When Ukrainian rights abroad are invalid: a list of countries and solutions for refugees
Under martial law, millions of Ukrainians crossed the border in search of safety. Many families left in their own vehicles or over time began to use cars abroad. In such a situation, the question of the validity of the Ukrainian driver’s license becomes not only practical, but also vitally important: the right to drive a vehicle depends on it, as well as compliance with local legislation and safety. Ukrainian driver’s licenses are recognized in most countries of Europe and the world, but not everywhere. In some states, a Ukrainian driver’s license is not enough to legally drive a car, and the law requires an international driver’s license (ID). For refugees, this can be an unexpected challenge, especially when checking documents or trying to register a car, get insurance or get a job that involves driving.
In which countries do not recognize Ukrainian driver’s licenses
Ukraine is a member of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, like most EU countries. That is why in all the states of the European Union, including Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Slovakia, Romania and others, the Ukrainian driver’s license is valid and does not require additional confirmation or replacement.
However, in a number of countries that are not members of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic or have internal legal restrictions, Ukrainian driver’s licenses are not recognized. In such cases, you must have an international driver’s license (IDL) to legally drive a vehicle. This applies primarily to large, economically important countries where Ukrainians may end up as refugees, migrant workers or temporary residents. Such states include:
- USA — Ukrainian driver’s license is not officially valid here. Most states require an MPV to drive. This is especially critical when communicating with the police, registering a traffic accident or taking out car insurance.
- China, Japan, South Korea — these countries have their own model of road regulation. They do not recognize foreign certificates without a special translation, adaptation or mandatory presence of an international document.
- Canada — here the situation depends on the province. In most cases, an MPV is required, especially if the driver is in the country for more than a few months or takes out car insurance.
- India, Egypt, Malaysia — require an international ID regardless of the purpose of the trip. Even during a short-term stay, the police may not recognize Ukrainian rights.
- Australia, New Zealand – In these countries, drivers with foreign licenses often need an additional endorsement or MPV, even if they only plan to use the car for a few weeks.
- The DPRK, Eritrea are countries with isolated or unstable political regimes that do not recognize any foreign documents. In such jurisdictions, the use of cars is generally associated with strict restrictions.
For Ukrainian refugees staying in any of these countries, obtaining an international driver’s license is a necessary condition to avoid problems with the law, the police or insurance companies.
What is an international driver’s license and why is it needed?
The International Driver’s License (IDL) is a special document that duplicates the information from your national license in English, French and Russian and complies with the UN standard. The MPV does not replace Ukrainian rights, but only confirms their validity abroad in countries that require such a form.
For refugees who have been outside Ukraine for a long time, this document may be needed not only for travel, but also for:
– car rental in countries with restrictions on foreign licenses;
– registration of temporary car insurance;
– submission of documents for driving work;
– avoiding fines and delays on the road.
How to get an international driver’s license in Ukraine
MPV is issued by service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The registration period is usually up to 5 working days, but it is better to allow time for postal delivery if it is a question of applying from abroad through relatives or an authorized person.
The license is valid for 3 years or until your national driving license expires, whichever comes first.
In order to obtain an international certificate, the following documents must be submitted:
– a valid Ukrainian driver’s license;
– passport of a citizen of Ukraine (or ID card);
– identification code (RNOKPP);
– color photo card 35×45 mm;
– application for issuance of MPV;
– a receipt for payment of an administrative service (as of 2025 — about UAH 400).
In some service centers, it is possible to submit documents online or through the Diya application for pre-registration.
What is important to refugees
- Not all countries accept a Ukrainian ID card automatically — be sure to check the requirements of the host or transit country.
- When planning long-term residence or work, it is better to have an MPV even in countries where Ukrainian rights are formally recognized — it will facilitate communication with authorities, insurers or employers.
- In case of loss of a certificate abroad (due to theft or destruction), restoration is possible through the consular office of Ukraine, but the procedure takes time.
Despite the fact that most European countries recognize a Ukrainian driver’s license, there are a number of countries where you cannot drive without an international license. For Ukrainian refugees who are temporarily or permanently staying abroad, the MPV can be not only a convenient, but also a mandatory document. Its registration is a quick and relatively inexpensive procedure that avoids problems with local laws and increases legal security.
