Exchanging a Ukrainian driving licence for a Polish one: step by step

Do you need to exchange your licence

For people with UKR status, the special act allows driving on a Ukrainian licence while temporary protection lasts. Those who switch to a residence card or already live in Poland on another basis fall under the general rule: a foreign licence is recognised for a limited time after the residence permit is granted.

If you plan to stay in Poland after March 2027, it is worth exchanging while your Ukrainian licence is still valid — with an expired document the procedure is harder.

What to prepare

• The original Ukrainian driving licence.
• A Polish translation of the licence by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły).
• A colour photo 35×45 mm.
• Your passport and a document confirming your stay in Poland (PESEL UKR, residence card).
• Proof of payment for issuing the licence — the office will tell you the amount.

Step by step

1. Find the wydział komunikacji (vehicle and licensing department) at the starostwo powiatowe or the urząd miasta for your place of residence. In big cities you book an appointment online.
2. Submit the application (wniosek o wydanie prawa jazdy) with your documents. The clerk will copy your Ukrainian licence and keep the original.
3. The office checks that the document is genuine, including by sending a query to the Ukrainian authorities. This can take from a few weeks to several months.
4. If a theory test or a medical examination is required, you will be notified — this happens for certain categories and situations.
5. When the licence is ready, the status shows on info-car.pl. You collect it at the same office.

Things to keep in mind

• The Ukrainian licence is not returned after the exchange — it is sent to the Ukrainian authorities.
• While the exchange is in progress you have no licence. Ask the office about a temporary document if you need to drive.
• Categories do not always carry over one to one — ask about your categories when you apply.