Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card)
5 tasks · Updated
In brief
Many new olim receive an Israeli identity card (Teudat Zehut) during airport registration. If you still need a first card, a replacement, or a change of personal details, the Population and Immigration Authority says you must make an appointment, apply in person, and activate the biometric card.
Based on official sources, not reviewed by a professional.
In brief: what to do
- Check whether you already received an identity card at the airport.
- If you still need a card, book an appointment and apply in person.
- Activate the biometric ID after it is issued.
- Use the Population and Immigration Authority contact channels if you need help.
How to use this checklist
Mark each task you complete. Progress is saved on this device. Every factual step links to an official source. Check that official page for current amounts, deadlines, and eligibility rules.
Tasks
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration rights guide lists an identity card (Teudat Zehut) among the documents issued at the airport to people who enter on an Oleh visa. Keep that card and the population registry appendix with your other absorption documents.
Rights Guide for New Olim (gov.il)The Population and Immigration Authority service page says that to get a first ID, a new biometric ID, change personal information, or replace a worn out, lost, stolen, or damaged ID, you need to make an appointment, apply in person, and activate the card. The page also states that if there is any difference between the page and the law, the law applies.
Get an Israeli ID card (gov.il)The official activation page describes delivery and activation of a biometric identity card after it is issued. Additional ways to activate include calling the national service hotline *3450 with your ID number, or going in person to the information desk at the closest Population and Immigration Authority office and asking to activate the card. That office route does not require an appointment. The page states that the activation service is free of charge.
Activate a biometric ID card (gov.il)The activation page says that if you fail to collect your mail from the post office, it is sent back after 15 days to the Population Authority office where the application was submitted. You are then invited to that office, and activation is carried out there after identification and after you provide your personal code.
Activate a biometric ID card (gov.il)The official ID service page lists the Piba Central Contact Center at *3450. Check that page for the current landline and overseas numbers, because published numbers differ across official pages. Email listed on the page: info@piba.gov.il.
Population and Immigration Authority (gov.il)Do not forget
- An activated Israeli ID card is one of the documents that can be used to enter the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration personal area.
- If your card is sent by registered mail, collect it before it is returned to the issuing office.
Official sources
- Rights Guide for New OlimMinistry of Aliyah and Integration · https://www.gov.il/en/pages/new-olim-rights-guide
- Get an Israeli ID cardPopulation and Immigration Authority · https://www.gov.il/en/service/biometric_smart_id_request
- Receiving and activating a biometric ID card (free of charge)Population and Immigration Authority · https://www.gov.il/en/service/activation_of_smart_indentification_card
- Population and Immigration AuthorityPopulation and Immigration Authority · https://www.gov.il/en/departments/population_and_immigration_authority/govil-landing-page
- New Olim and Returning Resident Personal AccountMinistry of Aliyah and Integration · https://www.gov.il/en/service/private-area-new-immigrants-and-returning-residents
Frequently asked questions
Based on official sources, not reviewed by a professional.