Ukrainians in Poland will need to apply for an exchange of their driving license at the beginning of 2024. Find out how much longer you can use your Ukrainian license and how much time you have to exchange it

Take out a Green Card insurance policy for traveling abroad by car

BUY

On December 31, 2023, the period allotted by Polish law when Ukrainians in Poland could freely use Ukrainian driving licenses expires. Thus, starting from January 1, 2024, Ukrainians will need to submit documents to exchange their driving license for a Polish one, upl.info notes.

How long can I use my Ukrainian license in Poland?

Starting from the beginning of 2024, the legislation providing for certain simplifications for Ukrainian drivers will no longer be in force in Poland. Based on the general rules, Ukrainians will have 6 months, like any other foreign citizens, to replace their Ukrainian license with a Polish driving license. Thus, it will be necessary to exchange the license by July 1, 2024. In addition, starting from January 1, some Ukrainians will no longer be able to use their expired license in Poland. 

Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

Who needs to exchange a driving license?

The need to exchange the license applies only to Ukrainian migrants who legally reside in Poland. At the same time, Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection status (PESEL UKR) will be able to use Ukrainian driving licenses at least until March 4, 2024. However, if the Polish authorities extend the status of temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2025, the period of legal use of Ukrainian documents will also be automatically extended. And if this does not happen, refugees from Ukraine will also need to exchange their driver's license within 6 months after the termination of their temporary protection status.

Where and how to exchange a Ukrainian driver's license for a Polish one?

You will be able to exchange your license at the territorial units (Wydział komunikacji) at the place of your actual residence. Please note that for the exchange, you will need to pay an administrative fee of PLN 100 (~970 UAH), as well as a consular fee, which is a confirmation of the fact that a Ukrainian driver's license was issued - PLN 125 (~1200 UAH).

Remember that in order to drive freely in Poland and 49 other countries of the world, you must have a Green Card insurance policy for your car. If a driver does not have the appropriate car insurance or its validity period is expired, he or she risks not only paying a fine several times higher than the cost of the insurance itself, but also being deported from the country with a subsequent entry ban. In addition, their car may be impounded for lack of insurance. You can take out insurance for the required period here.

We remind you! UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will close all Blue Dot Hubs in Poland that have been providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees. Read more about when the centers will be closed for good here.

Photo: pexels.com

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.