Power of Attorney to Collect Documents in Uzbekistan: Passport, Diplomas & Certificates — A Tashkent Notary Explains

What Is a Power of Attorney for Document Collection — and When Do You Need One?

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:

• A power of attorney for document collection must be notarially certified — a simple written authorisation is generally not sufficient.
• The document must clearly specify which document is to be collected, from which organisation, and by whom.
• The principal may be either a natural person (individual) or a legal entity (company or organisation).
• The validity period is set by the principal; if no period is stated, the general provisions of civil law will apply.

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Which Documents Can Be Collected Under a Power of Attorney?

The range of documents that representatives commonly collect on behalf of principals is quite broad:

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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How to Arrange a Power of Attorney with a Notary: The General Procedure

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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What to Bring to the Notary's Office

The principal should bring:

• Original passport or other identity document
• Full details of the representative: complete name, date of birth, and passport information
• The exact name of the document to be collected and the full name of the issuing organisation

The representative will need (when collecting the document):

• The original notarially certified power of attorney
• Their own passport or identity 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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Frequently Asked Questions

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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Contact a Notary in the Yunusabad District of Tashkent

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.