Understanding the Ukrainian Internal Passport and ID Card for Citizens Abroad

Understanding the Ukrainian Internal Passport and ID Card for Citizens Abroad

At Legal Light Consulting, our dedicated LLC lawyers are here to guide you through the complexities of obtaining or managing a Ukrainian internal passport or ID card, especially for citizens abroad.

This article provides a clear and detailed explanation of the rules and processes for the Ukrainian internal passport (booklet or ID card format), particularly for children and adults living outside Ukraine. This information is for educational purposes and is written in simple English.

What Is the Ukrainian Internal Passport?

The Ukrainian internal passport is an official document that identifies a person as a citizen of Ukraine and is used for domestic purposes within the country. It comes in two forms:

• Booklet format: An older version issued before 2016 (1994 model).

• ID card format: A modern, plastic card with a chip, introduced for newer issuances.

This document is different from the Ukrainian passport for travel abroad, which is used for international travel.

Can You Get or Extend an Internal Passport Abroad?

No, Ukrainian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) abroad cannot:

• Issue a new internal passport (booklet or ID card).

• Extend the validity of an existing internal passport.

To obtain or exchange an internal passport, you must visit a territorial body or division of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) within Ukraine. For more details, visit: dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html.

Alternatively, the Passport Service of the State Enterprise “Dokument” operates centers abroad that may assist with certain passport-related services. Check their website for locations and services: pasport.org.ua/centers.

Special Rules for Expired Internal Passports During Martial Law

Due to martial law in Ukraine, special provisions were introduced by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1202, dated October 21, 2022. These rules apply to internal passports and ID cards with expired validity or specific photo requirements:

Affected Passports

1. ID Card Passports:

   • If the validity of an ID card expired 30 days before February 24, 2022, or after February 24, 2022, it is still considered a valid document for identifying a person and confirming Ukrainian citizenship.

2. 1994 Model Booklet Passports:

   • For individuals who reached 25 or 45 years of age and need a new photo pasted into their booklet passport, if the deadline for pasting the photo fell 30 days before February 24, 2022, or after February 24, 2022, the passport remains valid.

What This Means

• These passports continue to be recognized as valid identification and proof of Ukrainian citizenship until 30 calendar days after the termination or cancellation of martial law.

• Within this 30-day period after martial law ends, you must:

  • Exchange an expired ID card for a new one.

  • Paste a new photo into a 1994-model booklet passport for those who reached 25 or 45 years of age.

Where to Exchange or Update

• Visit a State Migration Service (SMS) office in Ukraine for exchanges or photo updates.

• Check the SMS website for details: dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html.

Internal Passports for Children

Children under 16 may also have an ID card as an internal passport in Ukraine, though it is less common. If a child has an ID card, it can be used as proof of identity and citizenship within Ukraine. However:

• Issuance or exchange of a child’s ID card must also be done through the State Migration Service in Ukraine, not at embassies abroad.

• If a child’s ID card is expired, the same martial law rules apply (valid until 30 days after martial law ends).

For children born abroad, obtaining a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine is often the first step to confirm citizenship before applying for an ID card or international passport. This process is handled by Ukrainian embassies (see our related articles for details).

How to Proceed if You’re Abroad

If you or your child need a new or updated internal passport or ID card:

1. Contact the State Migration Service (SMS): Plan to visit a territorial office in Ukraine for issuance or exchange. Check their website for requirements and locations.

2. Check Passport Service Centers Abroad: Some services, like document preparation assistance, may be available through the State Enterprise “Dokument” centers abroad. Visit pasport.org.ua/centers to find a center near you.

3. Prepare Documents: Ensure you have necessary documents, such as a birth certificate (legalized and translated into Ukrainian if issued abroad) and proof of citizenship (e.g., a Certificate of Registration for children born abroad).

4. Plan for Martial Law Rules: If your passport or ID card falls under the extended validity rules, monitor updates on martial law to know when the 30-day exchange period begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get a Ukrainian internal passport or ID card at an embassy abroad?

No, internal passports (booklet or ID card) can only be issued or exchanged through the State Migration Service in Ukraine. Embassies do not provide this service.

2. What if my ID card expired during martial law?

If your ID card expired 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, it remains valid as proof of identity and citizenship until 30 days after martial law ends. You must exchange it within that period.

3. I’m 25 or 45 and need a new photo for my booklet passport. What should I do?

If the deadline for pasting a new photo was 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, your 1994-model booklet passport is still valid. You must update the photo within 30 days after martial law is lifted at an SMS office in Ukraine.

4. Can my child born abroad get an ID card?

Yes, but it must be issued through the State Migration Service in Ukraine. First, ensure the child is registered as a Ukrainian citizen (via a Certificate of Registration) at a Ukrainian embassy.

5. Where can I find more information about passport services abroad?

Visit pasport.org.ua/centers for information on State Enterprise “Dokument” centers abroad, or check dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html for SMS services in Ukraine.

6. What documents do I need to exchange an internal passport?

Requirements vary, but typically include proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine), and for children, parental documents. Check with the SMS for specifics.

7. What if I’m abroad and can’t travel to Ukraine due to martial law?

Contact a State Enterprise “Dokument” center abroad for assistance with related services, or reach out to the Department of Consular Service in Kyiv (Velyka Zhytomyrska 2, +38 044 238 15 15) for guidance.

8. Renewing Ukrainian Internal Passport and ID Card During Martial Law

At Legal Light Consulting, our experienced LLC lawyers are here to help you understand the rules for renewing or exchanging a Ukrainian internal passport (booklet or ID card) during martial law.

