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Welcome to Poland — Ready to Drive?

If you’ve recently moved to Poland — whether for work, studies, or a long-term stay — one of the most common questions is:
“Can I use my current driving license here?”

The answer depends on where your license was issued and how long you plan to stay. In this guide, we’ll help you understand when you can drive with a foreign license, when you need to exchange it, and how to apply for a Polish license from scratch if needed.

Can You Drive in Poland with a Foreign License?

Yes — but not forever.

Here’s how it breaks down:

If your license is from:

• An EU/EEA country → You can drive in Poland using your home license, as long as it’s valid.

• A country with a license agreement with Poland → You can exchange your license without taking driving exams.

• A country without an agreement → You can drive for up to 6 months after registering residence, but then must apply for a new Polish license and pass tests.

6-month rule: From the day you register your address (PESEL), the clock starts ticking.

Countries with License Exchange Agreements

Poland has agreements with a number of countries including:

• 🇯🇵 Japan

• 🇰🇷 South Korea

• 🇨🇦 Canada

• 🇦🇷 Argentina

• 🇧🇷 Brazil

• 🇺🇸 United States (select states only)

• 🇺🇾 Uruguay

• 🇹🇳 Tunisia

These agreements allow you to swap your license for a Polish one without taking exams, provided your license is still valid.

Documents You’ll Need

Whether you’re applying for a new license or exchanging an old one, these are the usual requirements:

• Original foreign license + copy

• Official translation into Polish (if not multilingual)

• Valid passport or residence card

• PESEL number

• Health certificate (issued by a licensed medical examiner)

• Biometric photo

• Application form (available at the local Urząd Miasta or Starostwo Powiatowe)

We assist in gathering and preparing all these documents to meet Polish authority requirements.

Applying for a New License (If You’re Not Eligible for Exchange)

If your license is not exchangeable, or you never had one, you must:

1. Complete driving school training (30 hours theory + 30 hours practice)

2. Pass the theory exam (available in English, Russian, German & more)

3. Pass the practical exam (conducted by a certified examiner)

4. Submit your documents at the city office

5. Receive your Polish license by post or collection

Need help choosing a driving school or preparing for the test? Our team connects you with certified trainers and helps schedule exams in your language.

How Long Does It Take?

• License exchange: 2–4 weeks

• New license application: 1–3 months depending on exam dates and school availability

We monitor your application and send updates until your card is delivered.