Every year, thousands of drivers in Ukraine face the need to replace or restore their driver’s license. Reasons vary – the license expired, the name changed, the document is damaged or lost. Updating a license without violations can be done in three ways: in person at an MVS service center, via the driver’s electronic cabinet, or through the Diia app. Below is a step-by-step guide for each option, current requirements, and situations where issuance may be denied.
Which licenses are valid in Ukraine
The validity of a driver’s license in Ukraine is 30 years. A license issued for the first time is valid for 2 years. All previously issued licenses remain valid – there is no mandatory requirement to exchange old samples for new ones. Samples can be viewed in the “Samples of Ukrainian driver’s licenses” section on the Main Service Center of MVS website.
Important! During martial law, drivers do not need to provide a medical certificate to exchange or restore a license.
A license that expired during martial law continues to be valid throughout Ukraine. It can be replaced after martial law is lifted or by visiting an MVS service center that resumed operations. The list of centers is available at hscmvs.com.
When replacement is required
License exchange occurs in specific situations defined by law. Replacing an old license is voluntary, but mandatory in cases such as:
- license expiration (30 years for permanent, 2 years for first-time issuance);
- change of personal data – surname, first name, patronymic, gender. Exchange must occur within 10 days of receiving a new passport;
- license damaged, records unreadable, photo doesn’t match appearance;
- document lost or stolen;
- driver’s request – to update personal data, Latin transliteration, or photo.
For international travel, it is crucial that the license has a valid expiration date for European countries.
Features of replacement after 2 years
Replacing a license after 2 years is exchanging a first-time license for a permanent one. Exchange is possible only after expiration, starting from the day after the date indicated in the license.
Exchange is done without exams if the driver committed no more than two administrative traffic violations and no criminal offense under Article 286 of the Criminal Code within two years.
If there are three or more violations – exchange for a permanent license is only after passing theoretical and practical exams. If the first license was revoked, no restoration occurs.
Replacement via Diia
Available if the driver’s digitized face image is in the Unified State Register of MVS. This applies to licenses issued after January 1, 2013, when electronic databases appeared.
Steps:
- Open the Diia app or visit diia.page.link/replacement-driver-license.
- Log in and select exchange or restoration service.
- Fill out the electronic application – the system retrieves data automatically.
- Attach required documents digitally: passport, tax ID, medical certificate (not required during martial law), current license.
- Pay the service – approx. 608 UAH, bank fees may apply.
- Wait for application processing – up to 3 business days. Delivery services are provided afterwards.
Photo remains as in the register. For photo updates – apply offline..jpg)
Driver’s cabinet alternative
Use e-driver.mvs.gov.ua. Same procedure: login, fill application, upload documents, pay. Only PDF documents accepted..jpg)
Required documents (for Diia, driver’s cabinet, offline):
- Ukrainian passport or other identity document;
- tax ID copy;
- medical certificate of fitness;
- current license (if lost – explanation, if stolen – police report);
- payment proof.
Offline issuance may happen the same day, though law allows up to 5 business days.
Reasons for refusal
Applications may be denied for:
- three or more administrative violations in two years from first license;
- criminal offense under Article 286 CCU;
- absence of digitized face image in MVS register (for online);
- missing registration data;
- incomplete or inaccurate documents;
- medical certificate copy not attached properly (for online with delivery);
- driver deprived of rights or wanted;
- medical certificate data mismatch with Diia application.
Restored lost license is valid for 30 years, unless it was the first license, which is restored with original expiration date.
