Does Ukrainian legislation allow the use of laminated documents

Recently, information has emerged on social media about possible refusals to cross the border due to laminated birth certificates for children. In this regard, the Central Interregional Office of the Ministry of Justice reminds that Ukrainian legislation does not prohibit the use of laminated official documents.

This is reported by AgroReview

Validity of laminated documents and usage specifics

A document that is undamaged, contains all necessary details, and allows for verification of its authenticity is valid regardless of whether it is laminated. Thus, lamination does not affect the legal validity of the document, and reissuing unlaminated certificates is not mandatory. No government institution has the right to demand this from citizens.

“If the document is undamaged, contains all necessary details, and allows for verification of its authenticity, it is considered valid — regardless of whether it is laminated or not”.

Citizens are advised not to trust unverified information and, if necessary, to seek clarification from official authorities.

Important nuances of using laminated documents

At the same time, there are certain restrictions on the use of laminated documents. In particular, they cannot:

• have an apostille stamp placed on them;
• have necessary markings made;
• have changes, additions, or corrections made.

The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that laminated documents remain valid for use, including for crossing the state border. However, for the legalization (apostilling) of official documents intended for use abroad, an unlaminated original is required.

Experts also advise avoiding the lamination of official documents whenever possible to prevent difficulties in the future.

Please note that starting from May 2025, the cost of the apostille service — a special stamp that confirms the validity of an official document abroad — will be 610 hryvnias.