Passport of a Citizen of Ukraine (Internal Passport & ID Card) – Important Information
At Legal Light Consulting (LLC Lawyer), we often receive inquiries from Ukrainian citizens living abroad regarding the issuance or renewal of the internal passport of a citizen of Ukraine (in booklet form or ID card format). It is important to understand what can and cannot be done outside Ukraine.
Can an Internal Passport Be Issued Abroad?
No. It is impossible to issue a new internal passport or extend the validity of an existing internal passport (booklet or ID card) through diplomatic institutions of Ukraine abroad. This service is only available within Ukraine.
Validity of Expired Internal Passports During Martial Law
According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1202 (dated October 21, 2022):
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Passports of citizens of Ukraine in card form that expired 30 days before February 24, 2022, or anytime after February 24, 2022, remain valid as identification and confirmation of Ukrainian citizenship during martial law.
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Passports of the 1994 model (booklet type), where the required photograph was not pasted at the age of 25 or 45, but the deadline to do so expired 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, are also still considered valid documents during martial law.
These passports will continue to serve as legal ID and proof of citizenship. However, they must be exchanged or updated (photo pasted) within 30 calendar days after martial law is terminated or canceled.
Where Can You Renew or Exchange an Internal Passport?
To issue, exchange, or update an internal passport, citizens must contact the territorial bodies or divisions of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (DMS).
🔗 Official Information on Passport Issuance – DMS of Ukraine
Services Abroad – Passport Service “Dokument”
For Ukrainians abroad, the State Enterprise “Dokument” provides certain services. While internal passports cannot be issued outside Ukraine, you can get information and updates through their international service centers.
🔗 Passport Service “Dokument” Abroad
Special Note for Children’s ID Cards
If a child already has a Ukrainian ID card, it should be kept safe and valid until further renewal procedures can be carried out inside Ukraine.
How Legal Light Consulting Can Help
At Legal Light Consulting, we assist Ukrainians living abroad by:
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Explaining passport rules and regulations clearly,
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Guiding families on required documents before traveling to Ukraine for renewal,
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Coordinating with authorities to avoid unnecessary delays,
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Providing legal support regarding citizenship confirmation and identity documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Ukrainian Internal Passport & ID Card Renewal During Martial Law
1. Can I renew or extend my internal passport at a Ukrainian embassy abroad?
No. Diplomatic institutions abroad cannot issue new internal passports or extend the validity of existing ones. Renewal or replacement must be done inside Ukraine through the State Migration Service.
2. Are expired passports still valid during martial law?
Yes. According to Cabinet Resolution No. 1202 (October 21, 2022):
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Card-type passports expired 30 days before February 24, 2022 or anytime after February 24, 2022, are still valid as ID and proof of citizenship.
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1994 booklet-type passports where a photo was not pasted at age 25 or 45, and the deadline expired 30 days before or after February 24, 2022, are also considered valid during martial law.
3. When must these passports be updated or exchanged?
All affected internal passports must be exchanged or have new photos pasted within 30 calendar days after martial law is terminated or canceled.
4. Can children’s ID cards be renewed abroad?
No. Ukrainian ID cards for children cannot be renewed at embassies. They remain valid until renewal procedures can be completed inside Ukraine.
5. Where can I renew or exchange my internal passport in Ukraine?
Renewal and exchange are done through the territorial bodies and divisions of the State Migration Service (DMS).
🔗 State Migration Service Passport Information
6. Is there any service available for Ukrainians abroad?
Yes. The State Enterprise “Dokument” provides guidance and information abroad. While they cannot issue or renew internal passports, they can provide updates and advise on the process.
🔗 Passport Service “Dokument” Abroad
7. What documents should I keep ready for renewal once I return to Ukraine?
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Current internal passport or ID card,
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Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or previous passport),
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Photos for new passport,
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Any documents confirming changes in personal information (if applicable).
8. How can Legal Light Consulting assist Ukrainians abroad?
At LLC Lawyer, we:
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Explain which documents are valid during martial law,
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Provide guidance on renewal requirements,
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Help families prepare necessary documents for internal passport updates in Ukraine,
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Advise on legal confirmation of citizenship and ID issues.
9. Is it safe to travel with an expired internal passport during martial law?
Yes. Expired passports that fall under the exceptions mentioned in Resolution No. 1202 are legally recognized for identification and citizenship purposes until the post-martial law renewal period.
10. Where can I find official updates on passport regulations?
Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not substitute official legal advice. For personal guidance, always consult the State Migration Service of Ukraine or the nearest Ukrainian diplomatic mission.
