How to replace a taxi driver's license in 2024?

• Requirement for license replacement
• Are there penalties for violating passenger transportation rules?
• Nuances when replacing a driver's license
• How to replace a driver's license in Poland in 2024?

In Poland, there are quite a few job opportunities for foreigners, and one of the favorite occupations for them is working in the taxi industry. It's not surprising why many prefer working as drivers – decent pay, no boss, and flexible working hours. To work in passenger transportation, you will definitely need a car, Uber, Bolt, FreeNow apps, and, of course, a driver's license. Read on to find out about the latest developments awaiting all foreign taxi drivers in Poland.

Requirement for license replacement

Let's start with the fact that until October 1, 2023, all transportation companies were required to conduct a check of their entire driver staff. However, now, the changes have also affected driver's licenses, which are the primary document for working in the taxi industry.

All foreign drivers are required to replace their driver's license with a Polish one by June 17, 2024, to continue working in the taxi industry. This requirement arose due to changes in the law on automotive transport. As for foreigners driving for personal purposes, they can move around Poland based on their driver's license for no more than 183 days. Those who have a PESEL UKR due to a special provision for refugees can use Ukrainian licenses until March 4, 2024.

Are there penalties for violating passenger transportation rules?

The new requirement from the ministry stating that all passenger transportation must be conducted only by individuals with a Polish driver's license is officially registered in Poland's legislation. What does this mean for entrepreneurs?

In the new law, fines have been increased to 1 million zlotys for entrepreneurs acting as intermediaries in the transportation sector and for individuals conducting transportation for violating obligations stipulated by the law. The law outlines several violations that will be penalized. For instance, acting as an intermediary in passenger transport without the necessary license carries a fine of 500,000 zlotys, and failing to present or allow inspection of the device on which a mobile application is installed results in a fine of 12,000 zlotys.

As for the drivers working in taxis through mobile applications such as Uber, Bolt, FreeNow, Opti, iTaxi, and others, in the absence of Polish licenses, they won't be able to use the application and accept new orders.

Nuances when replacing a driver's license

1. If you work through intermediary firms like Uber, to expedite the process, you can request a "Umowa Zlecenia/o Prace" contract. This way, you confirm your intention and qualifications, demonstrating your commitment to the job. This doesn't work in the case of "Umowa trojstronna."
2. Exchanging licenses with an expiring term. If your license is about to expire, it's better to replace it in advance. For Ukrainian citizens, obtaining a medical certificate from the "DP passport service" allows you to receive a license valid until the expiration of the medical certificate. If you use the "DIYA" app, a different scenario awaits you.
3. Poland issues licenses for 15 years if your current license has no expiration date. This is the maximum duration. In addition to your primary category B, you will receive B1, in the case of C, they will add C1, and so on.

How to replace a driver's license in Poland in 2024?

The first method of transferring to Polish driver's licenses involves self-replacement of the license. Here is the entire process:

1. Document collection.

The driver needs to gather all the required documents, including:

• Valid international passport and its copy;
• Sworn translation of your driver's license;
• Recent color photographs (size 35 x 45 mm; white background);
• Completed application for driver's license replacement;
• In the case of PESEL UKR (scan), a passport with a PESEL UKR issuance stamp;
• Document confirming your legal presence in Poland (residence card or visa);
• Medical examination certificate;
• Document proving your residence in the country (rental agreement) for at least 6 months;
• Original driver's license and its copy in Polish;
• Invoice for government fees: 100 zlotys for the receipt, 125 zlotys for the consular fee, and 0.50 zlotys for data processing (for Belarusian citizens, an additional 50 euros is separately charged);
• Consent for personal data processing.

2. Form completion.

Fill out the driver's license replacement application, which can be obtained personally at the local office.

3. Document submission.

The assembled document package and the application are submitted in person to the local office (urząd miejski) at your place of registration or, if you are from the suburbs, to the Starostwo Powiatowe.