Driver’s license replacement in Poland 2024
Optima Parther
Apr 24, 2024
How to quickly replace a driver's license in Poland? The current process of replacing a driver's license in 2024
According to statistics, the number of cars in Poland in 2024 will pass the 30 million mark. This is not surprising, because the most convenient way to get around in the city is with a vehicle. Moreover, having a car, you can join a taxi service and start earning a decent income.
Have you just recently changed your place of residence and moved to Poland? Then you will probably be interested in knowing who should replace their old license with a Polish one and how it can be done in the fastest way possible. The experts at Optima Partner have prepared a lot of useful information for you about replacing your driver's license in Poland. Let's go!
Is it necessary to change the old driver's license in Poland?
Let's start with a common question among foreigners—is it possible to drive in Poland with a driving license issued in the home country? The answer is ambiguous, and the Vienna Convention, which was signed in 1986, must be consulted.
Poland is one of the many countries that have joined the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. In total, there are more than 80 such countries, and the full list of participating countries can be seen here. According to this treaty, holders of a valid driver's license in one country can move freely on their basis in another country. However, this rule is valid for a maximum of 185 days in Poland. If you have been living in Poland for more than half a year, you must replace your driver's license with one in Polish.
What about taxi drivers? Back in late 2023, the most popular cab apps in Poland, such as Bolt, Uber, and FreeNow, made a statement about the requirements for drivers. Now if you want to work in a taxi, you must have a Polish driver's license.
List of documents required to replace a driver's license
Before replacing your driver's license, you need to take a responsible approach to the issue of documents. It is necessary to collect a full package of documents without missing anything. Here are the documents you will need to replace your driver's license in Poland:
- Foreign passport (original + copy).
- Notarized translation of the old driver's license.
- Photo cards with a white background, size 35 x 45 cm.
- Application form filled out in Polish.
- PESEL UKR (for Ukrainian citizens).
- Visit card or valid visa.
- Rental agreement.
- Valid driver's license and a copy of it in Polish.
- Medical certificate (to keep your categories).
It is also possible to issue a power of attorney to a third person to obtain a driver's license. In this case, you will have to pay 17 PLN for the power of attorney in Urząd.
A step-by-step guide to replacing your driver's license in Poland in 2024
We have come to the most important topic of this article - how to change your driver's license to a Polish one. In order not to confuse you with complicated terms and incomprehensible processes, we have prepared for you a step-by-step guide on how to replace your license.
- Collect the documents. Take care of all the documents we talked about above.
- Complete the form. One of the most important steps is to fill out the license replacement form correctly. You can see and download the required form using this button. The form must be filled out in Polish only.
- Submit the documents. Submission of documents and applications is done at your local Urząd Miejski or for residents of suburbs – Starostwo Powiatowe.
- Get your new driver license. You should wait for your new license for 9 days, and you will learn about its readiness from a notification to your phone or mail. Therefore, enter your current data in the application.
If your old license was issued in one of the CIS countries, we have great news for you. You will not have to take either theoretical or practical exams in Poland. However, this does not apply to all categories. If you want to change categories C, C1, D, and D1, you will have to take the exam again.
How much does it cost to replace a driver's license on your own in Poland?
First of all, when submitting documents, you will have to pay a state fee of 100 PLN. The consular fee is paid separately in the amount of 125 PLN (only for Ukrainian citizens) and also includes 0.5 PLN for data processing by the staff of a municipal institution. IMPORTANT: citizens of Belarus will have to pay about 50 euros in addition. The list of costs should also include the cost of notary translation and obtaining a medical certificate.
Where can you get help with replacing a driver's license?
Replacing a driver license is not a complicated process, but even here some difficulties may arise. If you want to obtain a Polish driver license without any problems and with a guarantee, you should definitely turn to professionals. The legalization department of Optima Partner will take care of the re-issuance of your license as soon as possible. Our lawyers know all the intricacies of fast legal procedures and are ready to provide you with a replacement license without your presence. Contact Optima Partner to become a driver again soon!
