A foreigner residing in Poland for more than 185 days must exchange their national driver's license for a Polish one.

How to Replace a Driver’s License in Poland:A Detailed Guide

If you have moved to Poland for the long term, the issue of replacing your driver’s license becomes relevant. Polish legislation allows foreigners to use their national licenses for a limited time, but for long-term residence, they must be replaced with Polish ones. In this article, we will discuss when you need to replace your license, what documents are required, and how the process works.

When Do You Need to Replace Your Driver's License?

A foreign driver's license is valid in Poland only under the following conditions:

1. You are temporarily residing in Poland (e.g., on the basis of a visa or temporary residence permit). In this case, your license is recognized if it complies with the requirements of the Vienna or Geneva Conventions.
2. If you are permanently residing in Poland or your foreign license is expiring, you must replace it with a Polish one. For citizens of countries that have not signed the international traffic conventions, an additional procedure to confirm qualifications is required.

Replacing your driver’s license in Poland is a mandatory process for those who plan to live in the country for an extended period. It allows you not only to drive legally but also ensures the convenience of using the document in other EU countries.

Advantages of a Polish Driver’s License

● Valid in Poland and other EU countries.
● Convenient to use during long-term stays.
● No need to confirm your qualifications with each trip.
● Simplified access to insurance and other services.

Which Licenses Can Be Replaced with Polish Ones?

Replacement is possible for holders of driver's licenses issued by:

● EU/EEA countries;
● Countries that have signed the Geneva or Vienna Conventions;
● Other countries if their licenses meet Polish standards (with additional verification).

Documents Required for License Replacement

To replace your license in Poland, you will need the following documents:

1. Application for a driver’s license replacement (Wniosek o wymianę prawa jazdy).
2. Valid foreign driver’s license and a copy of it.
3. Identification (e.g., residence card or passport).
4. A 35x45 mm photo (like a passport photo).
5. Proof of residence registration in Poland (meldunek).
6. Receipt for payment of the administrative fee (approximately 100.50 PLN).
7. Medical certificate confirming fitness to drive (if required).

Driver's License Replacement Procedure

1. Prepare the DocumentsGather all necessary documents and ensure that your foreign license translation is performed by a certified translator (if required).
2. Submit the ApplicationSubmit the application at the local Department of Communications (Wydział Komunikacji).
3. Wait for Confirmation (If Necessary)Polish authorities will send a request to the country that issued your license to verify its authenticity. This process may take from 1 to 3 months.
4. Receive the Polish LicenseAfter successful verification, you will receive your new Polish driver’s license. Your old license will be confiscated.

Cost of Replacing a Driver’s License

● Administrative fee: 100.50 PLN.
● Medical certificate: approximately 200 PLN (if required).
● Translation services (if the license is not in Polish): 200-400 PLN.

Cost of Our Services

Each foreigner has their own set of documents, specific circumstances, and nuances of their stay in Poland. Therefore, we calculate the cost of services for each client individually.
The cost of the driver’s license replacement service includes:

● Completion of application forms.
● Assistance with submitting and receiving documents.
● Case management and payments to the consulate’s cash desk.

If you are replacing your license based on an EU passport, the service fee will also include:

● Obtaining a residence permit.
● Insurance.
● Completion of application forms.
● Assistance during the meeting with the inspector.
● Confirmation of financial means.
● Finding accommodation for providing residence documents.

Find out the cost of replacing your driver’s license based on your specific situation and documents by reaching out to our friendly manager via the contact window. We are grateful for your trust and for choosing our company!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to take a test when replacing my license?No, if your license was issued by a country that has signed international traffic conventions. However, some countries may require a qualification verification
2. How long does the process take?Usually, the replacement process takes 1-3 months, depending on how quickly the authenticity of the document is confirmed.
3. What should I do if my license is expired?Contact the Work Permit company.