Law
In Uzbekistan, notarial services are provided by both state-employed and private (licensed) notaries. Both are authorised to perform the vast majority of notarial acts, and the documents they certify carry equal legal weight — yet there are important practical differences. In this article I explain what sets a private notary apart from a state notary, and how to choose the right option for your situation.
A private notary in Uzbekistan is a licensed legal professional who operates independently — on the basis of a state-issued notarial licence — but organises their own practice and bears full personal responsibility for their work. A state notary, by contrast, is an employee of a state notarial office operating under the authority of the Ministry of Justice. In my day-to-day practice I frequently meet clients — including foreign investors and expatriates — who are unaware of this distinction and simply choose whichever notary is nearest. Yet the choice has real consequences: it affects convenience, waiting times, and several important practical nuances.
Key points at a glance:
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Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
If you cannot appear in person at the traffic authority (GAI) to register or deregister a vehicle, a notarially certified power of attorney allows you to authorise a representative to act on your behalf. This article covers the process, required documents, and key considerations for foreign and local vehicle owners alike.
A state notary is a civil servant. Their work is funded from the public budget, and institutional liability for errors rests with the state body that employs them. A private notary, operating under an individual licence, is personally and professionally liable — including financially — for the accuracy and legality of every document they certify. This means a private notary has a direct personal stake in ensuring impeccable quality at every step.
Both types of notary are governed by the same notarial legislation, undergo identical professional training, and are supervised by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Notarial Chamber. For a private notary, the licence is the foundation of their entire practice: revocation means immediate cessation of activity.
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| Criterion | State Notary | Private Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Working hours | Fixed government office schedule | Flexible; appointments often available at convenient times |
| Waiting times | Can be significant, especially at busy offices | Typically shorter |
| Territorial jurisdiction | Serves a defined district | Operates within their licensed territory |
| Liability | State institution | The notary personally |
| Legal assistance during preparation | Standard | Often more detailed consultation available |
| Notarial tariff (base fee) |
My practical recommendation: prepare all your documents in advance and confirm with your chosen notary that the specific act you need falls within the scope of their office. Certain specialised notarial acts may, under current regulations, be reserved for state notarial offices — so it is always worth checking before your visit.
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Regardless of whether you visit a private or a state notary, a standard document set typically includes:
The exact list always depends on the nature of the notarial act. Confirm the full requirements with your notary when booking your appointment.
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1. Do documents certified by a private notary have the same legal force as those certified by a state notary?
Yes. Uzbek legislation expressly equates the legal force of documents certified by both forms of notary. For foreign investors, this is an important point: a private notary's certification is fully recognised by courts, registries, and government bodies.
2. Which is cheaper — a private or a state notary?
The base notarial tariff is set by law and is identical for both. The cost of ancillary legal and technical assistance may differ between offices. Always ask for a full cost breakdown on the day of your appointment.
3. Can I choose a notary in any district of the city?
As a general rule, a notary operates within their licensed territorial jurisdiction. Confirm territorial competence when making your appointment, particularly if you are based outside the district where the notary's office is located.
4. What should I do if a private notary makes an error?
A private notary bears personal professional and financial liability for their acts. A complaint may be submitted to the Notarial Chamber or the relevant territorial justice authority.
5. Are there notarial acts that only a state notary may perform?
The list of acts and any special jurisdictional rules are subject to periodic legislative revision. If you need a specific act, confirm with your chosen notary or the relevant justice authority whether any restrictions apply.
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*This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or notarial advice. Specific tariffs, required documents, and procedural requirements should always be confirmed with a notary at the time of your appointment, as legislation is subject to change.*
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If you are in Tashkent (Yunusabad district) and need notarial services or have a question, please get in touch with my office. My team and I are ready to advise you and help you get your documents right the first time.
| Set by legislation |
| Set by legislation (same rates) |
