E-Notary Services in Uzbekistan: What You Can Do Online

E-Notary Services in Uzbekistan: What You Can Do Online

The electronic notary system (e-notarius) in Uzbekistan is not a replacement for traditional notarial practice — it is a digital extension of it. Some notarial acts can already be initiated or completed remotely through government portals, while others continue to require your physical presence. In this article, I will walk you through what is genuinely available online, how it works in practice, and what to watch out for — particularly if you are a foreign investor or a business operating in Uzbekistan.

Key Points at a Glance

• Not all services have been digitised. The online format currently covers a limited range of acts; most real estate transactions and contract certifications still require an in-person appointment.
• Identity verification is mandatory. To use online services, you will need a verified account on the my.gov.uz state portal and a valid PINFL (individual identification number assigned to residents and registered persons in Uzbekistan).
• Legal force is equivalent. Documents processed through the e-notarius system carry the same legal weight as their paper counterparts certified in person.
• Fees change periodically. Always confirm the current state duty and notarial tariff directly with the notary on the date of your application.

What Is e-Notarius and How Does It Work?

Uzbekistan's electronic notarial system is being developed as part of the country's broader digital transformation of public services. Through the unified state services portal and specialised platforms, individuals and entities can submit applications, request certificates, and in certain cases receive completed electronic documents bearing a notarial endorsement — without visiting a notary's office.

In my day-to-day practice, I regularly see clients confuse an "online application" with an "electronic notarial act". The former is simply an appointment booking or a preliminary data entry step. The latter is a legally binding document carrying the notary's qualified electronic signature, registered in the official notarial register and verifiable online.

Notarial Acts Available Online

What Still Requires an In-Person Visit

A substantial portion of notarial acts under current Uzbek legislation cannot be performed remotely. This is essential to understand before planning your affairs, so you do not lose time on procedures that cannot be completed digitally.

Personal attendance is mandatory for:

• certification of real estate transactions;
• execution of powers of attorney authorising legally significant acts;
• certification of wills;
• inheritance proceedings;
• authentication of signatures on documents.

I always advise clients to prepare all original documents in advance — it significantly reduces time spent at the appointment.

Documents to Bring (Even When Starting Online)

Even if you have initiated the process through the portal, you will typically need the following to complete the procedure:

• [ ] Passport of the Republic of Uzbekistan or other valid identity document (foreign nationals should bring their passport and, where applicable, a notarised translation)
• [ ] PINFL (individual identification number)
• [ ] Documents establishing the legal basis for the application (title documents, agreements, certificates)
• [ ] Where relevant — documents from the other party to the transaction
• [ ] Proof of state duty payment (if advance payment is required)

The exact list depends on the type of notarial act — please confirm the requirements when booking your appointment.

FAQ: Common Questions About Online Notary Services in Uzbekistan

Can a power of attorney be issued entirely online without visiting a notary?

No. Certifying a power of attorney requires the personal appearance of the authorising party before the notary for identity verification and document signing. Online tools may be used to agree on the draft text and book an appointment, but the act itself must be completed in person.

How can I verify the authenticity of a notarial document online?

For documents registered in the electronic notarial register, verification is available through the state services portal. You will need the document's reference details (number, date, and notary name). If the document was issued before digital registration was introduced and has not been entered into the register, authenticity can only be confirmed directly by a notary.

Does an electronic notarial document have the same legal force as a paper one?

Yes — provided it bears the notary's qualified electronic signature and is registered in the state register. Its legal force is identical to a paper document.

Can inheritance proceedings be handled online?

No. Opening an inheritance case and issuing a certificate of inheritance rights are procedures that require an in-person visit to the notary at the place where the estate is opened.

Does a foreign investor or individual need their own electronic signature to use e-notarius?

For most online services, a verified account on my.gov.uz (authenticated via PINFL) is sufficient. A qualified electronic signature may be required for specific document workflows — this depends on the particular service. Foreign nationals should clarify this requirement in advance, as access conditions may differ from those for Uzbek citizens.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan's e-notary system is a genuinely useful tool that saves time during the preparatory stage and simplifies access to information and registry services. However, the core notarial acts — those involving transaction certification and personal identity verification — continue to require an in-person visit. Online services and live notarial work complement each other; they do not replace one another.

> Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a substitute for individual notarial advice. The specific procedure, required documents, and applicable fees depend on the circumstances of your matter and the legislation in force on the date of your application. Please verify all current details directly with your notary.

If you would like to clarify which services are available online for your specific situation, or if you wish to book an appointment, please contact the notary office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. My colleagues and I are ready to assist with any question you may have.