Driving licence exchange in Poland — foreign to Polish
Personal · Car
A foreigner legally residing in Poland can exchange their foreign driving licence for a Polish one without taking a driving test — provided they hold a licence from an EU/EEA country or a country with which Poland has a reciprocity agreement (Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and others). Applications are filed at the Transport Department (Wydział Komunikacji) of the district office for the applicant's place of registration. Processing time: 2–6 weeks. Fee: PLN 100.50. FlexInWork, al. Jerozolimskie 81, Warsaw, helps with document preparation and the application process.
Who Can Exchange a Driving Licence in Poland Without an Exam
EU/EEA driving licences (Germany, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, etc.) are exchanged directly without any exam and without translation — a valid document and proof of address in Poland are sufficient. Ukrainian driving licences: categories A, B, C, D, BE, CE and others are exchanged without an exam for persons legally residing in Poland. Belarusian, Georgian, Moldovan, and Kazakh licences: exchange is possible, but the procedure depends on bilateral agreements — in some cases a theoretical exam (in Polish) is required.
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed driving licence application form | Available at the Transport Department or online |
| Foreign driving licence (original) | Retained by the office and returned to the issuing country |
| Sworn translation of driving licence | Required for non-EU/EEA licences that are not bilingual |
| Valid identity document | Passport OR residence permit (karta pobytu) |
| Proof of residence in Poland | Registration certificate (zameldowanie) or equivalent |
| Medical certificate | Required for licences from non-EU countries — from an occupational health doctor authorized to examine drivers |
| Current photograph | 35×45 mm, meeting driving document requirements |
| Fee | PLN 100.50 |
Step-by-Step Exchange Process
Step 1: Sworn translation (if required)
If the foreign licence is not bilingual (Polish/English), a sworn translation is required covering all data including categories and validity dates. FlexInWork works with sworn translators and can arrange translations.
Step 2: Medical examination (if required)
For licences from non-EU/EEA countries: a medical certificate from an occupational health doctor. Cost: PLN 50–150. FlexInWork can recommend certified clinics in Warsaw.
Step 3: Submit application at the Transport Department
Application must be filed in person at the district Transport Department for your place of registration. In Warsaw, the main office is at ul. Nowogrodzka 75a. Online appointment booking is available.
Step 4: Collect Polish licence
The Polish licence is produced centrally by PWPW S.A. Processing time: 2–6 weeks. A temporary driving permit may be issued while waiting.
Ukrainian Driving Licence Exchange — Key Details
This is the most common procedure for FlexInWork clients. A Ukrainian driving licence can be exchanged for a Polish one without an exam for category B (and most other categories) provided: the applicant legally resides in Poland on a residence permit or temporary protection; the Ukrainian licence is valid; the document is authentic (verified by PWPW). Since , simplified rules apply for Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection — FlexInWork keeps clients updated on current regulations.
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