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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
In Ukraine, during a state of war, drivers are allowed to operate a vehicle even with an expired driver's license. However, this rule does not apply to everyone. The Ministry of Internal Affairs explained who may continue driving with invalid documents, when they must be exchanged, and how much the procedure will cost.
Ukrainian motorists may use certain driver's licenses even after their validity period has expired. Such easing was introduced for the duration of the state of war and will remain in effect for one year after its termination or cancellation.
Who is allowed to drive a car with expired rights
The Ministry of Internal Affairs explained that in accordance with Government Resolution No. 184 of 3 March 2022 year, during a state of war, it is allowed to drive vehicles with an expired driver's license, but only under one condition.
This concerns exclusively the first driver's licenses, which were issued for two years.
That is, if a Ukrainian first-time received a license, its term expired, but he has not yet exchanged the document, the legislation allows continued operation of the vehicle of the corresponding category.
At the same time, the agency emphasizes that such a license is formally considered invalid and is subject to mandatory exchange.
How long you can still drive with expired rights
A special rule applies for the entire period of the state of war in Ukraine.
Moreover, after its official termination or cancellation, drivers will have another year during which they can drive a car with the expired first license.
However, MIA specialists advise not to postpone the document exchange.
This will help avoid possible misunderstandings during document checks and ensure the driver’s information is up to date.
How to exchange an expired driver's license
Ukraine provides several ways to replace a driver's license.
In particular, the document can be exchanged online through the Driver Electronic Cabinet or the 'Dia' app.
However, this option is available only if the license is reflected in the electronic system.
Drivers can also personally contact any MVS service center, regardless of their registered place of residence.
To exchange, you need to have:
• a valid Ukrainian passport or ID card;
• a document confirming place of residence;
• the tax identification number;
• the driver's license that needs to be replaced.
Who will have to retake exams
The Ministry drew special attention to drivers who repeatedly violated traffic rules during the first two years of driving.
If during this period three or more traffic violations were recorded, the exchange of the first license will take place only after retaking exams.
This refers to both theoretical and practical parts.
At the same time, in the absence of such a number of violations, retaking the exams is not required.
How much it costs to replace a driver's license
According to the Main Service Center of the Ministry, the approximate cost of exchanging a driver's license is 650 hryvnias, not including bank fees.
After the exchange, the driver receives a new document with a term of validity of 5 or 15 years.
To personally visit a service center, you must first register via the 'E-record' system, the corresponding mobile app, or the self-service terminal directly at the facility.
Thus, Ukrainians who have their first driver's license with a two-year validity are not required to promptly stop driving after it expires.
However, this does not mean that all expired driver's documents automatically remain valid for driving. The relaxation applies only to a defined category of licenses by law.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Посвідчення водія прострочене, але штрафу можна уникнути: що потрібно знати українцям". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: NARDEP 24.
