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Exchanging a Belarusian driving licence for a Polish one can be more complicated than it initially seems. The main challenge is the requirement to verify the details of the foreign licence. For many years, Belarusian citizens have faced delays and refusals at this stage, particularly when they were unable to contact the relevant authorities in Belarus in person.
Since March 2025, Polish law has provided a simplified procedure for certain categories of Belarusian citizens. However, the new rules do not apply to everyone. In this guide, we explain who can exchange a Belarusian driving licence without verification by the Belarusian authorities, which documents are required, and how the process works in 2026.
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Do You Need to Take an Exam When Exchanging a Belarusian Driving Licence?
Belarus is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. As a result, exchanging a Belarusian driving licence for a Polish one generally does not require passing a theory test at a Polish driver examination centre (WORD).
However, the requirements depend not only on the country that issued the licence but also on whether the document itself complies with international conventions. If the licence does not meet the prescribed standards, additional requirements may apply, including the need to pass a theory test.
For most holders of valid Belarusian driving licences that comply with the Vienna Convention, the main challenge is not the exam but the verification of the licence details. This is the stage where significant delays can occur in certain cases.
Why Was Verifying Belarusian Driving Licences Difficult Before 2025?
Before the introduction of special regulations, Belarusian citizens frequently encountered difficulties when trying to have the authenticity of their driving licences confirmed.
Under the standard procedure, the Polish authority contacts the competent authorities in the country that issued the licence to verify the necessary information. If the Belarusian authorities do not provide confirmation, this can prevent the licence from being exchanged.
The issue was officially raised by Poland’s Commissioner for Human Rights (Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich, RPO). In August 2024, information was published about an appeal to the Ministry of Infrastructure concerning a Belarusian citizen who also held Polish citizenship.
In that case, the Polish authority contacted the Belarusian Embassy in Warsaw twice but received no confirmation of the licence’s authenticity. The Belarusian authorities stated that the applicant needed to visit the relevant institution in Belarus in person.
Returning to Belarus was dangerous for the individual concerned because of criminal prosecution related to participation in the 2020 protests. As a result, the Polish authority refused to exchange the licence because it could not verify the required information.
This case demonstrated that even a genuine foreign driving licence can be difficult to exchange when the issuing country fails to confirm the necessary details.
New Rules for 2025–2026: Who Can Exchange Their Licence Without Verification in Belarus?
The special procedure applies to Belarusian citizens who hold one of the residence statuses specified under Polish law.
Belarusian citizens are exempt from the requirement to have their driving licence details confirmed by the issuing country if they hold:
- A visa issued under Article 60(1)(23) of the Polish Act on Foreigners. This refers to a visa issued on humanitarian grounds, in the interests of the state, or due to international obligations (wiza wydana ze względów humanitarnych, ze względu na interes państwa lub zobowiązania międzynarodowe).
- A temporary residence permit granted due to special circumstances. This refers to a permit issued under Article 186(1)(9) of the Act on Foreigners (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy ze względu na inne okoliczności), subject to the conditions specified in that provision.
For applicants who meet these criteria, the Polish authority applies a special exemption from the requirement to verify the Belarusian driving licence details with the authorities in the country where it was issued.
It is important to understand that this simplified procedure applies specifically to the verification stage. It does not remove the other requirements for exchanging a driving licence, such as holding an eligible licence, providing proof of identity, meeting residence requirements, and submitting all necessary documents.
After the exchange, the foreign driving licence is retained in the driver’s official records, together with the relevant information about the legal basis for issuing the Polish document.
Who May Still Face Difficulties?
The introduction of special regulations has not resolved every problem associated with exchanging Belarusian driving licences. In some situations, Polish authorities must still obtain confirmation of licence details from the competent authorities in the issuing country.
