I have a foreign driving licence and want to use or exchange it in Poland
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Determine which official route applies to your driving licence based on the issuing country and document format.
Before applying for an exchange; the gov.pl service distinguishes, among others, licences from EU and non-EU countries.
Gov.pl / competent office.
Original foreign driving licence, issuing country and residence details in Poland.
Licences from the EU, the United Kingdom and other states may follow different rules.
Official source: gov.pl
2. Check whether you may continue using the document and whether exchange is voluntary, mandatory or requires an additional test/confirmation.
When you have lived in Poland for at least 185 days and want to determine the rules for using or exchanging a foreign driving licence.
Gov.pl / Act on Vehicle Drivers.
Driving-licence and residence details.
A valid driving licence issued by an EU country does not have to be exchanged solely because you live in Poland. An international driving permit cannot be exchanged for a Polish licence; if the document does not follow the convention model, a state theory exam may be required.
Official source: gov.pl
3. If exchange is needed or possible, prepare the documents required for your branch, including identity/residence documents and the foreign driving licence.
Before submitting the application.
Starosty office, city office in a city with county rights, or the competent Warsaw district office.
Current document set from gov.pl; translation, medical tests or other evidence only where the specific situation requires it.
An international driving permit cannot be exchanged for a Polish licence. Prepare a translation, medical examination, or additional documents only if the procedure for your specific case requires them.
Official source: gov.pl
4. Submit the application to the locally competent office and complete any additional steps assigned to your branch.
After the exchange conditions are met.
Office competent for your place of residence.
Complete application and original document for return/surrender according to the procedure.
Treat fees, deadlines and procedural details as variable data.
Official source: gov.pl
