The possibility of using a driver’s licence issued abroad to drive in Poland depends primarily on the country in which the document was issued. Some documents
are recognised in Poland without exchange, while others are subject to this obligation.
Documents valid in Poland without exchange are:
- Driving licences issued in a member state of the European Union, the Swiss Confederation or a member state of the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) – a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area – during the period of validity of this licence,
- A national driving licence specified in an international agreement to which the Republic of Poland is a party,
- A driving licence issued in the UK until December 31, 2020.
Documents valid for the first 6 months of temporary or permanent residence in Poland are:
- an international driving licence, as defined in the Convention on Road Traffic, signed in Geneva on September 19, 1949 (Journal of Laws of 1959, items 321, 322 and 324),
- a national or international driver’s licence, as defined in the Convention on Road Traffic, signed in Vienna on November 8, 1968 (Journal of Laws of 1988, items 40, 41 and 44),
- Separate rules apply for the military (domestic and foreign military permits/documents),
PLEASE NOTE: There are regulations in Poland by virtue of which persons providing services in the field of paid transportation of persons – e.g. Taxi drivers, other carriers (both as employees and persons working within the framework of business activity), must have a Polish driver’s licence.
Legal basis:
Legal basis: Article 39a(1)(2) of the Road Traffic Act (i.e., Journal of Laws 2024, item 728, 731)
Information current as of: .
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