Cases involving dual citizenship, expired driving licences, and other circumstances that may affect the exchange procedure also require individual assessment.
| Situation | Verification Requirements | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Belarusian citizen holding a humanitarian visa under Article 60(1)(23) | A special exemption from verification by the Belarusian authorities may apply | Prepare the required documents and proof of the relevant residence status |
| Belarusian citizen holding a residence permit under Article 186(1)(9) | The simplified procedure may apply if the statutory requirements are met | Check the legal basis of the permit and submit an application for the licence exchange |
| Belarusian citizen residing in Poland on standard employment or study grounds | The special exemption for Belarusian citizens generally does not apply; verification may still be required | Confirm the applicable verification procedure and check whether other exemptions are available |
| Person holding both Polish and Belarusian citizenship | Eligibility for the special exemption requires an individual legal assessment | Review citizenship status, residence circumstances, and available legal options |
| Driving licence that has expired | Additional documents, including a medical certificate, may be required, along with an assessment of whether the licence can be exchanged | Check the requirements for expired foreign driving licences before submitting an application |
Difficulties with verifying licence details do not automatically mean that an application will be refused. The outcome depends on the applicable legal provisions, the applicant’s documents, and whether the necessary facts can be established.
If the Polish authority has already refused the exchange, you should obtain the written decision, review the reasons given, and determine whether an appeal is possible.
What Documents Are Required to Exchange a Belarusian Driving Licence?
To exchange a Belarusian driving licence for a Polish one, you must submit an application and the required supporting documents to the competent authority in your place of residence.
The standard document package usually includes:
- A completed application form for exchanging a foreign driving licence (wniosek o wymianę prawa jazdy);
- The original Belarusian driving licence for inspection;
- A copy of the foreign driving licence;
- A sworn translation of the driving licence into Polish, if required;
- A recent photograph measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm that meets Polish official requirements;
- A valid identity document, such as a passport;
- A document confirming legal residence in Poland, if required;
- Proof of payment of the fee for issuing a Polish driving licence;
- Any additional documents required based on the circumstances of the case.
If you are applying under the simplified procedure, it is particularly important to provide documentation confirming your qualifying humanitarian residence status.
If the driving licence exchange takes place under the standard procedure, the Polish authority may initiate verification with the country that issued the licence. In such cases, the applicant may need to provide additional forms or explanations.
Before submitting your application, we recommend checking the required document list with your local Wydział Komunikacji (Department of Transport). Requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of your case and the type of driving licence you hold.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Driving Licence
- Check your residence status in Poland. Determine whether you meet the requirements for the special exemption from verification of Belarusian driving licence details.
- Check the validity of your driving licence. Review its expiry date, the vehicle categories you are authorised to drive, and whether the document meets international standards.
- Prepare the necessary documents. Gather your application form, driving licence, a copy of the licence, a photograph, a translation if required, and documents supporting your eligibility.
- Contact the competent authority. Submit your documents to the relevant Wydział Komunikacji, Starostwo Powiatowe (County Office), or municipal office responsible for your place of residence.
- Wait for your documents to be reviewed. If the simplified procedure applies, verification through the Belarusian authorities is not required. In other cases, processing may take longer.
- Comply with the requirements for surrendering your original licence. Your foreign driving licence must be handed over in accordance with the applicable procedure. Check when the authority requires you to surrender it.
- Collect your Polish driving licence. Once all necessary procedures have been completed and your new licence has been issued, the authority will notify you when it is ready for collection.
If the authority requests additional documents or explanations while reviewing your application, make sure to respond within the deadline specified in the official notice (wezwanie).
If your application is refused, you may appeal the decision in accordance with Polish administrative law. The standard deadline for filing an appeal is 14 days from the date the decision is delivered.
How Much Does It Cost to Exchange a Belarusian Driving Licence, and How Long Does It Take?
The cost of exchanging a Belarusian driving licence for a Polish one consists of the official administrative fee and any additional expenses related to translations or document preparation.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Official fee for issuing a Polish driving licence | PLN 100 |
| Sworn translation of a Belarusian driving licence | Depends on the translator’s rates and the amount of work involved |
| Additional documents, medical certificates, or other services, if required | According to the fees charged by the relevant institutions |
According to Poland’s official government portal, gov.pl, once the necessary confirmation of the foreign driving licence details has been received and payment has been made, issuing the Polish document usually takes up to nine working days.
However, this timeframe does not necessarily cover the entire procedure. If the authority needs to verify documents, obtain additional information, or contact an institution abroad, the overall waiting time may be considerably longer.
For applicants eligible for the simplified procedure, removing the need to obtain confirmation from Belarus may shorten the process. Nevertheless, the exact timeframe depends on whether the application is complete, the authority’s workload, and the circumstances of the individual case.
Before applying, it is advisable to check current processing times with your local Wydział Komunikacji. Avoid planning important trips on the assumption that your new driving licence will definitely be ready within a few days.
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