Digital Passports for Ukrainian Citizens: Key Benefits and How to Use Them

Ukraine, like the rest of the world, is constantly developing in the field of information technology. The introduction of digital technologies into various spheres of society opens up numerous opportunities for facilitating and improving various processes. One such innovation is the implementation of digital passports for citizens of Ukraine. 

As reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, starting August 23, every organization is obliged to accept digital passports in Diia. This is because, by law, they have the same legal force as their plastic or paper counterparts. This is another very important step in building a digital state and transitioning to a paperless regime.  

Serhii Balashuk, director of IQusion IT LLC, announced this during an online meeting of Software Ukraine association members on September 26, 2023. During the event, he gave a short presentation on the benefits for Ukrainian citizens that the implementation of this technology will bring.

Convenience and Accessibility:

Digital passports can be stored on smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. This means citizens will always have access to important personal documents, such as their passport, without needing to carry physical copies. For Ukrainians, the “Diia” application, developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, has become the electronic passport option.

Storage and Security:

Digital passports can be protected by modern encryption technologies and biometric data, making them more secure compared to paper counterparts. This helps prevent fraud and identity theft.

Reduced Bureaucracy:

The use of digital passports simplifies citizens’ interaction with government agencies and banks. For example, when opening a bank account or applying for documents, citizens will be able to present a digital passport without needing to carry a physical document.

Reduced Costs:

The implementation of digital passports saves significant funds for the state. Reducing the need for manufacturing and maintaining paper documents can decrease budget expenditures and contribute to the optimization of the state apparatus.

Interaction with Other Services:

Digital passports can be integrated with various public services and platforms. For example, citizens will be able to use a digital passport to verify their identity for online purchases, access medical information, and many other services.

“The implementation of digital passports for Ukrainian citizens can significantly ease their lives and simplify interactions with state and commercial organizations. It also opens up opportunities for the further development of digital services and infrastructure in Ukraine, which will contribute to its technological advancement. However, it is important to pay due attention to the protection of privacy and security of digital passports to prevent possible risks to citizens’ personal data,” believes Serhii Balashuk.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use an Electronic Passport in Diia.

Verification in Diia

How to verify the validity of digital passports using the Diia application?

Documents in the application are introduced on a people-to-people principle. This means everyone can independently verify the validity of a digital document. The application has a scanner that can be used to scan another Diia user’s QR code. 

👉 tap the scanner icon in the upper right corner

👉 point your smartphone camera at the QR code — the passport will be verified automatically

👉 the application will notify you of the verification result

Make sure you are connected to the Internet, otherwise, verification codes will not be generated.
Identity Confirmation

How to confirm your identity using a scanning device?

👉 present your digital passport with a photo in Diia

👉 tap on it to see the QR/barcode

👉 the codes can be scanned by a scanner or tablet

When confirming identity with Diia, your personal data is not transmitted.

Document verification is already working in businesses and government institutions connected to Diia.

Digital Copy

How to share a passport copy in Diia?

👉 open your passport in Diia

👉 tap on it to reveal the reverse side with QR/barcodes 

👉 provide the barcode to the manager for scanning

👉 you will see a request confirmation notification, confirm it

👉 Diia will generate a digital copy of the passport with Diia’s e-signature and transmit it to the requester’s system

1994-style passport booklets and non-biometric foreign passports are not displayed in Diia, and you cannot share their copies. However, you can apply for an ID card regardless of your place of registration. 

Do I need to upload documents to the Diia application?

No. They are automatically retrieved from registers. 

Where can I use a digital passport right now?

With the updated Diia 2.0 application, Ukrainians can access their digital documents in necessary life situations with a few clicks – when receiving mail, for administrative, financial, banking services, and more. 

Full list of partners that accept Diia: thedigital.gov.ua/partners