Exchange Of a Foreign Driving License For a Polish One
In the case of permanent residence in Poland by citizens of other countries, there may be a need to exchange the native driver’s license for a Polish one. In order to do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the procedure for exchanging your driver’s license and complete the required documents and submit them to the appropriate office. The new document can be obtained after surrendering a valid foreign driver’s license. We describe this procedure below.
Polish driving license for citizens of non-EU countries ( including Ukraine)
Any person holding a driver’s license issued in a non-EU country may use his driving privileges for a period of 6 months from the date of commencement of permanent or temporary residence, but no longer than the validity period of the license.
For documents issued by countries that are not party to the Geneva Convention or the Vienna Convention, an additional condition for replacing a driver’s license is passing the theoretical part of the state driving test.
A driver holding a valid driver’s license issued by a non-EU country after 185 days in the Republic of Poland is required to exchange his or her license for a Polish one in order to retain driving privileges. In addition, as of June 17, 2024, those providing passenger transportation services will be required to hold a Polish driver’s license. In the case of a document whose validity has expired, it will be necessary to pass a state driving test.
An application for a driver’s license replacement should be submitted to the office responsible for the place of residence, i.e. the city/county office. This can be done in person or by mail.
The required documents are:
- A completed application in Polish for a driver’s license replacement
- Photocopy of foreign driver’s license
- Sworn translation of a foreign driver’s license into Polish
- A photocopy of an identity document (e.g., passport)
- Photocopy of residence card, visa or other document confirming the right to stay in Poland
- Current photo for driver’s license
- Document confirming registration
- Proof of payment of stamp duty (PLN 100.50)
Polish driving license for EU citizens:
A driver’s license issued in EU countries is valid in Poland and does not need to be replaced throughout its validity period. If, despite everything, there is a need to replace your driver’s license, you can do so by submitting an application for a driver’s license replacement, completing the same documents as for a non-EU driver’s license.
Our Foreigners Service Office in Krakow can assist you with the exchange of your foreign driver’s license. We will support you at every stage of the process and help you complete the required documents. You are welcome to contact us.