Passport and ID card no longer valid: Ukrainians given advice on how to proceed.

Lawyers explained that Ukrainians with damaged or invalid passports and ID cards can use a digital alternative through the 'Diya' app. However, there are clear criteria for recognizing documents as invalid, as indicated by Cabinet Resolution No. 302.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs Order No. 456 from 2019, a passport loses its validity in cases of critical damage, violation of the integrity of perforated marks, unauthorized changes, technical damage, or damage to the electronic carrier. The document also becomes invalid upon loss of citizenship, an official report of theft or loss, violations during issuance, non-receipt within a year, or death of the owner.

Digital alternative via the 'Diya' app

An electronic passport in the 'Diya' app is legally equivalent to its paper counterpart. Currently, Ukrainians abroad are advised to collect passports by June 1, 2025, as unclaimed documents will be transferred for storage. After June 1, the 'Diya' app will allow free sharing of one document, including a foreign passport, ID card, and pension certificate.

Ukrainians in Poland must have a passport, medical certificate, and the appropriate size photo to obtain a driver's license. Poland is also tightening the criteria for obtaining citizenship, requiring a ten-year period of continuous residence.

Explaining the situation with damaged or invalid documents, lawyers pointed out the possibility of using a digital alternative through the 'Diya' app, which provides Ukrainians with a convenient way to store and present important personal documents. They also emphasized the importance of adhering to the conditions under which a passport is considered invalid, particularly in cases of critical damage or loss of citizenship.