UK 
EN 
RU 
Exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence for a Polish one is more of an administrative process than a complicated procedure. The key is to make sure you are eligible to apply, prepare the correct documents, and understand that the Polish authorities must first verify your existing licence before a new one can be issued.
Below is a straightforward step-by-step guide covering everything you need to know to complete the process smoothly and avoid having to submit your application more than once.
We'll Help You Prepare the Right Documents
Who Can Apply to Exchange a Driving Licence?
You can apply to exchange your driving licence if you have your place of residence in Poland. The official application form includes a section where applicants confirm that they live in Poland for at least 185 days per year or meet another qualifying condition specified in the form. Some local Polish authorities also explain that foreign nationals can prove their right to stay in Poland with a residence card, visa, or another relevant document. Students may provide confirmation that they have been studying in Poland for at least six months.
- you must have your place of residence in Poland;
- you need a document confirming your legal right to stay in the country;
- you must provide your address and confirm the legal basis for your residence in the application.
Where to Apply for a Driving Licence Exchange
You must submit your application to the Wydział Komunikacji (Department of Transport) responsible for your place of residence. Depending on where you live, this may be the Urząd Miasta (City Office), Urząd Dzielnicy (District Office), or Starostwo Powiatowe (County Office). This authority receives your application, requests verification of your existing driving licence, and issues your Polish licence once the procedure is complete.
- find the appropriate office for your place of residence;
- book an appointment if your local office requires one;
- submit your application in person and present the original documents.
What Documents Do You Need?
In most cases, you will need a standard set of documents. The official gov.pl website and local government offices list very similar requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence.
- a completed application for a driving licence;
- a colour photograph measuring 35 × 45 mm;
- a copy of your Ukrainian driving licence, along with the original for inspection when applying;
- a sworn translation of your driving licence into Polish;
- a valid identity document;
- a document confirming your legal right to stay in Poland or proof of enrolment in education;
- proof of payment of the Polish driving licence issuance fee.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
Once your application has been accepted, the Polish authority verifies the information on your foreign driving licence. The official gov.pl website explains that the processing period for issuing a Polish licence begins only after the office receives confirmation of your foreign licence details and proof of payment. This is why the overall process can sometimes take longer than expected.
- You submit your application and the complete set of required documents.
- The Polish authority verifies your Ukrainian driving licence.
- Once your licence details have been confirmed, production of the Polish document begins.
- When collecting your Polish licence, you must surrender your Ukrainian driving licence. The new document will not be issued unless you return the original.
Do You Need to Take a Driving Test?
In standard cases, exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence for a Polish one does not require you to take a driving test. Under Polish regulations, a theory test is required when a foreign driving licence does not comply with the formats established by the Geneva or Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic. Ukrainian driving licences generally meet these requirements, so the test is usually not necessary during a standard exchange. However, a theory test may be required for licences issued by certain other non-EU countries or in exceptional circumstances.
- for a standard Ukrainian driving licence exchange, no test is usually required;
- a theory test may be necessary for driving licences issued by certain other countries;
- if your situation is unusual, check the requirements with your local Polish authority before applying.
How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?
According to the official gov.pl website, the fee for issuing a Polish driving licence is PLN 100. The same amount is listed by many local Polish authorities.
- PLN 100 — the standard fee for issuing a Polish driving licence;
- additional expenses may include a photograph and a sworn translation;
- payment methods depend on the office and may include paying at the cashier’s desk or by bank transfer.
Once your foreign licence has been verified, the standard processing time is up to 9 working days. However, verifying the Ukrainian driving licence itself may take several additional weeks. You can check the status of your application online using your PESEL number, first name, and surname.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Delays?
- an incomplete set of application documents;
- errors in the sworn translation of the driving licence;
- failure to provide sufficient proof of residence in Poland;
- assuming that a Polish driving licence can be issued without surrendering the Ukrainian one;
- misunderstanding the processing times — verifying a foreign driving licence often takes longer than producing the Polish document itself.
We'll Help You Prepare for Your Local Office
