Do I need a translation of my passport, or just a certified copy?

It depends on the receiving body. Foreign banks and companies usually want a notarized true copy of the passport (העתק נאמן למקור) for identity verification rather than a translation. Status and immigration files more often want a translation with consistent name spelling. We confirm which one your institution requires before preparing it.

How much does a notarized passport copy or translation cost?

A notarized true copy is charged at the notary's regulated rate for certifying a copy. A translation is priced separately, and if it is notarized the notary's fee is fixed by regulation, ₪251 plus VAT for the first 100 words (2026 tariff). Use the quote form for an exact figure.

Does the passport bio page need to be translated?

Often not. Many foreign institutions accept the bio page in its original language and only need a certified copy. Others require a translation, especially where the passport is in a script the receiving body cannot read. We check the specific requirement so you do not pay for a translation you do not need.

My name is spelled differently across my documents. Which one wins?

Generally the passport spelling governs, because that is the identity document most authorities check first. We match the transliteration of your name across the whole file to the passport and note any prior official spellings, so the receiving authority sees one consistent identity.

What does USCIS need for a foreign-language passport?

USCIS requires a certified English translation of any non-English passport pages you rely on, with a signed statement that the translation is complete and accurate. The bio page is sometimes accepted as is. We prepare the certification to the regulatory wording and translate only what the petition actually requires.

How long does a passport copy or translation take?

A notarized true copy is usually same-day or next business day. A certified translation is typically 1 to 2 business days, and a notarized translation 2 to 4 business days including the notary's certification, with rush service available when a deadline demands it.

Passport

The document that fixes every other name.

A passport translation or notarized copy is required when a foreign bank, company, or authority needs your identity verified in their language: opening an overseas account, signing abroad, or filing an immigration petition. Israeli authorities require notarized translation; foreign institutions usually ask for a notarized true copy, a certified translation, or both, depending on the body.

The passport is the document that anchors every other name in your file, so its job is often less about translation and more about certification and consistency. Foreign banks and companies usually ask for a notarized true copy of the passport (העתק נאמן למקור) rather than a full translation, while immigration and status files want the spelling on the passport to govern every other document. The bio page itself is frequently accepted in its original language, but do not assume it, some authorities still want it translated. The real failures come from a name transliterated one way on the passport and another way on a birth or marriage certificate. We certify the copy, translate where it is genuinely required, and make every name across your file agree with the passport.

Notarized or certified?

Most passport work is a notarized true copy (העתק נאמן למקור) rather than a translation, certifying that the copy matches the original passport you present. Where a translation is needed, an Israeli authority expects a notarized translation into Hebrew, while foreign institutions usually accept a certified translation. The bio page is often accepted in its original language, but confirm with the receiving body before assuming it. We tell you which of these you actually need before you pay.

Notarized translation Certified translation

Requirements by authority: Passport

Receiving authority	Typical translation requirement
Foreign banks and companies	Usually a notarized true copy of the passport (העתק נאמן למקור), sometimes with a certified translation. The bio page is often accepted untranslated; confirm with the receiving institution.
Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior)	Notarized translation into Hebrew where a foreign passport must be entered into a status file, with names matched to the rest of the documents.
USCIS (United States)	Certified translation into English of any non-English passport pages relied on, with the translator's declaration of accuracy (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). The bio page is sometimes accepted as is.
Foreign embassies and consulates	Typically a notarized true copy, occasionally with a certified or sworn translation. Requirements vary by consulate; we confirm the format before preparing the copy.
Courts and notaries abroad	Usually a notarized true copy for identity verification, with a certified translation only where the proceeding requires the passport's content in the local language.

Requirements vary between authorities and change over time. We verify the current requirement with the receiving authority before work begins.

Certified or notarized passport translation, matched to the receiving authority, since 1999.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a translation of my passport, or just a certified copy?: It depends on the receiving body. Foreign banks and companies usually want a notarized true copy of the passport (העתק נאמן למקור) for identity verification rather than a translation. Status and immigration files more often want a translation with consistent name spelling. We confirm which one your institution requires before preparing it.
How much does a notarized passport copy or translation cost?: A notarized true copy is charged at the notary's regulated rate for certifying a copy. A translation is priced separately, and if it is notarized the notary's fee is fixed by regulation, ₪251 plus VAT for the first 100 words (2026 tariff). Use the quote form for an exact figure.
Does the passport bio page need to be translated?: Often not. Many foreign institutions accept the bio page in its original language and only need a certified copy. Others require a translation, especially where the passport is in a script the receiving body cannot read. We check the specific requirement so you do not pay for a translation you do not need.
My name is spelled differently across my documents. Which one wins?: Generally the passport spelling governs, because that is the identity document most authorities check first. We match the transliteration of your name across the whole file to the passport and note any prior official spellings, so the receiving authority sees one consistent identity.
What does USCIS need for a foreign-language passport?: USCIS requires a certified English translation of any non-English passport pages you rely on, with a signed statement that the translation is complete and accurate. The bio page is sometimes accepted as is. We prepare the certification to the regulatory wording and translate only what the petition actually requires.
How long does a passport copy or translation take?: A notarized true copy is usually same-day or next business day. A certified translation is typically 1 to 2 business days, and a notarized translation 2 to 4 business days including the notary's certification, with rush service available when a deadline demands it.

USCIS Translation Requirements: Certified Translations That Get Accepted Hebrew → English Russian → Hebrew Arabic → Hebrew

Receiving authority

Typical translation requirement

Foreign banks and companies

Usually a notarized true copy of the passport (העתק נאמן למקור), sometimes with a certified translation. The bio page is often accepted untranslated; confirm with the receiving institution.

Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior)

Notarized translation into Hebrew where a foreign passport must be entered into a status file, with names matched to the rest of the documents.

USCIS (United States)

Certified translation into English of any non-English passport pages relied on, with the translator's declaration of accuracy (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). The bio page is sometimes accepted as is.

Foreign embassies and consulates

Typically a notarized true copy, occasionally with a certified or sworn translation. Requirements vary by consulate; we confirm the format before preparing the copy.

Courts and notaries abroad

Usually a notarized true copy for identity verification, with a certified translation only where the proceeding requires the passport's content in the local language.