Fines Ahead for Ukrainians Using Old-Style Passports: When the Document Becomes Invalid.

Replacing the Booklet Passport in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: In Ukraine, certain conditions may require citizens to swap their booklet-style passports for new ones, and penalties apply for using an invalid document. Notably, these older passports have no official expiration date, which creates specific rules around their continued use.

Penalties and Conditions for Replacement

Fines for carrying an invalid document are set under Article 197 of the Ukrainian Code on Administrative Offenses. A first violation results in a warning. If a second offense occurs within one year, the fine ranges from 17 to 51 hryvnias.

When must a booklet passport be replaced? Replacement is required if:

• a new photo cannot be added within one month after the holder turns 25 or 45;
• the passport is lost or stolen;
• the owner’s last name has changed;
• the document has become unusable.

Switching from a booklet passport to an ID card is not mandatory. However, starting in 2026, an expedited ID card will cost 988 hryvnias, while standard issuance will be 618 hryvnias. This gives citizens the flexibility to choose the most convenient option for obtaining a new document.

Moving from booklet passports to ID cards reflects Ukraine’s push to modernize its document system and simplify citizen identification. While the lack of an expiry date for booklet passports offers flexibility, the threat of fines highlights the need to keep documents up to date. Ukrainians can decide between the traditional passport and the newer ID card based on their personal needs and budget.