The Ministry of Justice explained whether it is necessary to change a birth certificate issued during the USSR era
Kyiv • UNN
A Soviet-style birth certificate has the same legal force as a modern Ukrainian one. Replacement is required only in case of loss or damage to the document.
A Soviet-style birth certificate does not necessarily need to be replaced with a new one — the document has the same legal force as a modern Ukrainian one. The Ministry of Justice explained in which cases re-issuance may be required, reports UNN.
A birth certificate issued by civil registry offices during the USSR era has the same legal force as a modern Ukrainian certificate. It does not need to be replaced if the document has been preserved and contains all the necessary information
A new certificate may be needed if:
- the document is lost;
- it is damaged or the text has become illegible;
- you wish to obtain a duplicate certificate;
- there are other grounds provided for by law;
How to obtain a duplicate birth certificate
To do this, you can contact the Civil Registry Office (DRACS) department or use the relevant online service.
Usually you need to:
- submit an identity document;
- provide the certificate if it has been preserved but is damaged;
- if necessary, submit additional documents;
- fill out an application;
- pay the established fee.