New Rules for Replacing a Lost Driver’s License
Ukraine’s Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that drivers who lose their license no longer have to retake driving school or pass exams to get a replacement. This change applies to all motorists except those whose driving privileges were revoked by a court order. The updated procedure is outlined in Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 340, which governs these matters. For context, this reform aims to cut red tape and make life easier for drivers during wartime.
When a license is lost or stolen, the process is now considered a replacement rather than a new issuance. Upon application, service center staff verify your details in the Unified State Register. The new document is printed with all previously opened categories preserved, regardless of when the original license was first issued—whether it was 10, 20, or more years ago. Notably, no exams are required even for long-held licenses. The replacement will be valid for 30 years from the date of issuance.
Reinstating a License After Court-Ordered Revocation
For individuals whose driving rights were suspended by a court, reinstatement still requires passing both a theory test and a practical driving exam. Once the penalty period ends, these citizens must prove their knowledge and skills again.
There are two ways to obtain a replacement license:
- Visit any territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in person. In this case, the new license is issued on the same day, and your photo is taken on-site.
- Submit an application through the Driver’s Electronic Cabinet or the Diia app. The finished plastic document can be picked up at a service center, or you can arrange courier delivery or have it sent to a post office.
To get a replacement driver’s license, you will need the following documents:
- A Ukrainian passport (or another ID proving identity and citizenship),
- A certificate of residence registration (extract from the register),
- An individual taxpayer identification number (RNOKPP).
During the period of martial law, a medical certificate is not required to replace a lost driver’s license.
In summary, these new rules simplify the process of replacing a lost license, which should benefit drivers who have misplaced their documents. By cutting administrative hurdles, the reform aims to save time and resources—especially important given the challenges citizens currently face. It may also reduce the workload on service centers by streamlining procedures for the majority of drivers.
In light of these recent changes, it's essential for drivers to understand the various methods available for obtaining a replacement license. For those interested in exploring both online and in-person options, how to efficiently replace a lost driver's license in Ukraine provides a comprehensive guide to navigate the updated process and ensure a smooth experience.