In Brief: What Does "Revoking" a Power of Attorney Mean?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document by which you authorise another person — your attorney-in-fact or representative — to act on your behalf. But circumstances change: trust may be lost, the original purpose of the POA may have been fulfilled, or you may simply need to handle the matter yourself. Uzbek law gives the principal (the person who granted the POA) the right to revoke it at any time, without providing any reason. It is essential to do this correctly — otherwise, the attorney-in-fact formally retains authority even after you have decided to withdraw it.
Key Points
- Revocation is the principal's right at any time. No justification is required.
- Intention alone is not enough — you must officially notify the attorney-in-fact and any third parties with whom they have been acting on your behalf.
- Notarially certified revocation creates a reliable evidentiary record and fixes the precise date on which the authority ceases.
- Retrieve the original POA if at all possible from the attorney-in-fact and return it to the notary or destroy it.
General Procedure for Revoking a Power of Attorney
In my practice, the clearer the revocation is documented, the fewer disputes arise later. I regularly see situations where a principal informed the attorney-in-fact verbally, yet third parties continued to treat the representative's actions as valid — simply because proper formal notice had never been given.
Step 1. Visit a notary.
You attend a notary's office — it does not have to be the notary who certified the original POA — and declare your intention to revoke it. The notary will draft and certify a revocation order (or such other instrument as is prescribed by current Uzbek legislation).
Step 2. Notify the attorney-in-fact.
The representative must be informed of the revocation — preferably in writing with proof of receipt (registered mail, signed acknowledgement, etc.). The attorney-in-fact's authority terminates from the moment they become aware of the revocation.
Step 3. Notify relevant third parties.
If the POA was used to conduct transactions with specific organisations or individuals — a bank, a government authority, a business counterparty — those parties must also be notified of the revocation. Without such notice, good-faith third parties may continue to rely on the representative's authority.
Step 4. Retrieve and cancel the original.
I strongly recommend demanding that the attorney-in-fact return the original POA. This is an additional safeguard against potential misuse.
Table: Key Aspects of Revoking a Power of Attorney
| Aspect | General Rule | Points to Note |
|---|
| Who may revoke | The principal only (or their legal guardian/representative) | The attorney-in-fact cannot simply "resign" in lieu of revocation |
| Form of revocation | Notarially certified revocation order | Oral revocation is legally unreliable |
| Notifying the attorney-in-fact | Mandatory, in writing | Authority terminates upon receipt of notice |
| Notifying third parties | Recommended for all parties who dealt with the representative | Protects against actions by good-faith third parties |
| Return of the original | Strongly advisable | Reduces the risk of fraudulent use |
|
Documents to Bring
- The principal's passport (original)
- A copy of (or the details of) the POA being revoked: date, registry number, and the name of the certifying notary
- The original POA — if it is in your possession
- Where applicable — documents confirming the authority of a legal guardian or representative (if the principal is acting through one)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a power of attorney be revoked without notifying the attorney-in-fact?
As a matter of law, revocation takes effect at the moment the revocation order is certified. However, without notification the attorney-in-fact may continue to act in good faith. For the revocation to have practical effect against third parties, notification is essential.
Do I have to go to the same notary who certified the original POA?
No. You may attend any authorised notary.
What if the attorney-in-fact refuses to return the original POA?
Refusal to return the original does not preserve the attorney-in-fact's authority. The revocation is evidenced by the notarially certified revocation order. If necessary, the matter can be resolved through the courts.
Is it possible to revoke only some of the powers, rather than the entire POA?
Yes — the revocation order can specify which particular powers are terminated while leaving the remainder in force. This approach requires precise drafting; I recommend agreeing the exact wording with the notary in advance.
How much does revoking a power of attorney cost?
Please confirm the applicable fees with the notary on the day of your appointment, as rates are subject to periodic revision. As a general rule, the cost is relatively modest compared with the fee for certifying the original POA.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for individual notarial advice. The specific procedure and requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of your particular case.
Consult a Notary in the Yunusabad District of Tashkent
If you need to revoke a power of attorney or would like advice on any notarial matter, I invite you to visit my notary office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. We will help you prepare all the necessary documents correctly, notify the relevant parties, and protect your interests. Please get in touch through the contact details available on this website.
