Driver's license exchange - what do you need to know and how much does it cost?

There are different cases when you need to replace your driver's license, but you need to know where to go and how much money you need to prepare. We will tell you all the possible options for submitting documents and which services will help you.

What are the options for replacing the certificate?

In Ukraine in 2024, there are two ways to replace a driver's license:

  1. Offline - physically visit the nearest service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

  2. Online - using the driver's electronic cabinet or through the DIYA application

How much does it cost to replace a driver's license?

Regardless of the method of replacing the driver's license online or offline, the cost of the service is UAH 515, but a bank fee may also be charged. However, you should understand that the online method will save you a lot of time.

What do I need to replace my driver's license?

In order to replace your driver's license with a new one, you must have the following documents with you (physically) or submit them online:

  1. Passport of a citizen of Ukraine or 

    1. Foreign passport

    2. Temporary certificate of a citizen of Ukraine

    3. Permanent or temporary residence permit

    4. Certificate of a refugee, a person in need of protection or a person granted temporary protection

What photos will be on the license:

  • During a physical visit, you will be photographed again

  • When replacing a driver's license online, the last photo in the register will be used

Validity of a driver's license in Ukraine

A driver's license can be issued to a first-time learner or an experienced driver. The validity period is as follows:

  • Issued for the first time - 2 years

  • Exchange or renewal - 30 years

Replacement of driver's license for drivers with up to 2 years of experience

When the validity of the first issued driver's license has expired (2 years have passed), it must be replaced. In the absence or presence of up to 2 administrative traffic violations, the license can be replaced without passing exams. However, if you have more than two violations, you will need to take a theoretical exam at the Ministry of Internal Affairs again.

Exchange of a driver's license for a new one

It is important to change your driver's license if you change your personal data, such as your last name, first name, patronymic, or gender. In this case, you need to change your driver's license no later than 10 days from the date of issuance of such a document. 

Remember that you do not have to change your old driver's license for a new one as long as it is valid. However, keep in mind that driver's licenses issued before 2013 (i.e., before the introduction of the electronic service) can only be changed physically at a service center.

Restoration of lost certificate 

Restoration of a lost license follows the same principle, but has certain nuances:

  1. If a driver's license that was issued for the first time is lost, a new one is issued with the expiration date of the lost one

  2. Otherwise a license is issued for 30 years