This FAQ section provides clear and detailed answers to common questions about managing internal passports and ID cards under the special provisions of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1202, dated October 21, 2022.

Written in simple English for educational purposes, this guide is tailored for Ukrainian citizens, including those abroad or with children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I renew my Ukrainian internal passport or ID card abroad during martial law?

No, Ukrainian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) abroad cannot issue new internal passports or ID cards, nor can they extend the validity of existing ones.

You must visit a territorial body or division of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) within Ukraine to renew or exchange your internal passport. For more details, visit: dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html.

2. What happens if my ID card expired during martial law?

If your ID card’s validity expired 30 days before February 24, 2022, or after February 24, 2022, it is still considered a valid document for identifying you and confirming your Ukrainian citizenship.

This rule applies during martial law and extends until 30 calendar days after martial law is terminated or canceled. After this period, you must exchange the expired ID card for a new one at an SMS office in Ukraine.

3. I have a 1994-model booklet passport and turned 25 or 45. Do I need to update the photo during martial law?

If you reached 25 or 45 years of age and the deadline for pasting a new photo in your 1994-model booklet passport was 30 days before February 24, 2022, or after February 24, 2022, your passport remains valid without the new photo.

This validity lasts until 30 days after martial law ends. Within those 30 days, you must visit an SMS office in Ukraine to have a new photo pasted into the booklet or exchange it for a new ID card.

4. Do I need to replace my expired internal passport immediately during martial law?

No, if your internal passport (ID card or 1994-model booklet) falls under the martial law provisions (expired 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, or requiring a photo update at age 25 or 45), it remains valid for use in Ukraine as proof of identity and citizenship. You are not required to replace it until 30 calendar days after martial law ends.

5. Can my child’s expired ID card be used during martial law?

Yes, if your child (under 16) has an ID card that expired 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, it is still valid as proof of identity and Ukrainian citizenship during martial law. Like adult ID cards, it must be exchanged within 30 days after martial law ends at an SMS office in Ukraine.

6. Where can I renew or exchange my internal passport or ID card?

You must visit a State Migration Service (SMS) office in Ukraine for renewals, exchanges, or photo updates. Check the SMS website for locations and requirements: dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html.

Some services may be assisted through State Enterprise “Dokument” centers abroad for preparation, but the actual issuance happens in Ukraine. Visit: pasport.org.ua/centers.

7. What documents are needed to exchange an internal passport or ID card after martial law?

While exact requirements may vary, you typically need:

• Your current internal passport or ID card (even if expired).

• Proof of Ukrainian citizenship (e.g., a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Ukraine for those born abroad).

• A birth certificate (for children, legalized and translated into Ukrainian if issued abroad).

• Additional documents proving identity or changes (e.g., marriage certificate for name changes). Contact the SMS office or check their website for a complete list specific to your situation.

8. Is there a fee for exchanging an internal passport or ID card?

Fees depend on the service (e.g., exchanging an ID card or updating a booklet passport). During martial law, expired documents remain valid, so no immediate action is needed.

After martial law, standard SMS fees apply. Check with the SMS or a “Dokument” center for current rates: dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html.

9. I’m abroad and can’t travel to Ukraine during martial law. What should I do?

If you cannot travel to Ukraine, your expired internal passport or ID card (meeting the martial law criteria) remains valid for identity and citizenship purposes until 30 days after martial law ends.

Contact a State Enterprise “Dokument” center abroad for guidance on preparing for renewal: pasport.org.ua/centers. You can also reach the Department of Consular Service in Kyiv for advice:

• Address: Velyka Zhytomyrska 2, Kyiv, Ukraine

• Phone: +38 044 238 15 15

10. Can a child’s ID card be renewed abroad?

No, a child’s ID card (if they have one) can only be renewed or issued through the State Migration Service in Ukraine, not at embassies or consulates abroad. If the child’s ID card is expired, it remains valid under martial law rules until 30 days after martial law ends.

11. How will I know when martial law ends?

The end of martial law will be announced by the Ukrainian government. Monitor official sources, such as the State Migration Service website or Ukrainian embassy updates, to stay informed. Plan to exchange your passport or update photos within 30 calendar days after the announcement.

12. What if I need my internal passport for other purposes during martial law?

As long as your passport or ID card falls under the martial law provisions (expired 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, or needing a photo update at age 25 or 45), it is valid for use in Ukraine for identification and confirming citizenship.

For international purposes, use a Ukrainian passport for travel abroad, which can be obtained through embassies.

13. Can I start the renewal process before martial law ends?

You can contact the State Migration Service or a “Dokument” center to prepare documents, but actual issuance or photo updates can only occur in Ukraine.

Preparing in advance (e.g., gathering legalized birth certificates or proof of citizenship) can save time once martial law ends.

14. What if my child born abroad doesn’t have an ID card yet?

Children born abroad must first be registered as Ukrainian citizens (via a Certificate of Registration) at a Ukrainian embassy before applying for an ID card in Ukraine. The ID card issuance must still occur through the SMS in Ukraine, not abroad.

Why Choose Legal Light Consulting?

Managing internal passport renewals during martial law can be confusing, especially for Ukrainians abroad. At Legal Light Consulting, our skilled LLC lawyers provide expert guidance to help you prepare documents, understand martial law rules, and plan for renewals.

Whether you’re dealing with an expired ID card or a child’s citizenship, we’re here to simplify the process. Contact us today for professional support.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures, especially during martial law, may change. For personalized assistance, consult a qualified legal professional.