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Driver guide

Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Poland
Step-by-step guide

DEPartner / 2026-10-25

Moved to Poland with a driving licence from outside the European Union? Sooner or later you will want a Polish one. It is also the first step if you plan to drive for Uber or Bolt, because at DEPartner every driver needs a Polish category B driving licence. This guide explains when a foreign licence is valid in Poland, who can exchange it, which documents to bring and how long the procedure takes.

When a foreign licence is valid in Poland

The Polish Act on Vehicle Drivers (ustawa o kierujących pojazdami) treats licences differently depending on where they were issued:

  • EU, EFTA and Switzerland. A valid licence from these countries lets you drive in Poland for as long as it is valid. Exchanging it is possible, but not compulsory.
  • Other countries. A national licence that follows the 1949 Geneva or the 1968 Vienna road traffic convention lets you drive in Poland for 6 months from the day your permanent or temporary stay begins.
  • Ukraine, with temporary protection. EU Regulation 2022/1280 recognises valid Ukrainian licences in the EU for the whole period of temporary protection.

These rules are about driving your own or a private car. Working as a driver for a ride-hailing app is a separate matter, explained below.

Why app driving needs a Polish licence

In Poland, rides ordered through Uber or Bolt are legally taxi transport. A licensed carrier, for example a fleet partner, holds the taxi licence and the drivers work under it. The Road Transport Act (ustawa o transporcie drogowym) requires drivers who carry passengers for a taxi licence holder to have their driving entitlement confirmed by a driving licence issued in Poland (Article 6(1)(2)(d) together with Article 39a(1)(2)).

That is why DEPartner asks every driver for a Polish category B licence. If your licence was issued in another country, exchanging it is your way in. The good news: an exchange is not a new driving course. If your licence qualifies, you swap the document instead of starting from zero.

Who can exchange a foreign licence

The official gov.pl service page says you can apply once you have lived in Poland for at least 185 days. Check these points before you go to the office:

  • Validity. Your foreign licence should be valid. An expired licence can be exchanged only after the issuing country confirms its data, and you need a medical certificate (for categories C1, C, D1 and D also a psychological one).
  • Type of document. An International Driving Permit cannot be exchanged. Only your national licence can.
  • Theory exam. If your licence does not match the model and data set of the 1968 Vienna Convention, you must also pass the theory part of the Polish state exam at a regional driving test centre (WORD) and provide a certified translation. This wording of the law has applied since March 2026.

Documents and fees

  • the application form (wniosek), available at the office or on gov.pl
  • a current colour photo, 35 x 45 mm
  • your passport or ID card
  • a residence card or another document confirming your legal stay in Poland
  • proof of your address in Poland
  • a copy of your foreign licence, with the original to show
  • a Polish translation by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły), when your office requires it
  • proof of payment of the licence fee: 100 zł
Ask your office first.

County offices may request extra documents linked to checking the licence with the issuing country. For example, the Świebodzin County page on gov.pl lists additional items for licences issued in Ukraine, including a consent form and a consular fee. A short call or email before you file saves a second visit.

The exchange, step by step

  1. File the application. Go to the county office (starostwo powiatowe), the city office in a city with county rights, or your district office if you live in Warsaw. You can also send the documents by post.
  2. Get your PKK number. The office creates your driver candidate profile (profil kandydata na kierowcę, PKK). If the application is complete, this happens right away. If data needs checking, it takes longer.
  3. Wait for confirmation. The office asks the country that issued your licence to confirm its data. According to gov.pl this can take several weeks.
  4. Take the theory exam, if required. Book it at the WORD using your PKK number.
  5. Licence production. Once the office has the confirmation and your payment, the Polish licence is produced within up to 9 working days. You can follow the status on info-car.pl.
  6. Collection. You hand in your foreign licence and receive the Polish one. Without returning the foreign licence you will not get the Polish licence.

If the office refuses the exchange, you can appeal to the local appeals board (samorządowe kolegium odwoławcze) within 14 days. The appeal goes through the office that issued the decision.

Your next step with DEPartner

With a Polish licence in your wallet, the rest of the start is straightforward. You will also need a medical and psychological examination for taxi drivers and a criminal record certificate. DEPartner reimburses the cost of the medical and psychological examinations when you present an invoice issued to the company (DEPartner).

Our requirements are simple: you are 18 or older and hold a Polish category B driving licence. We have 14 offices in Poland, and every office speaks Polish and English. Offices and Coordinators work Monday to Friday, 8:00-16:00. Our call center and callbacks run Monday to Friday, 8:00-17:00.

Apply to drive+48 573 580 800

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