How can victims of shelling get their driving documents replaced for free?

Ukrainians continue to face the consequences of shelling, which often destroys important documents — from driving licences to vehicle registration certificates. The state has simplified the procedure for restoring these documents and made it free of charge for those affected by Russian aggression. Find out who is eligible for this benefit, what documents are required, and how to apply for the restoration of documents

Take out Mini Hull insurance at Visit Ukraine - guaranteed car protection in just 5 minutes!

GET

Russian shelling has deprived thousands of Ukrainians not only of their homes and property, but also of important documents, without which it is difficult to travel, drive a vehicle or even carry out everyday tasks. To support people affected by military aggression, the state has allowed them to renew their driving licences and vehicle registration certificates free of charge, provided that the documents were lost as a result of enemy attacks.

This service is available at stationary service centres of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at mobile centres that travel to the sites of shelling, and online through the Driver's Office. This greatly simplifies the process for people who find themselves in crisis situations.

Who is eligible for free driver's licence renewal?

Documents are only restored free of charge to those who have confirmed that they were lost as a result of military aggression by the Russian Federation. In other situations, the service is provided on general terms and paid for by the applicant.

How to restore documents offline for free

To get back a driving licence or vehicle registration certificate destroyed as a result of shelling, you need to take several steps:

1. Contact the pre-trial investigation authorities (police, SBU, etc.) to record the fact of the crime. You will be issued with a document recognising you as a victim in criminal proceedings.

2. Personally submit an application for the restoration of the document at the nearest MIA service centre or wait for the MIA mobile centre if it operates in your area.

3. Provide supporting documents obtained from law enforcement agencies.

4. Receive your restored documents free of charge — without any administrative fees.

How to restore your driving licence online

If your driver's photo is displayed in the Driver's Cabinet, the document can be restored remotely. To do this:

▪️ Log in to the Driver's Office.

▪️ Select the service ‘Renewal and exchange of a driving licence’.

▪️ Specify the type of new document — plastic or electronic.

▪️ Select the reason for renewal — loss due to aggression by the Russian Federation.

▪️ Upload an electronic copy of the document recognising you as a victim.

▪️ Confirm the accuracy of the data and give your consent to the processing of personal data.

▪️ Provide an electronic signature.

▪️ Select the method of receipt:

– at the MIA service centre,

– or delivery by Ukrposhta.

▪️ Submit your application.

The application will be sent to the MIA service centre, where it will be processed within 3 working days. You can track the status in the ‘My Services’ section. You can receive your certificate after identifying yourself at a Ukrposhta branch or MIA service centre.

Important: Free renewal is only possible if the loss of the document is confirmed to be due to military aggression by the Russian Federation.

Reminder! Old driving licences and technical passports may not be available in electronic registers. Find out why this happens, how to update your data, and what advantages exchanging documents for a modern version offers.