After concluding a marriage, Ukrainians have the right to keep their pre-marriage last name or, of their own free will, take the spouse's last name, as well as choose a double last name. In the second case, the personal record in state documents changes, and some of them are subject to mandatory renewal. According to government services, different deadlines are set for various procedures: one month is provided for some, while for others it is only 10 days. We explain which documents need to be changed, where to apply, and what can be left unchanged.
Internal Passport: Application Required Within 30 Days
If a person has taken their spouse's last name or chosen a double last name, the internal passport (ID card) must be replaced. According to the State Migration Service's clarification, an application for exchange must be submitted within 30 calendar days from the moment of the last name change. You can apply to a DMS unit or a CNAS (Administrative Services Center) that provides the relevant service. If you fail to apply within the established deadline, the document with the old personal data may be declared invalid. It is important to distinguish between the application deadline and the production deadline: the requirement to submit an application within a month does not mean that a person will necessarily receive the ready ID card during this time.
Foreign Passport: Replace After the Internal One
After changing the last name, the foreign passport is also subject to replacement. The DMS explains that documents with outdated personal data must be exchanged in a timely manner; otherwise, they may be recognized as invalid. A new foreign passport can be issued after receiving the internal passport with the updated last name; the service also provides the option of simultaneously issuing an ID card and a foreign passport. Before booking tickets or traveling abroad, it is recommended to check whether the personal data in the passport and other documents match.
Driver's License: 10-Day Deadline
Drivers must exchange their driver's license after a last name change. According to the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 10 days are allotted for such an exchange. This can be done at a Ministry of Internal Affairs service center or online through the Driver's Cabinet. To apply, you will need a marriage certificate or another document confirming the last name change. For the duration of martial law, a medical certificate for such an exchange is optional, and you do not need to retake driving exams due to a last name change.
Tax Register: RNOCPP Remains the Same
After changing your last name, you need to update your information in the State Register of Individuals — Taxpayers. As the State Tax Service explained, it is necessary to report the change of personal data within one month by submitting an application using form No. 5DR and documents confirming the changes. At the same time, the registration number of the taxpayer's accounting card (RNOCPP) itself does not change — it remains with the person throughout their life; only the personal information associated with this number is updated.
Bank, Car, and Real Estate
After receiving a new passport, you should contact the bank where your accounts are opened to update your personal data; depending on the bank's rules, this can be done via a mobile app, online support, or at a branch. A last name change does not automatically mean closing the account, and the issue of reissuing a physical card should be clarified with your bank. If a person owns a car, the vehicle registration certificate must be exchanged no later than 10 days after receiving the new document confirming the change of personal data; you can order it through the Driver's Cabinet or the Diia app. At the same time, changing the last name does not mean the sale or transfer of ownership of the vehicle. Ownership documents for an apartment, house, or land plot do not lose their legal force just because of a last name change; if necessary, ownership of a document with the old last name can be confirmed using a marriage certificate or another document certifying the change of personal data.
