Drivers who received their licenses in 1993–2011 can consider themselves lucky. These documents do not require replacement, unlike Soviet-era documents, and they do not have an expiration date mark. Therefore, by law, they are considered indefinite.
It does not matter whether your document is laminated or plastic. The main condition is the absence of an expiration date. However, those who obtained licenses in 2011–2013 will have to renew the document after fifty years if it specifies a validity period. Although such a term can be considered quite acceptable for a motorist.
It is more difficult for those who are obtaining or replacing licenses this year. Recall that on March 25, a new format of driver's licenses was approved, which will be issued immediately after the forms arrive at the State Automobile Inspectorate. Their validity is limited to 20 or 10 years depending on the open categories (A, A1, B, B1 — 20 years, others — 10).
Probably, that is why there is now a bustle at the State Automobile Inspectorate among those wishing to quickly exchange Soviet licenses for new ones. People strive to get a document of the previous format, designed for 50 years.
To replace a Soviet driver's license with a new one, you will need:
— a receipt for payment for the form;
— two color photographs of 3.5x4.5 cm format;
— a valid medical certificate of the established form confirming fitness to drive vehicles of the corresponding category;
— a passport or a document replacing it;
— a driver's license;
— a driver's examination card (if available).
When exchanging Soviet-style licenses, there is no need to retake the theoretical and practical exams. The cost of the form in Kyiv is 207 UAH, in the regions — 198 UAH.
