11 (completed but unsigned)

ï Child's birth certificate (original + copy)

ï Consular Report of Birth Abroad if born abroad (original + copy)

ï Proof of parental ID + copies

ï One passport photo of child

ï Payment: $135 (under 16)

**Child Passport Validity: **5 years (under 16)

Emergency Passports

Walk-In Emergency Service:

ï Available 7:30-8:30 AM Monday-Friday

ï Jerusalem and Tel Aviv locations

ï Must have immediate travel to US

ï Proof of emergency required

ï Limited-validity emergency passport issued same day

Photo Requirements

Specifications:

ï Size: 2x2 inches (5x5 cm)

ï White background

ï Head height: 1 to 1-3/8 inches

ï Recent (within 6 months)

ï No glasses

ï Head covering allowed if doesn't cover forehead/chin

ï Neutral expression

Where to Get:

ï Any photo store in Israel (specify "American passport")

ï Professional passport photo services

Important Reminders

Name Changes:

ï Name change on Israeli documents (Aliyah, marriage) is considered worldwide name change by US

ï Must update ALL US documents: passport, Social Security, etc.

Validity for Travel:

ï Many countries require passport valid 6+ months beyond travel dates

ï Plan renewals well in advance

Contact Information:

**Jerusalem Embassy: **Phone: 02-630-4000 Emergency (outside Israel): 011-972-2-630-4000

**Tel Aviv Branch: **Phone: 03-519-7575 Emergency (outside Israel): 011-972-3-519-7575

Pro Tips for Document Management

Stay Organized

Create Document Calendar:

ï Track all expiration dates

ï Set reminders 3-6 months in advance

ï Note renewal windows

Digital Copies:

ï Scan all documents

ï Store in cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)

ï Have backup copies on phone

ï Take photos of important docs

Appointment Strategies

Booking Appointments:

ï Check for appointments early morning (new slots often added)

ï Wednesday afternoons for new Israeli passport appointments

ï Be flexible with location - can book anywhere in Israel

ï Have Israeli cell phone for SMS confirmations

At Appointments:

ï Arrive 10-15 minutes early

ï Bring all original documents + copies

ï Have payment ready (Israeli credit card or proof of online payment)

ï Israeli ID systems often down - have patience

Payment Tips

Always Pay Online When Possible:

ï Cheaper fees

ï Faster processing

ï Skip payment lines

ï Immediate confirmation

Keep Receipts:

ï Save all payment confirmations

ï Screenshot confirmation pages

ï Keep tracking numbers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

ï Wait until last minute (some processes take 2-3 months)

ï Assume you'll receive renewal notices by mail

ï Forget to activate new biometric documents

ï Travel with expired documents

ï Make passport appointment without checking you have all documents

Do:

ï Check document validity BEFORE booking travel

ï Maintain 6+ month validity on passports for international travel

ï Keep address current with Population Authority

ï Respond to SMS notifications promptly

ï Follow up if documents don't arrive

Cost-Saving Strategies

Timing:

ï Israeli passports cheaper November-February

ï Pay all fees online (always cheaper)

ï Combine related tasks in one trip

Free Services:

ï Many Population Authority services free (like exit approval on foreign passport)

ï Standard passport renewal fee covers new document

Language Barriers

Getting Help:

ï Many Population Authority branches have English-speaking staff

ï Bring Hebrew-speaking friend if possible

ï Google Translate works well for forms

ï English forms available for US passport services

ï Consider using immigrant services organizations (Nefesh B'Nefesh, AACI)

Emergency Situations

Lost/Stolen Documents:

ï File police report immediately

ï Report to relevant authority (Population Authority for Teudat Zehut, US Embassy for US passport)

ï Keep police report number

ï May get fee exemption with police report

Last-Minute Travel:

ï Ben Gurion Airport emergency services available

ï US Embassy emergency walk-ins 7:30-8:30 AM

ï One-time exit approval on foreign passport (for Israeli citizens)

ï Expect high fees for emergency services

For New Immigrants (Olim)

Priority Order After Aliyah:

**1. Week 1: **Temporary Teudat Zehut (at airport or absorption center)

**2. Within 90 days: **Biometric Teudat Zehut appointment

**3. Within 90 days: **Apply for Teudat Maavar if planning travel

**4. Within 1 year: **Convert driver's license

**5. After 1 year: **Apply for Darkon if met residency requirement

Benefits:

ï Lower tax rates on first passport

ï 5 years to convert foreign driver's license

ï Streamlined processes at immigrant fairs

This comprehensive guide covers the essential document renewal processes in Israel. Keep it handy and update regularly as policies change. When in doubt, contact the relevant authority directly or consult with immigrant services organizations for personalized guidance.

Updated on: 02/02/2026

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