Is your driving license valid in Poland?
Driving licenses issued in EU or EFTA member states are recognized in Poland and can be used as long as they are valid. It does not really needs to be exchanged.
An international driving permit issued by a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic is valid in Poland for 6 months. After staying in Poland for 185 days, it must be exchanged for a Polish driver’s license. The list of signatory countries of the Geneva Conventions is available here.
National driving licenses issued by contracting parties to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968 are valid in Poland for 6 months. After staying in Poland for 185 days, it must be exchanged for a Polish driver’s license. The list of signatory countries of the Vienna Convention is available here.
National driving licenses issued in countries that have not ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention (such as the United States or India) may not be recognized in Poland. Drivers with this type of license generally need to obtain an International Driving Permit to drive in Poland for a maximum of 6 months from the date of entry into Poland. In addition, holders of these licenses must pass a theoretical driving test in order to exchange their driving license for a Polish driving licence.
Where can I apply?
To exchange your driving license for a Polish license, you must submit an application by post or in person at the competent office. Depending on your place of residence, the application should be submitted to:
starost office (starostwo powiatowe)
town hall of a large city (urz?d miasta)
district office in Warsaw (urz?d dzielnicy)
IF you live in LODZ you have to book an Appointment here
Required documents:
– complete A completed application form (available online and you will be given 2 more papers to file up or at the office. If you do not speak Polish, we advise you to ask for help at the office)
– a recent photo of you (dimensions: 35 x 45 mm)
– passport or residence card (karta pobytu)
– copy of your residence card, visa or any other document confirming your residence and resident registration (zameldowanie) in Poland
– Certified Polish translation of driver’s license and copy of driver’s license
How much does it cost? he ?
PLN 100.50
Fees can be paid at the office or in advance by bank transfer (in the latter case you will need proof of payment at the office).
How long will it take?
The whole process may take several weeks, as the validity of the applicant’s original driver’s license may need to be checked. Requests that do not require additional verification may take up to 9 business days to process. the Polish document should normally be issued within 9 working days. However, the whole process may sometimes take up to 2 months in complicated cases. You can check the progress of your application at the relevant Office or at www.kierowca.pwpw.pl.