If you have been living in Poland for more than 185 days per year, your foreign driving licence is no longer valid for driving purposes. Polish law requires you to exchange it for a Polish licence — with no theory or practical test required, provided the issuing country is a signatory to the Vienna Convention. The procedure is most straightforward for Ukrainian licences; for Belarusian licences, it is nearly identical.
Key Facts at a Glance
- When it becomes mandatory: after 185 days of residence in Poland
- Where: Wydział Komunikacji for your place of registration (meldunek)
- Cost: 100.50 PLN + 60–110 PLN for translation + 200 PLN medical tests (if required)
- Processing time: 30–90 days
- Exams: none for categories A and B; Kod 95 required separately for C and D
- Original licence: will be retained and returned to the issuing country
- Validity of Polish licence: 30 years
Who Must Exchange, and When
Under the Ustawa o kierujących pojazdami, Article 14: any person with a de facto place of residence in Poland for more than 185 days is required to hold a Polish driving licence.
Exception for Ukrainians with PESEL UKR: a Ukrainian driving licence remains valid for driving in Poland until the end of temporary protection (March 2027). However, for professional employment as a driver, a Polish licence is always required.
For Belarusian nationals there are no exceptions. Failure to comply is subject to a fine of 200–2,000 PLN, and in the event of an accident the insurer may refuse to pay out.
Ukrainian vs. Belarusian Licences: Key Differences
Ukrainian licences: covered by the Vienna Convention; verification request to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs is sent electronically; no exams required; processing takes 30–60 days.
Belarusian licences: also covered by the Vienna Convention, but the response from the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs takes longer — 60–90 days. An apostille may be required for older-format licences.
| Country | Timeline | Category B exam | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | 30–60 days | no | Ministry responds via direct electronic system |
| Belarus | 60–90 days | no | apostille may be required |
Where to Exchange in Mazowieckie
Wydział Komunikacji of your district in Warsaw (based on your meldunek). Appointments are booked through warszawa19115.pl. During peak season (April–May, September–October), book 3–4 weeks in advance.
Documents Required
Always required:
- Wniosek o wydanie prawa jazdy (application form)
- Foreign driving licence (original + copy)
- Sworn translation (tłumaczenie przysięgłe) of the licence
- Passport (original + copy)
- Proof of legal stay (karta pobytu / type D visa / PESEL UKR)
- Photograph 35 × 45 mm
- State fee of 100.50 PLN
For categories C and D, additionally:
- Medical examination (200 PLN)
- Psychological examination (150 PLN)
- Świadectwo Kod 95
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Opłata komunikacyjna | 100.00 PLN |
| Opłata ewidencyjna | 0.50 PLN |
| Sworn translation | 60–110 PLN |
| Medical tests (C and D only) | 180–250 PLN |
| Total for category B | 160–210 PLN |
| Total for category C/D | 600–900 PLN |
The Process, Step by Step
- Sworn translation — from a certified tłumacz przysięgły; 60–80 PLN; takes 1–3 days
- Book your appointment — through warszawa19115.pl at the Wydział Komunikacji for your district
- Attend the appointment — submit the application and documents; the official retains your original licence and creates a PKK file
- Wait — the issuing country's ministry confirms the authenticity of your licence
- Collect your licence — you receive notification by SMS or email; collect your Polish licence in person
Can You Drive While Waiting
Once the application has been filed, you hold only a zaświadczenie — your original licence has been retained. Technically, you have no valid driving licence. Driving during this period constitutes a violation.
Exception: Ukrainians with PESEL UKR — the Ukrainian licence remains valid until March 2027, even after submitting the exchange application. During a roadside check, present both documents.
If You Have Lost Your Original Licence
You must first obtain a replacement in the issuing country through the consulate. Exchange in Poland is only possible with the original document.
The alternative is to sit the full driving examinations at WORD as a new candidate (1–2 months, 300+ PLN; prior driving experience is not taken into account).
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