Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation is expanding the capabilities of its Diia digital ID application to enable car owners to request replacements for lost or damaged vehicle registration certificates entirely online. The new feature, currently undergoing beta testing, is designed to reduce administrative burdens by eliminating the need for in-person visits to government service centers.
The service marks the latest step in Ukraine’s ongoing digital transformation effort. According to Diia’s official announcement, users will be able to complete the request process “in a few clicks” using the mobile application. The ministry is actively recruiting beta testers to trial the functionality before its public launch.
In addition to registration certificates, Diia plans to introduce support for online license plate replacements. While the request can be submitted digitally, physical documents and license plates are typically delivered by mail through Ukrposhta, meaning users should still expect a short wait for delivery after online submission. The system currently serves only individual users (not legal entities), and only one replacement transaction is permitted per person per year. The service is limited to select vehicle types, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and mopeds.
This initiative aligns with a broader global trend toward digitized vehicle documentation—Germany, for instance, is preparing to launch smartphone-based digital driver’s licenses in the same period. But Ukraine’s expansion comes amid renewed concerns about the security of its digital infrastructure. A January 2025 cyberattack severely impacted Diia’s backend systems, prompting the government to accelerate efforts toward building a more secure, decentralized framework known as the “Pentagon of registries.”
Despite these challenges, Diia remains central to Ukraine’s e-governance strategy. The platform already offers services ranging from digital passports and business registration to online driver’s license exams. As of mid-2024, more than 140,000 vehicles had been re-registered through Diia, demonstrating both widespread adoption and user confidence in the system.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation is expected to announce the public launch date once beta testing concludes. Car owners interested in participating can apply directly through the Diia app.
—
April 22, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
