Law
If you cannot be present in person to collect an important document — a passport, diploma, or official certificate — a notarially certified power of attorney offers a legal and reliable solution. A notary from the Yunusabad district of Tashkent walks you through everything you need to know.
1 minIf you cannot attend probate proceedings in person, a notarially certified power of attorney allows you to appoint a trusted representative to act on your behalf. This article covers what such a document must include, which supporting documents to bring, and the key pitfalls to avoid.
A power of attorney for document collection is a notarially certified instrument by which one person (the principal) authorises another person (the representative or attorney-in-fact) to collect a specific document on their behalf. In my day-to-day practice, I frequently see situations where this becomes essential: a client is abroad or in another city, is unwell, or simply cannot take time off work — yet urgently needs to retrieve a completed passport, academic diploma, archival certificate, or other official record. This is precisely the scenario this type of power of attorney is designed to address.
The issuing authority — whether a passport office, university, state archive, or government agency — is entitled to require a notarially certified power of attorney, since the documents in question are personal records belonging to the individual concerned.
Key points to keep in mind:
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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.
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The range of documents that representatives commonly collect on behalf of principals is quite broad:
| Document Type | Typical Issuing Authority | Points to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (initial issue / replacement) | Passport & registration office (OVIR) | Confirm in advance whether the office accepts representatives |
| Academic diploma | University or college | Institutions often require reference to their own internal order in the POA |
| Archival certificates | State archives, civil registry offices | Specify the exact name of the certificate required |
| Employment record book | Employer's HR department | State the organisation's full legal name |
| Medical records | Clinic or hospital | Check the institution's internal acceptance rules |
I always recommend checking with the receiving organisation in advance to find out exactly what powers must be stated in the power of attorney — this saves considerable time.
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The process is straightforward and, in most cases, requires only a single visit to the notary's office.
Step 1. The principal attends the notary's office in person — the representative does not need to be present at this stage.
Step 2. The notary verifies the principal's identity, then explains the content and legal effect of the document.
Step 3. The text of the power of attorney is drafted, clearly setting out: who is authorising whom, what document is to be collected, from which organisation, and for what period.
Step 4. The principal signs the document in the notary's presence; the notary then certifies the signature and registers the power of attorney.
Please verify the applicable notarial fees and state duty with the notary on the day of your visit, as rates are subject to periodic revision.
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The principal should bring:
The representative will need (when collecting the document):
If the principal is a legal entity, additional documents will be required — typically the company's constitutional documents and evidence of the signatory's authority to act on the entity's behalf.
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Can a power of attorney be granted to a family member?
Yes. Uzbek law does not restrict who may act as a representative — it may be a spouse, parent, friend, or colleague. The essential requirement is that the principal themselves has full legal capacity and attends the notary's office in person.
Is notarial certification always required?
For the vast majority of government bodies and official organisations — yes. A simple written authorisation is accepted only in exceptional cases expressly provided for by law.
How long is the power of attorney valid?
The validity period is chosen by the principal. If no period is specified, the power of attorney remains effective in accordance with the applicable civil law provisions. For a one-off transaction, a validity of a few weeks to one month is usually sufficient.
Can a power of attorney be revoked?
Yes, at any time. The principal must apply to a notary to revoke the instrument and should also notify the representative and any organisation where the power of attorney has been presented.
What if the organisation refuses to accept the power of attorney?
Request a written refusal stating the reason. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the wording of the authorised powers is all that is needed. Please contact my office — we can help revise the text to meet the organisation's requirements.
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> Please note: This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or notarial advice. Every situation has its own particular features, which should be discussed with a notary in person.
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If you need to arrange a power of attorney to collect a document — whether a passport, diploma, official certificate, or any other record — I invite you to visit my notarial office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. We will prepare the text of the power of attorney to meet the specific requirements of the relevant organisation, explain all the details, and certify the document on the day of your appointment. Please get in touch through any of the contact methods listed on our website.
| Civil status certificates (birth, marriage) |
| Civil registry office (ZAGS) |
| Indicate whether an original or a duplicate is required |