A military ID card or a temporary certificate of a person liable for military service under martial law is becoming an integral part of the lives of many Ukrainians of military age.
This document, which certifies a citizen’s military duty, significantly expands the possibilities of obtaining administrative services and exercising fundamental rights. However, its absence can put a person in a difficult situation when access to basic services is limited and processes that seemed simple become difficult or even impossible.This is especially true for Ukrainian refugees, who may face difficulties due to the lack of a military ID card or confirmation of their status as a person liable for military service both at home and abroad.
The role of a military ID card under martial law
In addition to being a legal confirmation of the status of a person liable for military service, a military ID card performs several important functions in the state system.In the context of martial law, this document takes on additional importance. A military ID card allows the state to control the registration of persons liable for military service, regulate their movement, and ensure mobilisation readiness.It is an important tool for performing duties in both peacetime and wartime.A military ID card confirms that a citizen is ready to perform certain duties to the state and society.
List of services that are not available without a military ID
At present, men aged 18 to 60 who do not have a military registration document cannot receive consular services abroad. Such services include, for example, issuing passports, certifying powers of attorney, contracts, authenticating documents, and registering civil status acts.
However, there are exceptions when consular services are provided even without a military registration document.These include:
- issuing an identity card for returning to Ukraine;
- performing consular actions in relation to children of a Ukrainian citizen if the other parent is a foreigner or stateless person;
- performing consular actions at the request of Ukrainian citizens who are under arrest, detained or imprisoned abroad.
Issuance and replacement of a Ukrainian passport
A military ID card is a mandatory document when applying for or replacing a passport.Without it, a citizen cannot obtain a passport, which is the main document that confirms his or her identity. This can be a serious problem, especially for those who travel abroad or want to extend the validity of their document.The absence of a passport limits the ability to exercise basic rights such as employment, education and banking.
Admission to educational institutions
For applicants of military age, a military ID card is a prerequisite for admission to higher education institutions. This is a requirement of the state, which, under martial law, tightens control over citizens liable for military service.If a young person does not have a military ID card, he or she will not be able to apply for admission to a university, college or other educational institution.This restriction significantly complicates the process of obtaining an education, especially for those who plan to study specialities requiring long-term training.
Employment
Under martial law, employers are obliged to check the availability of a military ID card when hiring new recruits.Without this document, employment becomes virtually impossible, especially in the civil service, defence industry and at facilities of strategic importance.This means that the absence of a military ID card can deprive a citizen of the opportunity to secure a job and a stable income, especially if it is a job in a speciality or in a prestigious company.
Marriage registration
The procedure for registering a marriage in Ukraine also requires a military ID card. Without it, a citizen will be denied the opportunity to officially register a marriage, which can be a problem for those who wish to legalise their relationship during martial law.This is especially true for servicemen and women seeking to grant their partner legal status or the right to inheritance and other legal benefits.
Passing the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC)
A military ID card is required to undergo the procedure for establishing disability through the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC). This is a body that determines a citizen’s need for social support, including payments, social benefits and other forms of assistance. If a citizen liable for military service does not have a military ID card, he or she will not be able to pass the commission and receive the necessary assistance, which is especially important for those who need medical support due to injuries or other health problems related to the performance of their duties.
Legal consequences of not having a military ID card
In addition to restrictions on access to services, the absence of a military ID card can lead to administrative liability. According to Ukrainian law, evasion of registration of persons liable for military service is punishable by fines, and in some cases may have more serious consequences.Holding a military ID card is an obligation, the fulfilment of which demonstrates a citizen’s compliance with the law and readiness to perform military duty.Fines for not having a military ID card can range from UAH 510 to UAH 1,700, depending on the circumstances and frequency of violations.
The procedure for restoring a military ID card in case of loss
If a military ID card has been lost, damaged or stolen, a person liable for military service must apply to the territorial recruitment and social support centre (TSC and SS) at the place of registration to restore it.To do this, he or she must submit a personal application, an explanation of the circumstances of the loss of the document, a passport, and photographs of the prescribed format.In case of intentional damage to a military ID card, an internal investigation is conducted, which may take some time.After that, if necessary, a new document is issued to the citizen.The restoration of a military ID card is mandatory, as without it it is impossible to exercise most of the rights and obligations of persons liable for military service.
Are old-style military cards still valid?
According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, military cards issued before 11 April 2024 remain valid and are not subject to mandatory replacement. This means that citizens can use old military cards to confirm their status as persons liable for military service.This is important because not all citizens have the opportunity to obtain a new sample military ID card, especially under martial law, when the registration system is overloaded.
A military ID card or a temporary certificate of a person liable for military service is a necessary document to ensure access to many important services and exercise of rights under martial law. The absence of this document can significantly limit the opportunities of citizens, making it difficult to access employment, education, medical care and other services, and can lead to administrative fines. In an environment where citizens are required to be more accountable to the state, having a military ID becomes not only a formality, but also a prerequisite for preserving their rights and freedoms.
