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
Tanya Zhovna
09/02/2026
Хочу искренне поблагодарить Latwy Start и отдельно Ольгу за отличную работу и поддержку на каждом этапе.
Ольга настоящий профессионал и при этом очень чуткий, внимательный человек. С самого начала она сопровождала меня шаг за шагом: помогала со сбором документов и подробно консультировала, а затем взяла на себя все организационные моменты и полностью сняла стресс, который обычно сопровождает такие процедуры.
С огромным удовольствием рекомендую её всем, кто ценит профессионализм, надёжность и человеческое отношение. И, без сомнений, обращусь к ней снова
Max
27/01/2026
Получил карту Сталэго Побыта при помощи Latwy Start по корням. Сам в это полностью не вникал. Сказали какие документы нужны и куда нужно прийти. Все сделал теперь карта на руках.
Denis Litvinov
15/01/2026
Łatwy Start – отличный выбор для IT специалиста, всё работает как часы. Плюсом есть полная прозрачность о том, как и что происходит со стороны выставления фактур и оплат.
ALEXANDR
28/12/2025
Оформлял карту сталего побыта, меня сопровождала Кристина. Все было хорошо: отношение было доброжелательное, вся информация предоставлялась вовремя, а пояснения были понятными и подробными. Процесс прошёл спокойно и без лишних переживаний.
Дарина Дробышевская
03/12/2025
Хочу оставить отзыв о работе Latwy Start, а именно о сотрудничестве с Ольгой. Она — профессионал с большой буквы и очень приятный человек.
Ольга помогала мне на каждом этапе: от сбора документов, где она постоянно консультировала меня и предоставляла примеры заполнения, чтобы всё было идеально, до самого посещения ужонда, где она сопровождала меня и полностью сняла стресс, связанный с процедурой.
После подачи Ольга регулярно информировала меня о статусе моего дела и делала всё возможное, чтобы его рассмотрели быстрее.
Я безмерно довольна её работой и обязательно обращусь к ней снова. Сегодня я забрала свою первую карту на 3 года, и точно знаю — без Ольги я бы не справилась!☺️
Vladimir Drobyshevsky
28/11/2025
Хотел бы оставить положительный отзыв о услугах данного агенства. Мои куратором была Ольга. Получил карту побыта, все понравилось: о всех нюансах получал информацию, на все вопросы Ольга отвечала, даже на самые глупые) Ничего не забыли, результат в виде карты получен, рекомендую!
Svitlana
21/11/2025
I’m really thankful to Olga for all her help. From answering the questions to receiving the residence permit. The process was smooth and there was no stress. That took only 5 months from application to obtainment.
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
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!