Exchanging a Ukrainian Driving Licence for a Polish One: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are living in Poland and hold a Ukrainian driving licence, the question of exchanging it for a Polish one will arise sooner or later. The procedure does not require re-sitting any examinations, but it does involve gathering documents, undergoing a medical assessment and waiting for a decision. In this article, we explain who is required to carry out the exchange and when, what documents are needed, what the costs are and how the procedure works step by step.

Is a Ukrainian Driving Licence Valid in Poland?

The answer depends on the basis of your stay in the country.

If you hold temporary protection status (PESEL UKR), your Ukrainian driving licence remains valid throughout Poland for the entire duration of the temporary protection period - which has been extended until 4 March 2027. In this case, the exchange is voluntary, not compulsory.

If you are in Poland on a different basis - for example, you hold a residence card, a visa, or a registration without UKR status - the general rules apply. Under Polish law, a foreign national residing in Poland for more than 185 days per year, or who has established permanent residence there, is required to exchange their foreign driving licence for a Polish one.

Who Is Required to Exchange Their Licence?

Exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence for a Polish one is compulsory for those who:

• reside in Poland for more than 185 days per year without UKR temporary protection status;
• have established permanent residence in Poland and have formed personal or professional ties there;
• have been studying in Poland for more than 6 months and can document this.

The exchange does not require re-sitting the theoretical or practical driving examination - Poland and Ukraine are both parties to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which allows the procedure to be carried out through an administrative process.

List of Documents

To submit an application for a driving licence exchange, the following documents are required:

• a completed application form for a driving licence exchange (wniosek o wymianę prawa jazdy) - available at the Wydział Komunikacji (Road Transport Department);
• the original Ukrainian driving licence;
• a certified translation of the licence into Polish, prepared by a sworn translator registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice;
• one colour photograph measuring 3.5×4.5 cm;
• a medical certificate (orzeczenie lekarskie) issued by a doctor authorised to carry out driver medical assessments;
• a document confirming the basis of stay in Poland (residence card, visa or PESEL UKR confirmation);
• a passport or other identity document;
• proof of payment of the administrative fee.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. Undergo a medical examination

The first step is to obtain a medical certificate (orzeczenie lekarskie). The examination is carried out by a doctor authorised to assess the fitness of drivers - a list of such practitioners can be found on the website of the local Wydział Komunikacji or at private medical centres. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes and includes a check of vision, hearing and general health. Cost: PLN 200.

Step 2. Commission a certified translation of your licence

The translation of the Ukrainian driving licence into Polish must be prepared exclusively by a sworn translator registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice. A translation prepared in Ukraine or by a non-sworn translator will not be accepted. Translation cost: PLN 50-150, depending on the city.

Step 3. Compile the complete set of documents

Once you have the medical certificate and the certified translation, prepare all the required documents from the list above. Make copies of the originals - these will be needed when you submit your application.

Step 4. Submit your application at the Wydział Komunikacji

Documents are submitted in person at the Road Transport Department (Wydział Komunikacji), located in the Starostwo Powiatowe (District Office) for residents of rural districts, or in the Urząd Miasta (City Hall) for residents of cities with district rights. You must apply to the office responsible for your place of residence or registration.

In some cities, it is possible to book an appointment online in advance via the local government portal - it is worth checking this option beforehand to avoid queuing.

Step 5. Wait for your application to be processed

After documents are submitted, the Polish authority sends an enquiry to the Consular Section of the Ukrainian Embassy to confirm the authenticity of the licence. This stage most frequently determines the overall duration of the procedure. While the application is being processed, the authority issues a temporary document confirming the right to drive (tymczasowy dokument potwierdzający prawo jazdy).

Cost of the Exchange

The main costs of exchanging a driving licence in 2026 are as follows:

• administrative fee: PLN 100.50
• medical examination: PLN 200
• certified translation: PLN 50-150

The total cost of the procedure amounts to between PLN 350 and PLN 450, depending on the city and translation costs in your region.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Processing times vary. In standard cases, the Wydział Komunikacji issues the new driving licence within 2-4 weeks. If verification by the Ukrainian authorities is required to confirm the authenticity of the document, the procedure may take between 1 and 4 months.

Advice from Gremi Personal

Tip 1: Do not wait until the last moment If you are required to exchange your driving licence, begin the procedure well in advance - given the possibility of verification with the Ukrainian Embassy, the entire process can take several months.

Tip 2: Check your status before submitting your application The exchange rules differ for holders of UKR status and for those residing on other bases. Clarify your situation before you begin gathering documents - this will save you both time and money.

Tip 3: Book your appointment online in advance In large cities, queues at the Wydział Komunikacji can be considerable. Check whether online pre-registration is available through the local government portal - in most cities, this option is accessible.

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