Replacing a driver's license in Poland

Assistance in replacing your license with a Polish one

A driver's license is not just an opportunity to get behind the wheel and travel. For many people, they are a tool for earning money. Therefore, obtaining a Polish driver's license for citizens of Belarus, Ukraine and other countries who have moved to Poland for permanent residence is an important step for successful integration in the new country.

Can I drive with a foreign driver's license?

Important: if you leave Poland every six months, this does not exempt you from having to replace your license with a Polish one.

Yes, temporarily. However, there are restrictions.

  • If you are a citizen of an EU, EEA or Swiss country, you can use your national license to drive in Poland within 6 months of establishing your residence.
  • If you are a citizen of another country, you can drive on a foreign license only for 6 months after entering Poland.

After 6 months of residence in Poland, you need to change your driver's license. You can replace your license with a license of your country with the same period of validity, or you can get a new one with a longer period of validity after passing a medical examination.

Also keep in mind that not all Ujendas may accept expired driver's licenses for replacement.

When do I need to change my license to a Polish one?

1

You have been in Poland for more than 6 months.

2

You have obtained residence permit, CP or Polish citizenship

3

You want to work as a driver in Poland. It is now a mandatory requirement for cab drivers.

Where to replace my driver's license in Poland?

You can obtain a Polish driver's license at the local użęd (Urząd Miasta).
There are such units in every poviat. For this purpose it is necessary to:

1

Find the closest branch to you (according to your propiska - meldunok). Some ujendas do not require a meldunok.

2

Make an appointment online or by phone, or on a first-come, first-served basis.

3

Come to the appointment with the necessary package of documents

4

Go through the necessary procedure for replacing a foreign driver's license

5

Pick up your Polish driver's license on the date specified. Some authorities ask you to call them after the expiry of the readiness date to check whether the license is ready.

Do I have to take an exam?

In most cases, this is not required. The exceptions are:

  • Replacement of license for category A (motorcycles)
  • Obtaining a category A1 license at the age of 14-16 years old
  • License replacement for military personnel

In other cases, there is a simplified procedure for replacing a driver's license:

  • Without passing theoretical exams
  • Without passing a practical driving test

The only requirement is to prove your identity and provide a valid foreign driver's license with current medical certificates.

Documents for replacing a driver's license

  • Application for replacement of license and for data processing. The form is issued at the Ujenda subdivision.
  • A valid foreign driver's license. It must be with you when you submit your application. You will need to surrender it after obtaining a Polish license.
  • Identification document.
  • Medical certificate from Poland. Confirms that you are medically fit to drive. It is not required if you are satisfied with the current period of your driving license.
  • Photo. 1 photo of 35×45 mm format. Color, matte, without ovals and corners
  • A certificate from the traffic police in your country stating that your license has not been revoked and is valid + a copy. It can be taken in your country, which will speed up the process. Or through the embassy.
  • Sworn translation of driver's license and all certificates.
  • Meldunok. Residence registration in Poland is compulsory for everyone who stays in Poland for more than 3 months. Some žędas do not require meldunok.

You may submit the documents in person or through an authorized representative.

Stages of exchange

Obtaining a medical certificate

You need to pass a medical examination and get a certificate from a Polish medical institution.

Document preparation

Gather and prepare a complete package to replace your driver's license.

Filing

Submit the documents in person at the Ujenda unit.

Waiting for production

Typically, a new driver's license is produced within 10 days to 3 months.

Obtaining a Polish driver's license

On the appointed day pick up the finished Polish driver's license in Uzęda.

Surrender of foreign driver's license

After obtaining a Polish driver's license, you will need to surrender your old foreign driver's license. Without this, the new license is considered invalid.

Issue dates

The standard period for the production of a new Polish driving license after submitting the documents for license replacement is up to 4 months. However, in complex cases requiring additional document verification, this period may be extended.

An accelerated procedure for replacing a license in Poland is provided for certain categories of citizens:

  • 5 working days - for disabled persons, pensioners, pregnant women
  • 3 working days - in exceptional cases for emergency workers

You can also apply for an earlier issuance date if you apply for the replacement of your license electronically via the Polish Public Services Portal.

