In 2026, registering for military service does not require a personal visit to the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRC). Some procedures can be completed online through “Reserve+”, and automatic registration applies to certain categories of citizens. We explain who must register for military service, how to do it, and what documents may be required.
Military registration is a system for tracking conscripts, military-liable persons, and reservists. Their information is entered into the Unified State Register of Conscripts, Military-Liable Persons, and Reservists. The procedure depends primarily on age, sex, and whether the person has previously been registered for military service.
Who Must Be Registered for Military Service
Males from Age 17
Male citizens are registered as conscripts in the year they turn 17.
In 2026, this applies in particular to young men born in 2009. They could register from January 1 through July 31 inclusive.
Until July 31, 2026, 17-year-old young men could do this online through “Reserve+”. After this deadline, registration must be completed in person at the TRC.
Males Aged 18–59
Men of conscription age must be registered as military-liable persons.
For those who have not previously been registered for military service, online registration through “Reserve+” is available in 2026, provided they have a biometric document.
Therefore, men aged 18–24 no longer need to automatically go to the TRC solely because of their age: if they are registering for the first time and meet the service’s requirements, this can be done online.
Males Aged 25–60
For men in this age group who are not registered for military service, legislation also provides mechanisms for automatic registration based on data from state registries.
Therefore, a person’s absence from the registry does not always mean they must independently submit a paper application to the TRC.
Women with Medical or Pharmaceutical Education
Women who hold a medical or pharmaceutical specialty are subject to military registration, provided they meet the age and fitness-for-military-service requirements established by law.
At the same time, working in a medical or pharmaceutical specialty is not a mandatory condition for military registration.
Women with other specialties may register for military service voluntarily.
Students
Students are registered for military service on general grounds.
The mere fact of studying does not mean automatic deferment. The right to deferment depends on specific conditions provided by law.
Internally Displaced Persons
IDPs must also be registered for military service in accordance with the established procedure.
At the same time, obtaining an IDP certificate is not a universal prerequisite for military registration. Separate rules regarding the place of military registration apply to IDPs.
Persons with Disabilities
Having a disability does not in itself mean automatic removal from military registration.
If a military-liable person has been duly recognized as unfit for military service with removal from military registration, the relevant information is noted in their military registration records.
If a person has not been removed from military registration, the applicable general rules apply to them.
How to Register for Military Service in 2026
Depending on the situation, options include online registration through “Reserve+”, automatic registration, or a personal visit to the TRC.
Option 1. Through “Reserve+”
For those registering for military service for the first time, remote registration through the “Reserve+” app is available in 2026.
A biometric document is required — for example, an ID card or a biometric foreign passport.
How to Do It
- Install or update the “Reserve+” app.
- Log in to the app.
- Open the “Services” section.
- Select “Register”.
- Submit your request.
- Wait for the request to be processed.
The system verifies information against state registry data. After successful registration, the corresponding status and an electronic military registration document will be displayed in the app.
Important: online registration through “Reserve+” is intended primarily for those who have not previously been registered for military service.
Option 2. Automatic Registration
For certain categories of citizens, military registration may occur automatically based on information from state registries.
In particular, legislation provides for automatic military registration of men aged 25–60 who are not registered without lawful grounds.
In such a situation, a person does not need to independently submit a paper application simply to be included in the registry.
The current status can be checked through “Reserve+”.
Option 3. In Person at the TRC
A visit to the TRC will be necessary if a particular situation does not allow the procedure to be completed online or automatically.
For example, this may apply to:
- 17-year-old young men who did not register by July 31;
- women subject to mandatory military registration;
- persons for whom the required data in state registries is absent or incorrect;
- other cases where electronic registration is not possible.
The location and procedure for applying depend on the specific situation and military registration rules.
What Documents Are Required
For online registration through “Reserve+”, no paper package of documents needs to be submitted — the system uses information from state registries.
When visiting the TRC in person, it is advisable to have:
- an identity document;
- a taxpayer identification number (RNOKPP);
- documents confirming the information to be entered into the military registration records;
- where necessary — documents relating to education, marital status, place of residence, enrollment, health status, and other circumstances.
There is no universal list of “nine mandatory documents” for all citizens. Four 35×45 mm photographs, a family composition certificate, or a certificate from the place of employment should not be presented as a general requirement.
The specific package depends on the person’s category and the reason for applying.
What to Do If the Data in “Reserve+” Is Incorrect
After logging in to the app, it is advisable to check the displayed personal and military registration data.
If the system is unable to register a person or detects discrepancies, it may notify them of the need to contact the relevant authority.
In such a case, the data must be corrected or updated in the prescribed manner.
It is also important to report any changes to personal data within seven days.
What Document Confirms Military Registration
Upon registration for military service, a military registration document is generated in electronic form.
An electronic military registration document has the same legal force as a paper one.
Therefore, obtaining a paper document should not be described as a mandatory outcome of every registration procedure.
Liability for Violations of Military Registration Rules
Violations of military registration rules may result in administrative liability, in particular under Article 210 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (CUAOs).
During a special period, the fine for citizens for relevant violations ranges from UAH 17,000 to UAH 25,500.
Certain violations related to mobilization legislation fall under Article 210-1 of the CUAOs. The amount of the fine depends on who committed the violation and under what circumstances.
Therefore, the mere fact that a person has not registered should not automatically be equated with a specific fine amount — legal qualification depends on the circumstances.
When Criminal Liability Is Possible
The law separately provides for criminal liability for evading military registration after a warning — under Article 337 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
At the same time, not every violation of military registration rules constitutes a criminal offense.
Therefore, the assertion that “systematic” violations automatically lead to criminal liability is incorrect.
Does Illness or Being in Occupied Territory Exempt from a Fine
Deferment from conscription and valid reasons for failure to appear when summoned should not be conflated.
Deferment is a separate legal mechanism granted on grounds defined by legislation.
At the same time, the law provides for cases in which certain circumstances (illness, being in temporarily occupied territory) may be recognized as valid reasons for failure to appear. In such a situation, the person must have documents confirming the relevant circumstances.
Key Takeaways
In 2026, the military registration procedure depends on age and individual circumstances.
- 17-year-old young men must register in the year they turn 17. In 2026, online registration for them was available until July 31 inclusive.
- Men aged 18–59 who have not previously been registered for military service may, in applicable cases, register online through “Reserve+”.
- For some men aged 25–60, automatic military registration based on state registry data is provided.
- Women with medical or pharmaceutical education who meet the established requirements are subject to military registration.
- Not everyone needs to visit the TRC in person: digital or automatic mechanisms are available for many citizens.
- A paper package of “four photographs, a family composition certificate, and other documents” is not a universal requirement.
- Changes to personal data must be reported within seven days.
- Violations of military registration rules during a special period carry significant administrative fines for citizens, and criminal liability is also possible under certain circumstances.
