Changes for drivers in Poland: the permitted period of using Ukrainian driving license expires
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
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.
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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.
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