It is a fairly simple and straightforward process. However, if you have any difficulties or questions, you can always turn to Latwy Start for help. Our experts will assist you at any stage of replacing your foreign driver's license in Poland:

  • Help you to prepare all necessary documents competently
  • Advise on all matters of interest
  • If necessary, they will escort you to Ujend

Take advantage of our help to obtain a Polish driver's license without any problems. Call us on the phone or leave an application on the website.

FAQ

Do I need to change my Ukrainian driver's license in Poland?

Yes, if you are legally residing in Poland for more than 6 months, plan to stay permanently or want to work as a professional driver.

The rule exempting from exchanging the license for a Polish one has not been extended. Accordingly, from 01.01.2024 the 185 days after which the exchange of the license will become mandatory will start counting.

The norm giving the right to use expired Ukrainian driver's licenses has not been prolonged either.

What happens if I don't change my driver's license to a Polish one?

It is not a serious offense if you are suddenly stopped and checked by the police. You may get off with a warning. But in the event of a traffic violation or an accident, it can make your situation worse. You may also lose your insurance benefits.

How much does it cost to replace a driver's license in Poland?

The service of replacing the license is paid. It costs 100 PLN. To this amount is added the fee for a medical examination to obtain a Polish medical certificate.

Feedback from our clients

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Damien Vice

02/11/2025

Ставлю 1 звезду. Планировал начать сотрудничество через икнубатор. Отправил 3 письма, через мейл и форму на сайте, написал в инсте, сделал 2 звонка (без ответа). Потратил неделю на ожидание. Меня просто проигнорировали. Как можно доверять этому сервису, если фонд не в состоянии ответить на письмо и прислать документы для ознакомления. Жду объяснения

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Andrii Melnychuk

26/08/2025

I highly recommend Łatwy Start! Thanks to them, my two kids and I received 3-year residence cards without any stress. Special thanks to manager Kristina — she was extremely helpful and even managed to speed up the process for my children. Excellent service, very satisfied!

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Anton Mezhuiev

26/08/2025

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Anastasiya Balotnikava

26/08/2025

Недавно получила вторую карту с Łatwy Start, как и в первый раз – все было отлично, положительная децизия по итогу.

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Inna

03/08/2025

3 раза членами семьи сотрудничали с компанией по получению карт побыта в разное время и работали с разными специалистами. До этого были попытки с другими компаниями , но именно высочайший уровень профессионализма Latwy Start сделал нас постоянными клиентами. Каждый раз самое благоприятное впечатление за высокий уровень профессиональной работы и моральную поддержку. Особая отдельная благодарность Ольге! Ольга очень помогла, всегда на связи по любым вопросам, отличные профессиональные советы на каждом этапе, начиная с первого общения еще до заключения договора и до успешного получения карты. Как ангел-хранитель «провела за ручку» через все сложные перепитиии, поддержала словом и делом. Огромная Благодарность Ольге и всей компании! Процветания вам и хоррших клиентов!

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Oleksandr Drobyshev

15/07/2025

Все супер

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Yevgeniy Postebailo

14/07/2025

Всё понравилось, везде сопроводили, всё обьяснили.
Была пара непонятных вещей, но не стесняйтесь спрашивать — всегда отвечают и консультируют.
Рекомендую обращаться.

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Aliaksei Seniukovich

11/07/2025

Хочу выразить огромную благодарность Кристине из Łatwy Start за профессиональную помощь в получении вида на жительство в Польше. Благодаря её опыту, внимательности и доброжелательному отношению весь процесс прошёл легко и без лишнего стресса. Кристина всегда была на связи, подробно отвечала на все вопросы и помогала на каждом этапе оформления документов. Искренне рекомендую её услуги всем, кто ищет надёжную поддержку в решении миграционных вопросов в Польше!

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Gennady Bakunovich

11/07/2025

I had a really positive experience with Łatwy Start. Manager Kristina was supportive and always ready to help with any questions. I got my temporary residence permit without any issues and with minimal effort on my part. I really appreciate their work and highly recommend them 🙌