Exchanging a UK Driving Licence for a Polish One After Moving Back to Poland

If you've moved back to Poland and hold a UK-issued driving licence, you're probably wondering: can I drive on it in Poland, and do I need to exchange it? There's no single answer — it depends on how long you're staying, your residency status, and your future plans. This guide walks through the exchange procedure, the documents you'll need, and what to expect at the starostwo or city hall's transport department (wydział komunikacji — the local licensing authority).

Legal notice: This material is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Correct as of June 2026. Rules and fees change — always check the current position on gov.pl, with your local transport office, or with a tax office employee. TwojaSprawa.com is an information platform, not a law firm.

Can I drive in Poland on my English driving licence?

Short answer: it depends on your situation.

If you've come to Poland temporarily (e.g. for a holiday or a visit), you can drive on a valid UK licence for a limited period — usually up to 12 months from the date you enter Polish territory. This follows from the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968, to which both Poland and the UK are signatories. The Convention governs mutual recognition of national driving licences in international traffic.

However, if you've changed your permanent residence to Poland (for example, you've registered with the local gmina office, are starting a business, or are staying beyond 12 months), the position changes. In that case, the rules may require you to exchange your licence for a Polish one — particularly if you plan to work as a professional driver or own a vehicle registered in Poland.

Is the exchange harder since Brexit?

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. That means the EU rules on mutual recognition of driving licences issued within the EU no longer apply (Directive 2006/126/EC), nor do the EU's cross-border information-exchange systems (Directive 2015/413 on the exchange of information on road-safety-related traffic offences).

The post-Brexit position: - The UK is now a "third country" as far as Poland is concerned — treated broadly the same as the US, Japan or Australia. - The 1968 Vienna Convention remains binding on both countries, meaning Polish police should recognise an English driving licence in international traffic. - However, exchanging it at a Polish office may require additional confirmation from the transport office. * — whether Poland exchanges a UK licence without a test purely on the basis of the Vienna Convention; practice may vary between local offices.*

Before submitting an exchange application, it's worth calling or visiting the transport office (wydział komunikacji) responsible for your place of residence to confirm the exact requirements.

The exchange procedure at a Polish office

To exchange an English driving licence for a Polish one, you need to apply to the starosta or the city president — specifically, the transport department for your place of residence.

Documents you'll need

• Application form — issued by the office (always ask the clerk exactly which form is required)
• Your original English driving licence — you must hand it in; it will be withdrawn/cancelled
• A certified (sworn) translation of your English driving licence into Polish — prepared by a tłumacz przysięgły (a Polish sworn translator); cost roughly PLN 50–150, depending on location and translator
• Proof of identity — passport or ID card
• A passport-style photo — size and technical requirements set by the office (usually 35×45 mm)
• Fee — * — the exact fee for issuing a driving licence; roughly PLN 100 plus a PLN 0.50 record-keeping fee, but check current figures on gov.pl or with your local transport office.*

Do I need to take a test?

As a general rule — no. Poland, like other countries, recognises that if you hold a valid licence issued in the EU or under an international convention (such as the Vienna Convention), you don't have to retake the theory or practical test.

There are exceptions, though: - If your UK licence has expired or been revoked — the office may require a test before issuing a Polish licence. - If you have a health condition affecting your fitness to drive — the office may require a medical examination.

• — practice varies between offices; some may ask for a training certificate or medical checks. Confirm with your local transport office.*

Do I have to pass a test on Polish traffic rules?

Currently the rules don't require you to sit a test or course on Polish traffic law when exchanging a foreign licence. That said:

• Polish road signs and rules can differ from English ones — for example, priority rules, vehicle equipment requirements, and speed limits.
• It's worth familiarising yourself with current Polish traffic rules, especially if you haven't driven in Poland for a long time.
• The office may hand you an information leaflet or point you to educational materials.

Medical examination and fitness certificate

When exchanging your licence, the office may — but doesn't have to — require a medical fitness-to-drive certificate from a doctor. The examination may cover:

• An eyesight test
• A hearing test (for older drivers, or if the clerk requests one)
• A general health assessment
• A psychomotor fitness test (rare, only on the office's express request)

Cost of the examination: roughly PLN 50–200, depending on the clinic. * — current rates.*

How long does the exchange take?

The exchange shouldn't take more than a few weeks if all your documents are in order. In practice:

• Submitting the application and documents: 1 visit
• Preparing the sworn translation: a few days
• Office processing time: 2–4 weeks
• Collecting the finished licence: 1 visit

If the office asks for additional documents (e.g. a medical certificate), the process can take longer.

Penalty points — what happens to your old points?

If your English driving licence has penalty points recorded against it in the DVLA system, they do not automatically carry over to your Polish licence. Since Brexit there's no longer an EU mechanism for exchanging data on driving offences between Poland and the UK (Directive 2015/413 no longer applies).

This means: - Your UK points won't show up in the Polish system - Any new fine or offence in Poland will be assessed independently - If you return to the UK, the UK system will simply resume tracking you from where it left off

This cuts both ways — it's a relief in one sense, but also a risk, since each system assesses you independently.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to exchange my licence if I've come back to Poland for a year?

If your stay is temporary (up to 12 months), you can drive on your English licence. It's still worth checking that the licence remains valid for the length of your stay. If you plan to work as a driver, or your stay is likely to extend beyond that, it's better to arrange the exchange in advance.

What happens if I drive in Poland without exchanging my licence?

Polish rules may require an exchange once you've changed your place of residence. The police can fine you for driving without a valid Polish licence, particularly if you've been resident in Poland for more than 12 months. The penalty is a fine or summary proceedings. * — current fine amount.*

Can I renew my English driving licence with the DVLA while I'm in Poland?

Yes — you can apply to renew your English licence online (gov.uk, DVLA) or by post, even while living temporarily in Poland. However, if you've changed your permanent residence to Poland, the DVLA may require you to update your address, which could affect the renewal process.

Is the exchange fee the same in every city?

Fees set by law (e.g. for the driving licence itself) should be uniform across Poland. Costs for additional services — such as a sworn translation or a medical examination from a particular provider — may vary. * — current rates at your specific office.*

Will the exchange be faster if I use an agent or a lawyer?

An agent (for example, an insurance office or a legal adviser) can help prepare your documents and communicate with the office, but it won't speed up the underlying process. Office staff handle applications in order, regardless of whether you attend in person or through a representative.

Related articles

• Exchanging a Polish driving licence for a British one
• Registering a UK car in Poland (in Polish)
• Road fines in Poland and traffic regulations (in Polish)

Legal basis

• Act of 5 January 2011 on drivers (Ustawa o kierujących pojazdami, consolidated text, Journal of Laws) — exchange of a foreign driving licence
• Act of 20 June 1997 — Road Traffic Law (Prawo o ruchu drogowym, consolidated text, Journal of Laws) — vehicle registration and driver obligations
• Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 — recognition of national driving licences in international traffic; signatory states — treaties.un.org
• gov.pl — exchange procedures and current fees
• DVLA (gov.uk) — information on English driving licences

Got a question about exchanging your driving licence or procedures after moving back to Poland? Tell us about your situation — we'll assess it free of charge and put you in touch with a lawyer or legal adviser specialising in road traffic law.