Fines for outdated passport photos: ID card renewal rules and costs

Ukrainian citizens are required to replace their photo in the booklet passport twice in their lifetime: after turning 25 and after turning 45. This procedure is mandatory, and a one-month period is allocated for its completion. If a new photo is not pasted into the old-format document or the document is not replaced with a modern ID card within this deadline, the passport loses its validity. Using such a document may result in a fine ranging from 17 to 51 hryvnias.

When the booklet passport becomes invalid

As reported by the State Migration Service, the booklet passport itself does not have an expiration date. In other words, no one is obliged to forcibly replace it with an ID card, except in two specific situations:

• if the owner fails to paste a new photo within a month of reaching the age of 25 or 45, the booklet passport is subject to mandatory replacement with an ID card;
• in the case of replacing a 1994-format passport, which occurs due to loss, theft, damage to the document, or a change of surname or other personal data.

If the requirements for updating the photo or replacing the document are not met, it is considered invalid. According to Article 197 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences, the use of such a passport is punishable as follows:

• upon the first detection of the violation – a warning;
• upon a repeat violation within one year – a fine ranging from 17 to 51 hryvnias.

Cost of issuing an ID card

A fee is required for issuing an ID card. According to the State Migration Service, standard processing of the document within 20 working days costs 618 hryvnias. This amount consists of:

• the cost of the administrative service – 126 hryvnias;
• the cost of the blank – 492 hryvnias.

If the card is needed faster, the cost increases significantly. Processing within 10 working days will cost 988 hryvnias, of which:

• 496 hryvnias – administrative service;
• 492 hryvnias – blank.

Meanwhile, for a certain category of citizens, issuing the document in card form is free of charge. This benefit applies to individuals who have reached the age of 14 and are receiving a passport for the first time.