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Replacement of Driver’s License in Poland

All foreign nationals residing in Poland and driving a vehicle must be aware that their foreign driver’s licenses need to be replaced with Polish ones. Specific regulations define who and when must complete this process.

Foreign nationals residing in Poland for more than six months (185 days) are required to exchange their national driver’s licenses for Polish licenses. Until December 31, 2023, certain exemptions applied to some temporary statuses. However, since January 2024, the rules are uniformly enforced for all residents.

Poland, as a participant of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, ensures that the process of exchanging foreign driver’s licenses for Polish ones is transparent and straightforward. Applicants must prepare all necessary documents and submit them to the relevant administrative office. No exam or medical commission is required for the license exchange.

Why replace your driver’s license in Poland?

According to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, foreign nationals have the right to use their national driver’s licenses when driving in Poland. However, these licenses hold only temporary validity outside the country of issue.

For permanent residence in Poland, foreign nationals must exchange their national driver’s licenses for Polish ones. This requirement does not involve additional examinations and is based on the validity of the existing foreign license.

According to part 4 of article 5 of the Drivers Act, foreign driver’s licenses may be used for up to six months from the start of permanent or temporary residence in Poland.

Who must exchange their driver’s license in Poland?

The obligation to exchange a foreign driver’s license for a Polish one applies in the following cases:

• You are a foreign national legally residing in Poland for more than 185 days;
• You are employed in Poland in a position that requires driving a vehicle.

In the latter case, the license must be exchanged before starting work duties.

Where to exchange driver’s licenses in Poland?

Foreign nationals can exchange their driver’s licenses at local administrative offices or seek professional assistance, such as through the ONE PLUS company.

Relevant offices include:

• Starost Office (Urzęd Starosty)
• City Hall (Urząd Miasta)
• District Office (Urząd Dzielnicy)

Important: Local authorities accept documents only from foreign nationals registered at their place of residence. Therefore, official registration at the residential address is mandatory to proceed with the exchange.

Required documents for license exchange

To renew a foreign driver’s license and legally drive in Poland, whether as a temporary or permanent resident, prepare the following documents:

• Completed application form (available on the official office website);
• Valid identification documents (passport or equivalent);
• Color photograph sized 35 x 45 mm, taken no more than one month prior to submission (four copies required);
• Copy of the valid foreign driver’s license along with the original and its translation;
• Notarized translation of the driver’s license into Polish or translation by a sworn translator or Polish consul;
• Proof of legal residence status in Poland, or certificate of studies for at least six months in Poland;
• Proof of actual residence (property ownership or rental agreement);
• Payment receipt for the issuance of the new driver’s license (100.00 PLN);
• Receipt of registration fee payment (0.50 PLN);
• Consular fee payment confirming authenticity of the foreign license (amount and procedure may vary depending on the country).

Payment details for driver’s license replacement in Wrocław:

Issuance fee:
PKO BANK S. A.,
Account number: 86 1020 5226 0000 6002 0428 8452.

Registration fee:
PKO BANK S.A.,
Account number: 60 1020 5226 0000 6102 0417 4702.

Consular fee (if applicable):
Consulate General of the foreign country,
Specific account and transfer description depending on nationality.

Consequences of failing to exchange the license on time

Foreign nationals residing in Poland for over 185 days and driving a vehicle must be aware of the legal and practical consequences of delayed license exchange.

Using an expired foreign license in Poland beyond the permitted period may cause complications with insurance claims after road accidents. Insurance companies may deny payouts on the grounds that the driver was not authorized to operate a vehicle in Poland for an extended period.

Additionally, law enforcement may impose fines if a driver is found using a foreign license beyond the allowed timeframe, although such cases are infrequent in practice.