Exchange of Ukrainian driving license for Polish one – rules 2026

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to exchange of Ukrainian driving license for a Polish one. We’ll show you the real process— from gathering documents to collecting your license— along with practical tips on how to avoid the most common mistakes. We’re also including checklists, examples, and links for booking appointments so you can handle everything quickly and stress-free.

Is a Ukrainian driving license valid in Poland?

This is one of the key questions. The answer is: yes, documents issued in Ukraine are in principle recognized in Poland, in accordance with international conventions as well as the 2022 Regulation of the European Parliament and Council (EU).

Important distinctions:

• Short-term stay (guest, tourist): you can drive with a Ukrainian license, provided it is valid and legible (a translation is recommended if the data is not in Latin alphabet).
• Long-term stay (so-called permanent residence according to regulations – at least 185 days in a calendar year): in practice this is required. Offices often directly inform that after establishing residence in Poland you must exchange your license.
• Professional drivers/taxi drivers: simply having a driving license is not enough to work as a professional driver in Poland; a Polish driving document is required, so the Ukrainian one must be exchanged at the office

You apply for a license exchange when:

• you have permanent residence in Poland (at least 185 days),
• you want to avoid ambiguity during road checks,
• you plan to live and work in Poland permanently,
• you want a document in Polish and full integration with the Polish driver register – you want to drive a Taxi.

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Procedure – who can apply and what are the conditions

• Possession of a valid Ukrainian document.
• Legal stay in Poland and established place of residence according to regulations (in principle 185 days per year).
• No revoked driving entitlements or driving bans.
• Category compliance – Ukraine is a party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, thanks to which the exchange is possible without a test in Poland (applies to standard categories, e.g. B, A, C, D, E – compliance according to the convention and Polish law).
• Verifiability – the office must be able to confirm the authenticity of the license with the issuing authority.

Where to submit the application – exchange of Ukrainian driving license to Polish

The office appropriate for your place of residence: county office (starostwo powiatowe), city office (in cities with county rights), or district office if you live in Warsaw.

Is an exam required

In principle, there is no obligation to take an exam, either theoretical or practical. The exchange is carried out administratively.

How we help in the office: comprehensive step-by-step assistance

We know the main issue isn’t just the document list, but the details: where to tick a box on the application, what to add for categories, when a sworn translation is necessary, how to describe a name change, whether you need to show the original, how and where to pay.

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That’s why we guide you step by step through the entire process. Specifically, we:

• Diagnose your situation at the start: during a short consultation, we check if you meet the exchange conditions (residence, legal stay, validity of your Ukrainian license, categories, any restrictions – e.g. automatic transmission).
• Completing documents: we make a personalized checklist so you don’t have to visit the office multiple times. We tell you which documents to bring and in what form.
• Error-free application: we fill out the application form with you—line by line—ensuring all declarations and fields are correct. We make sure the data matches your passport/PESEL, categories are correctly entered, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
• Sworn translations: if required by the office, we’ll advise you where to find a sworn translator.
• Photo and fees: we will direct you to a nearby photo studio that is familiar with the standards for Polish driving licenses.
• Appointment booking: you must book your appointment at the office, as you cannot handle your case without a scheduled time.
• Collection: you will receive an SMS confirming that your documents are ready for pickup.

The result? You save time, avoid corrections and stress, and your case moves along the shortest possible path. We have experience with offices in many cities – we know how their requirements and practices differ. That’s why we offer a solution tailored to your local office, not a “generic template” that only works on paper.

Print checklist (summary)

• Do I have a valid Ukrainian document and a photocopy?
• Have I had a sworn translation done?
• Do I have a current photo 35 x 45 mm?
• Have I filled in the application legibly and signed in the appropriate places?
• Do I have proof of payment of 100 PLN?
• Have I prepared my residence card?
• Do I know which office I’m going to and whether I need a reservation?
• Have I noted down the case number to track the status?

Do you have questions or an unusual situation? Write or call us—we will reply the same day and advise you on the best course of action.

Łódź – step-by-step guide to exchanging a foreign driving license (practical information)

Below you will find detailed guidelines for those exchanging a foreign driving license in Łódź. This information is also useful for other citizens (e.g. India, Turkey), not just for people from Ukraine.

Required documents

• 5 × application forms – available in our office (we will help you fill them out).
• 1 × passport photo 35 mm × 45 mm.
• Copy of foreign driving license – we can make a copy in the office.
• Tłumaczenie przysięgłe prawa jazdy:
  • Turkish language: Renata Kisielnicka – 602 302 956 | renatakisielnicka@op.pl, Warsaw, ul. Znanieckiego 16/40.
  • English language: www.kontekst-lodz.com.pl
• Copy of residence card (TRC – Karta Pobytu) – we can make a copy in the office.
• Proof of residence registration (Meldunek) – original required.
• Printout of reservation confirmation for the appointment at the Transportation Department – we will print it for you.
• Fee: 100 PLN.

Note: At some offices, the standard fee for issuing a driving license is 100.50 PLN. In Łódź, according to the guidelines below, the fee is 100 PLN—follow the information provided by the Transportation Department on site.

Where to submit your application

Transportation Department (Wydział Komunikacji)
Łódź, ul. Smugowa 30/32

Reservation and application submission – type S appointment

• Book an “S” appointment (application submission): https://wizyty.uml.lodz.pl/branch/47
• During your appointment, submit all required documents and make the payment (details below).

Payment – 100 PLN

You can pay:

• By bank transfer:
  Bank Pekao S.A.
  IBAN: 02 1240 1037 1111 0011 0911 0869
• Na miejscu w Wydziale Komunikacji:
  • In cash or by card at the Bank Pekao S.A. cashier,
  • By card at the service desk,
  • Via payment terminal (automatic payments on site).

Remember: Keep your payment confirmation.

Collecting your driving license – Type T appointment

• Once the document is ready, book a “T” appointment (collection): https://wizyty.uml.lodz.pl/branch/47
• At the office, you will collect your ready Polish driving license (you will receive an SMS in advance informing you it is ready).

Additional step: theory exam (only if required)

Required if your foreign driving license does not comply with the Geneva or Vienna Convention (e.g. documents from India, older licenses from Turkey, some African countries).

Steps:

1. After submitting your application (visit “S”), you will receive a PKK number (Driver Candidate Profile).
2. Use your PKK number to sign up for the theory exam:
   https://info-car.pl/new/prawo-jazdy/zapisz-sie-na-egzamin-na-prawo-jazdy/daneosobowe
3. The exam takes place at WORD Łódź: ul. Nowy Józefów 52, Łódź.
4. WORD will automatically forward the exam result to the Department of Transportation.
5. The department will prepare your Polish driving license.
6. You will receive an SMS that the document is ready – book a “T” appointment and collect your license.

Important: If you are exchanging a Ukrainian driving license, usually the exam is not required, and PKK is not needed. PKK appears only if the license does not comply with the conventions and the office sends you for an exam.

Study materials (English)

• Online course category B:
  https://www.grupaimage.eu/p742/e-kurs-kat-b-wersja-angielska.html
• Online exam questions (90-day access):
  https://www.grupaimage.eu/p637/testy-online-wersja-angielska-abcdt-90-dni.html

If you need, we will help you book the right appointment, gather documents, arrange a sworn translation, and guide you through the entire process in Łódź step by step.

BECOME A TAXI DRIVER

Work and earn right away!

BECOME A TAXI DRIVER

Work and earn right away!