Exchanging Your Driving Licence

📄 Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

Good news! If you hold a full UK driving licence, you can exchange it for a Polish one without having to take another driving test — thanks to international agreements and the fact that the UK is still on Poland’s list of approved countries for licence exchange (even post-Brexit).

IMPORTANT: If you’re new to Poland, you can drive using your UK driving licence for up to 6 months. After that, it’s a legal requirement to exchange it for a Polish licence. Driving without a valid licence not only breaks the law—it also invalidates your insurance. The consequences? You could face a hefty fine or even more serious penalties. Don’t take the risk!

However, the following conditions must be met:

• ✅ Your UK licence must be valid at the time of exchange.
• 🏠 You must be a legal resident of Poland (with a registered address).
• 🔁 You should not have exchanged your licence previously in another EU country.

🏛️ Step 2: Visit Your Local Urząd (City Office)

Everything starts with a trip to your local Urząd Miasta (City Hall) or Starostwo Powiatowe (District Office). It’s best to go to the one that corresponds to your place of residence.

You’ll need to bring:

• 🪪 Your UK driving licence
• 📝 A certified translation of your licence into Polish (usually done by a sworn translator)
• 🛂 A valid passport or Polish residence permit
• 🧾 Your PESEL number (Polish national ID number)
• 📬 Proof of address (like a rental agreement or utility bill)
• 📸 A passport-style photo
• 🖋️ Application form for licence exchange (available at the office or online)
• 💳 A payment confirmation (more on that below)

💰 Step 3: Pay the Fee

The standard fee for exchanging a foreign driving licence is around 100.50 PLN (as of 2025), which includes the production of the new card and admin fees.

You can usually pay:

• 💻 Online via bank transfer (check your city’s local website for banking details)
• 🏦 At the Urząd’s payment counter (often with card or cash)
• 📮 At a nearby bank or post office (bring the payment slip with you)

📝 Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have your documents, translation, and payment sorted, head to the office to submit your application. If your documents are all in order, the process is pretty smooth.

👉 Tip: Book an appointment online if possible — it can save you hours of waiting in line.

The clerk will take your documents, keep your UK licence, and issue a temporary certificate (in some cases), allowing you to continue driving while you wait for your Polish licence.

⏳ Step 5: Wait for Your New Licence

Your new licence is produced by PWPW (Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych) — the same folks who print passports and ID cards. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

You’ll be notified (usually by text or email) when your licence is ready for pickup.

📍 Pick it up at the same office where you submitted your application.

🎉 Step 6: Hit the Road!

Once you collect your new shiny Polish driving licence, you’re good to go! Your UK licence will not be returned — it’s typically sent back to the UK authorities or retained by the Polish office.

Your new Polish licence is valid across the entire EU and is generally issued for 15 years (though shorter in some cases depending on your age or licence category).

🚦 Bonus Info: What It’s Like Driving in Poland

Now that you’re legal on the roads, let’s cover what to expect when driving in Poland — especially if you’re new here.

🛣️ Roads and Highways

Poland’s road infrastructure has improved massively in recent years. Motorways (A-roads) and expressways (S-roads) are modern, fast, and generally in great shape.

However, some rural roads can be… less than perfect — watch out for potholes and narrow lanes.

🚓 Speed Limits

Speed limits in Poland are:

• 🏘️ 50 km/h in towns and cities
• 🛤️ 90 km/h on single carriageways
• 🚘 100 km/h on dual carriageways
• 🛣️ 120 km/h on expressways (S roads)
• 🛻 140 km/h on motorways (A roads)

⚠️ Speed cameras are everywhere — and they do fine foreign drivers too!

🍺 Zero Tolerance for Drink Driving

Poland has a very strict drink driving law: 0.02% (0.2‰) blood alcohol limit. That’s basically one small beer (or none at all). Getting caught over the limit can lead to fines, licence suspension, or even prison.

Don’t risk it — use Bolt, Uber, or a taxi.

❄️ Winter Driving

Polish winters can be brutal, especially outside the cities. If you’re driving during the colder months:

• ❄️ Winter tyres are highly recommended (and mandatory in some areas)
• 🧊 Carry an ice scraper, de-icer, and keep your fuel tank full
• ⚠️ Be extra cautious in snow or icy conditions

🧠 Driving Culture Tips

Here are a few things British drivers might find different:

• 💡 Flashing headlights often means “I’m letting you go” — not “get out of my way.”
• ➡️ Right of way at unmarked intersections is given to the vehicle from the right — this can be confusing.
• 🌀 Roundabouts are becoming more common, but the rules may differ slightly from the UK.
• 🚘 Use of dipped headlights is mandatory 24/7 all year round, even during the day.

🗣️ Language Barrier?

Most clerks at local offices speak only Polish, so if your language skills aren’t up to par, consider:

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bringing a Polish-speaking friend with you
• 📱 Using Google Translate on your phone (offline mode works well!)
• 🗂️ Preparing your documents and application form ahead of time

✅ Quick Recap: What You Need

Here’s a checklist for your licence exchange:

✔️ Valid UK licence
✔️ Certified Polish translation
✔️ Passport or Polish residence card
✔️ PESEL number
✔️ Proof of address
✔️ Passport-sized photo
✔️ Application form
✔️ Payment receipt (~100.50 PLN)
✔️ A bit of patience!

🏁 Final Thoughts

Exchanging your UK licence for a Polish one doesn’t have to be a bureaucratic nightmare. With a bit of prep, the right documents, and a good attitude, you can make the swap quickly and smoothly. Plus, once it’s done, you won’t have to worry about your driving status again for years.

And hey — with your shiny new Polish licence in hand, why not take a road trip? From the Baltic coast to the Tatra mountains, Poland’s roads are ready to be explored. 🚙💨

Also read: Owning and Driving a Car in Poland