The teudat zehut (תעודת זהות) is Israel’s national identity card. If you make Aliyah, you receive your teudat zehut at the airport on the day you land — it is one of the first official acts of becoming an Israeli citizen. But most new Olim arrive knowing very little about what it is, how it works, and how central it becomes to daily life in Israel. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is a Teudat Zehut?
The teudat zehut is the primary identity document for Israeli citizens and permanent residents. It is a small card (similar in size to a credit card for the modern digital version, or a folded booklet for older versions) that contains your name, photograph, date of birth, address, and most importantly, your Israeli ID number (mispar zehut). The mispar zehut is a 9-digit number that functions as your unique identifier across essentially every interaction with Israeli institutions — government offices, banks, health funds, employers, schools, and more.
Unlike in many countries, Israelis are legally required to carry their teudat zehut with them at all times and to present it to police or security forces upon request. In practice, it is used constantly in daily life: at the post office, the bank, Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior), the health fund, and whenever you fill in a form anywhere in Israel.
When Do New Olim Receive Their Teudat Zehut?
New Olim receive their teudat zehut at Ben Gurion Airport on the day of their Aliyah flight. Ministry of Interior officials process citizenship in the dedicated Aliyah reception area, and issuing the teudat zehut is part of this process. You do not need to go to a Misrad HaPnim office for your initial ID card — it comes to you on arrival.
Along with your teudat zehut, you receive a teudat oleh (immigrant certificate), which is a separate document confirming your status as a new Oleh and entitling you to the various Oleh benefits. Both documents are important — keep them safe.
What Information Is on the Teudat Zehut?
The modern Israeli teudat zehut (the “smart card” version introduced in recent years) contains:
- Full name (in Hebrew and transliteration)
- Date of birth
- ID number (mispar zehut)
- Photograph
- Gender
- Address of record
- A chip containing biometric data (in newer versions)
Older teudat zehut booklets also contained a section listing family members (spouse and children) registered under your ID. While this section is no longer included in new card-format IDs, the family registration (mispar mishpacha) still exists in the Population Registry and can be accessed through Misrad HaPnim.
The Mispar Zehut: Your Israeli ID Number
The 9-digit mispar zehut is the most important element of your teudat zehut. It is your permanent, unique identifier in Israel — it does not change, even if you change your name, address, or marital status. You will use this number:
- When registering for health fund (Kupat Cholim) services
- When opening a bank account
- On all tax forms (mas hachnasa, bituach leumi)
- When registering children in school
- At every government office (Misrad HaPnim, Misrad HaKlita, Employment Service)
- When signing contracts, rental agreements, and employment documents
- On prescription forms and medical records
- For online government portals (gov.il)
Memorise your mispar zehut early. You will be asked for it so frequently in the first weeks of Aliyah that you will know it by heart within a month — but having it memorised from day one saves significant time at every counter and form.
Updating Your Address on the Teudat Zehut
When you move to a new address in Israel, you are legally required to update your address in the Population Registry. This is done through Misrad HaPnim (the Ministry of Interior). You can update your address at any Misrad HaPnim branch, or through the gov.il online portal for eligible citizens. The address update does not require a new ID card — it updates the central Population Registry, which is what most institutions actually check when they verify your address.
Keeping your registered address current is important because official correspondence from government agencies — including tax assessments, Bituach Leumi notices, and court documents — is sent to your registered address. Missing these because your address is outdated can create serious administrative problems.
Getting an Appointment at Misrad HaPnim
Misrad HaPnim (the Ministry of Interior) is where you go for all matters related to your teudat zehut — renewals, replacements, name changes, and address updates. Misrad HaPnim has a reputation for long waits, but in recent years the appointment system has improved significantly. You can book an appointment online through gov.il (search “Misrad HaPnim appointment online” — the Hebrew term is “teur misrad hapnim”). Walk-in service is available at some branches but is generally slower.
Branches in cities with large Olim populations — Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Ra’anana, Beer Sheva — often have English-speaking staff or facilitators who can assist new Olim. Coming prepared with all your documents significantly shortens your visit.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Teudat Zehut
If you lose your teudat zehut, report the loss to the police immediately (tik me’avad — a loss report) and then go to Misrad HaPnim to request a replacement. You will need:
- Your police loss report number
- Passport or other identity document
- A current photograph (some Misrad HaPnim offices take photos on-site)
- Payment of the replacement fee
The replacement process typically takes a few days to a week. You will receive a temporary document (ishur zmanit) to use in the interim.
