The Notarial Register: What It Records and Why It Matters

What Is the Notarial Register?

The notarial register is a chronological logbook in which I record every notarial act I perform: certifying a transaction, witnessing a signature, issuing a certificate of inheritance, and much more. Think of it as the institutional memory of a notary's office — a complete, permanent history of every matter handled there.

Each entry receives a unique registration number. That number is stamped on the notarial document issued to you, creating a direct link between the paper in your hands and the entry in the register, and confirming the authenticity of the certification.

Key points:

• Keeping the register is a statutory obligation, not a personal choice of the notary.
• Every act is entered in the register before the document is handed to the client.
• Each entry records the date, the type of act, the particulars of the parties involved, and the notarial fee charged.
• A register entry is the basis on which a duplicate of a lost notarial document can be issued.

What the Register Records

In practice, I enter details of every act I perform within the scope of my authority. Typical entries cover:

In addition to the type of act, the register records the particulars of the persons who applied for the act and the notarial fee (state duty) charged. Fee rates are reviewed periodically — always confirm the current amount with the notary on the day of your appointment.

Why the Register Matters to You as a Client

Many people assume the register is purely an internal tool for the notary. In reality, it directly protects your interests.

Recovering a lost document. If the original of a power of attorney, contract, or certificate is lost or destroyed, the notary who holds the relevant register is entitled to issue a duplicate — an exact copy carrying the same legal force as the original. Without the register entry, this would be impossible.

Evidentiary value in court. The register is an official document. Courts and investigative authorities may subpoena information from it to establish the fact that a notarial act was performed, along with its date and content.

Protection against forgery. Any interested authority — a court, a bank, or the Agency for Cadastre and State Registration (Uzbekistan's land and property registry) — can verify the authenticity of a notarial document by its register number. This significantly reduces the risk of fraud.

Accountability and oversight. The register is inspected during professional audits of the notary. This disciplines practice and guarantees that every act has been performed in strict accordance with the law.

Documents to Bring When Visiting a Notary

To ensure your details are entered in the register correctly from the outset, I recommend preparing the following in advance:

• Passport (primary identity document)
• Individual Taxpayer Number (INN / PINFL) — the personal identification number assigned to individuals in Uzbekistan
• Title documents for the property concerned, if the transaction involves real estate or a vehicle
• Authority documents for the representative, if you are acting on behalf of a legal entity
• Marriage, divorce, or death certificate — for inheritance matters and transactions involving jointly acquired marital property

The exact list depends on the type of notarial act required; please confirm it when booking your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I inspect my own entry in the register?

Clients do not have a general right to browse the register — it is a restricted document. However, you may approach the notary for a certified extract or confirmation that a specific act was performed, provided you have a legitimate legal interest (for example, you are a party to the transaction in question).

What if the notary who performed the act is no longer in practice?

Registers are transferred to the Notarial Chamber or its archive. Contact the Notarial Chamber for your region — they will advise where the relevant register is held and how to obtain a duplicate document.

Can a register entry be challenged?

An entry can only be challenged through the courts. If you believe a notarial act was performed in breach of the law, consult a lawyer and/or file a complaint with the Notarial Chamber.

How long are registers kept?

Retention periods are set by law and are generally very long — spanning decades. For the precise period applicable to your document, ask the notary or the Notarial Chamber directly.

Is there an electronic register?

Uzbekistan is progressively transitioning notarial practice to digital platforms, and some notarial acts are already recorded in electronic systems. For the current state of digitalisation, please enquire directly with your notary.

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*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual notarial advice. The procedure for performing notarial acts and the applicable fees are subject to change; please consult a notary in person for up-to-date information.*

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If you need notarial assistance — whether to certify a transaction, obtain a duplicate document, or verify the authenticity of a notarial act — I welcome you to make an appointment at my office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Contact us through any convenient channel and we will find a time that suits you.