Understanding Ukrainian Internal Passports and ID Cards for Citizens Abroad

Understanding Ukrainian Internal Passports and ID Cards for Citizens Abroad

At Legal Light Consulting, we often receive questions from Ukrainian citizens living abroad about their internal identification documents. A common point of confusion is the difference between the international passport (for travel) and the internal passport (for identification within Ukraine), and how to manage the latter while outside the country.

This article provides clear, important information about the internal passport of a citizen of Ukraine (both the old booklet and the newer ID card).

The Key Rule for Ukrainians Abroad

It is impossible to apply for a new internal passport or extend the validity of an existing one at any Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Ukrainian diplomatic missions are authorized to issue only international passports for travel abroad. All matters related to the internal passport (ID card) must be handled through the authorities within Ukraine.

Special Rules Due to Martial Law

The Ukrainian government understands the difficulties faced by citizens who cannot return home. Therefore, special temporary rules have been established.

If the validity of your internal passport (ID card) expired on or after February 23, 2022, it remains a valid document for identifying you and confirming your Ukrainian citizenship.

This applies to:

1. New ID Cards: Whose expiration date passed 30 days before or after February 24, 2022.

2. Old Booklet Passports (1994 model): That require a new photo to be pasted in when a person turns 25 or 45, if that deadline passed 30 days before or after February 24, 2022.

What should you do?

You will have 30 calendar days from the date martial law is officially terminated or canceled to return to Ukraine and exchange your document or paste a new photo.

How and Where to Exchange Your Passport

The exchange of internal passports is handled exclusively by the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) within the country.

• Official Information: For detailed procedures, required documents, and application forms, please visit the official SMS website: [https://dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina

FAQ: Ukrainian Internal Passports & ID Cards During Martial Law

Q1: My Ukrainian internal ID card (or passport booklet) has expired while I am abroad. Can I renew it at my local Ukrainian Embassy?

No. This is the most important rule to understand. Ukrainian diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) abroad are not authorized to issue, renew, or extend the validity of the internal passport of Ukraine (whether it is the ID card or the old booklet). They can only handle international passports for travel.

Q2: So, is my expired internal passport still valid?

Yes, under a special temporary law. The Ukrainian government has officially decreed that internal passports (ID cards and booklets) which expired on or after February 23, 2022, remain valid documents for identifying you and confirming your citizenship. This validity is extended for the duration of the martial law.

Q3: What specific documents does this extension apply to?

It applies to two main situations:

• ID Cards: Whose expiration date passed 30 days before or after February 24, 2022.

• Old Booklet Passports (1994 model): That required a new photo to be pasted in at age 25 or 45, if that deadline passed 30 days before or after February 24, 2022.

Q4: How long will my expired document be considered valid?

Your document will be considered valid until 30 calendar days after martial law is officially terminated or canceled in Ukraine.

Q5: What do I need to do once martial law ends?

You will have a 30-day grace period from the date martial law ends to return to Ukraine and submit an application to exchange your old document for a new one at a territorial branch of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS).

Q6: Where inside Ukraine do I go to renew it?

The exchange is handled exclusively by the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) within the country. You must apply at a territorial office.

• Official Information Source: For the most current list of required documents and procedures, always check the official SMS website: https://dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/pasport-gromadyanina-ukrajni.html

Q7: I’ve heard about “Document” service centers abroad. Can they help with this?

No. The “Document” service centers located in some foreign countries are authorized only for services related to international passports for travel abroad. They cannot process applications for the internal Ukrainian ID card or passport booklet.

Q8: Does this same rule apply to my child’s internal ID card?

Yes. The exact same rules apply to internal ID cards for children. They cannot be renewed abroad and their validity is extended under the same martial law provisions.

Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only

This information is based on current Ukrainian legislation and is intended for general guidance. Regulations may change. This FAQ does not constitute legal advice.

For decisions regarding your specific circumstances, it is strongly recommended to monitor official announcements from the State Migration Service of Ukraine or consult with a legal professional.