Children’s Teudat Zehut
Children under 16 do not receive their own teudat zehut — instead, they are registered in the Population Registry and can receive a separate identity document for minors (teudat zehut le’katan) if needed. When children making Aliyah arrive at the airport with their parents, they are registered in the Population Registry alongside the parents’ processing. After age 16, Israeli citizens receive their own teudat zehut.
The Teudat Zehut vs. the Israeli Passport
The teudat zehut is for use within Israel. For international travel, Israeli citizens use their Israeli passport (darkon). The teudat zehut cannot be used as a travel document — even within countries that accept national ID cards for travel (Israel is not part of those agreements). As a new Oleh, you can apply for your Israeli passport through Misrad HaPnim after receiving your teudat zehut. Processing takes a few weeks. As a US-Israel dual citizen, you will maintain both your US passport and your Israeli darkon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Teudat Zehut?
A Teudat Zehut is Israel’s official national identity card. Every Israeli citizen and permanent resident receives a unique ID number (Mispar Zehut) that is used for government services, healthcare, banking, taxes, and many other aspects of daily life.
Do new Olim receive an ID when they arrive in Israel?
Yes. Most new Olim receive a temporary ID upon arrival in Israel. This temporary document allows you to begin accessing essential services while you arrange for your permanent biometric Teudat Zehut.
How long is the temporary Teudat Zehut valid?
The temporary Teudat Zehut is generally valid for three months. During this period, you should schedule an appointment with the Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) to obtain your biometric Teudat Zehut.
What is a biometric Teudat Zehut?
The biometric Teudat Zehut is the permanent Israeli ID card that includes biometric identification features such as a facial image and, in some cases, fingerprints. It is designed to help prevent identity theft and fraud.
You must schedule an appointment with the Population and Immigration Authority. At your appointment, your biometric information will be collected, and your new card will be processed and delivered to your registered Israeli address.
What documents should I bring to my appointment?
Requirements can vary depending on your status, but generally you should bring:
- Your temporary Teudat Zehut (if issued)
- Foreign passport(s)
- Teudat Oleh
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or divorce certificates if applicable
- Any additional documents requested by Misrad HaPnim
Always verify current requirements before your appointment.
What is the Sefach (Appendix)?
The Sefach is an official paper attachment that accompanies your Teudat Zehut. It contains important personal information, including your address, marital status, and details about your spouse and children. Many government offices and institutions may ask to see both your Teudat Zehut and your Sefach.
Why is the Teudat Zehut important?
Your Teudat Zehut is required for many essential activities in Israel, including:
- Opening a bank account
- Registering with a health fund (Kupat Cholim)
- Accessing government services
- Signing rental agreements
- Receiving Aliyah benefits
- Using digital government platforms
Without it, many everyday administrative tasks become much more difficult.
Can I travel before receiving my biometric Teudat Zehut?
Yes, but it is strongly recommended to complete the biometric Teudat Zehut process as soon as possible after making Aliyah. Having your permanent identification card can help avoid complications when accessing services or returning to Israel.
Is my Teudat Zehut number the same as my Israeli ID number?
Yes. Your Mispar Zehut (ID number) is the unique identification number assigned to you by the State of Israel and appears on your Teudat Zehut. This number will be used throughout your life for most official purposes.
What should I do if I lose my Teudat Zehut?
If your Teudat Zehut is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Population and Immigration Authority as soon as possible to report the issue and request a replacement card.
Do children receive a Teudat Zehut?
Children are generally listed in their parents’ Sefach. Israeli citizens typically receive their own Teudat Zehut upon reaching the required age established by Israeli law.
Need Help Navigating Your First Weeks in Israel?
The teudat zehut is just the beginning of the Israeli bureaucratic journey. From registering with your Kupat Cholim to opening a bank account to enrolling children in school, the first weeks after Aliyah involve a significant amount of administrative work — in Hebrew, in an unfamiliar system. Olim Paveway helps new Olim navigate exactly this: we make sure you don’t miss anything, don’t make costly mistakes, and don’t spend more time in government offices than necessary. Get in touch to find out how we can help.