Duplicate of a Notarial Document: How to Obtain One If the Original Is Lost
Lost a notarized document? Under Uzbek law, a notary may issue a duplicate that carries exactly the same legal force as the original. This article covers who can apply, what to bring, and what to watch out for.
What Is a Duplicate and Why Does It Matter
If a notarized document has been lost, destroyed, or rendered unusable, the law provides a clear recovery mechanism: the issuance of a duplicate. A duplicate is a full reproduction of the lost document, certified by a notary, and carrying exactly the same legal force as the original. It is not a secondary reference copy — it is a complete substitute on the basis of which any necessary legal action can be taken.
In my practice, I regularly see clients delay recovering a lost document in the hope that it will turn up. In reality, certain transactions, inheritance proceedings, and registration actions simply cannot be completed without either the original or its duplicate — and every delay only prolongs the problem.
Key points:
- A duplicate may only be issued by the notary (or that notary's successor) who certified the original document.
- Only the party on whose behalf the notarial act was performed — or their duly authorized representative — is entitled to obtain a duplicate.
- The duplicate carries the same legal force as the lost original.
- Always confirm current fees and processing times directly with the notary at the time of your application, as tariffs are subject to periodic revision.
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Who Issues a Duplicate and Where to Apply
You must apply to the specific notary's office where the original document was certified. A notary is required to retain a copy (or a registry entry) of every notarial act performed, and it is from this archived record that the duplicate is produced.
If the notary who certified the document has ceased practice, their archive is transferred in the prescribed manner to another notary or to the regional Notarial Chamber. In that case, you will need to find out where the archive was transferred — the staff at the Tashkent Notarial Chamber can assist with this information.
Important: a duplicate is issued exclusively to a party to the notarial act or that party's legal successor (heir). A third party has no right to obtain a duplicate — this is a fundamental safeguard protecting your interests.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | What Happens | Points to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application | Submit a written request describing the situation | Specify when the document was certified and what type it was |
| Archive search | The notary locates the registry entry or retained copy | If the archive has been transferred, you will be directed accordingly |
| Identity verification | Present your passport and confirm your authority to apply | A representative must also present a notarized power of attorney |
| Fee payment | Pay the applicable notarial fee | The fee depends on the document type — confirm in advance |
| Issuance of duplicate | The notary prepares and issues the duplicate | The document is marked "Duplicate" |
Processing time depends on the complexity of the archive search and the notary's current workload. I recommend calling ahead to find out the most convenient time to visit.
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Documents to Bring
- Passport or other valid government-issued identity document
- Details of the lost document: type of document, approximate date of certification, names of the parties involved, or other identifying information
- Notarized power of attorney — if applying through a representative
- Documents confirming succession rights (e.g., a certificate of inheritance) — if applying as an heir of one of the original parties
- Where required — a written statement of loss (the notary will advise whether this needs to be prepared separately)
The more precisely you can describe the lost document, the faster the notary will be able to locate the relevant registry entry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain a duplicate from any notary?
No. A duplicate may only be issued by the notary who certified the original, or by the notary who has since taken custody of that notary's archive.
Does a duplicate have the same legal force as the original?
Yes. A duplicate fully replaces the lost original and is accepted by all government authorities and institutions on the same basis.
What if the notary who certified my document is no longer in practice?
You need to find out where that notary's archive was transferred. Contact the Notarial Chamber in your region — they will direct you to the appropriate specialist.
How much does a duplicate cost?
The cost depends on the type of document and the notarial fees in force at the time of your application. Always confirm the exact amount with the notary on the day you apply.
Can an application for a duplicate be refused?
Yes. A duplicate will not be issued if the applicant is not a party to the notarial act or a recognized legal representative or successor, or if the archived record no longer exists. In disputed cases, the matter may need to be resolved through the courts.
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> *This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or notarial advice. Every situation has its own specific features that should be discussed in person with a qualified notary.*
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Contact a Notary in the Yunusabad District of Tashkent
If you need to recover a lost notarial document, or would like to consult in advance about the duplicate issuance process, please reach out to our notary's office in the Yunusabad District of Tashkent. We will assess your situation, search the archive, and prepare your duplicate within the established timeframe.
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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