Can I exchange my ukrainian driving license for a Polish or international one? How to do it?

Update: 09.02.2023

Pursuant to the Act of March 23, 2022 on special regulations in the field of transport and maritime economy in connection with the armed conflict in Ukraine in the period from February 24, 2022 to December 31, 2023, to persons with a driving license issued by the competent administrative authorities of Ukraine, the provisions limiting the possibility of driving vehicles on the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a Ukrainian driving license for up to 6 months do not apply.

 In the period from February 24, 2022 to December 31, 2023, the obligation to exchange this document does not apply to persons holding a driving license issued by the competent Ukrainian administration. In the period from February 24, 2022 to December 31, 2023, expired driving licenses issued by the competent administrative authorities of Ukraine are also considered valid.

Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/1280 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 18, 2022 on the establishment of special temporary measures regarding driver documents issued by Ukraine in accordance with its legislation in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, valid driving licenses issued by Ukraine are recognized in the territory of the Union when their holders enjoy temporary protection or adequate protection under national law in accordance with Directive 2001/55/EC and Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 until the temporary protection expires. Member States do not require a certified translation of a Ukrainian driving license or an international driving licence. In order to verify the identity of the driving license holder, Member States may require the presentation of a passport, temporary residence permit or other appropriate document.

Exchange of  license 

An application for the exchange of a Ukrainian driving license for a Polish one may be submitted by a person who has a valid national Ukrainian driving license, who has been staying on the territory of the Republic of Poland for at least 185 days in each calendar year due to his personal or professional ties or who has a certificate that he has been studying for at least 6 years months. 

In order to exchange the Ukrainian driving license, a foreigner should submit an appropriate application to the commune office, attach to it their photos, photocopy of the driving license, translation of the driving license into Polish prepared or certified by a sworn translator or the competent consul of the Republic of Poland, proof of payment for the replacement of the driving license (PLN 100), proof of payment of the registration fee (PLN 0.50), a photocopy of the document from which the right to stay in Poland will result, and the original driving license and a document confirming the right to stay in Poland for inspection. The application template can be found on the website of the commune office to which the application will be submitted (e.g. https://bip.um.wroc.pl/attachments/download/13713 ).

 In addition, a citizen of Ukraine is obliged to submit, together with the application for the replacement of a driving license, consent to the processing of personal data in order to confirm the data contained in the Ukrainian document and confirmation of payment of the consular fee to the competent Consulate of Ukraine in Poland, which will confirm the authenticity of the replaced driving license. On the website of a given office, you should also find information on how to submit applications (e.g. on electronic booking of a meeting at the office) and about other documents and statements that must be submitted to a given office. The Polish driving license is issued after the return of the foreign document. The foreign driving license is sent to the issuing authority. The deadline for settling the case depends on the confirmation of the data contained in the original document by the competent authority of the country that issued it.