If you are a Ukrainian national working or living in Poland, you may be wondering: can I drive in Poland with my Ukrainian driving license? When do I need to exchange it? How much does it cost? This guide answers these questions step by step.
Is a Ukrainian Driving License Valid in Poland?
Yes — Ukrainian driving licenses are recognized in Poland. How long you can use it depends on your residence status:
- Ukrainians with temporary protection (UKR): may use their Ukrainian license for the entire duration of their temporary protection status — no exchange required while protection is active.
- Ukrainians with a residence permit or residence card (karta pobytu): may use their Ukrainian license for 6 months from obtaining Polish registration (meldunek) or a residence card. Exchange is required after that.
- Short-term stay / tourist visit: valid for 6 months from entry into Poland.
Important: Driving after the validity period has expired is a violation — may result in a fine and vehicle confiscation.
Which Categories Are Recognized?
Poland recognizes all standard categories: A (motorcycles), B (cars), C (trucks), D (buses), and extended categories (BE, CE, DE, etc.). Note: forklift authorizations (UDT) are separate certificates, not part of the driving license.
Exchange Procedure — Step by Step
Step 1: Book an Appointment
Go to the Transport Department (Wydział Komunikacji) of the district authority where you are registered. Online booking is often required in larger cities.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
- Completed application (PKK form — via kierowca.gov.pl or at the office)
- Original Ukrainian driving license
- Polish translation by a sworn translator (cost: 80–150 PLN), unless the license has English-language fields
- Ukrainian passport or residence card (karta pobytu)
- Proof of registration (meldunek)
- Passport photo (35×45 mm)
Step 3: Pay the Fee
Total: 101 PLN (100.50 PLN transport fee + 0.50 PLN CEPiK registration fee). Payable by bank transfer or at the office cashier.
Step 4: No Exam Required
Poland and Ukraine have a mutual recognition agreement — no theoretical or practical exam is needed for category B. For categories C and D, medical/psychological certificates may be required, but no driving test.
Step 5: Waiting Time
The Polish license is usually ready in 2–4 weeks. You receive a confirmation of application in the meantime, which — combined with your Ukrainian license — gives you the legal right to drive.
Useful Resources
- Driver's Portal (PKK): kierowca.gov.pl
- Sworn translators list: ms.gov.pl
Working in Poland through a temporary staffing agency? Nexflow helps temporary workers with documents and legalization at every step. Visit: nexflow.work