Publication date: 30.01.2026
Many Ukrainian citizens living and working in Poland are faced with the need to exchange their driver’s license for a Polish document. At this point, a key question arises: is it necessary to undergo a driver’s medical examination in order for the procedure to go correctly and without complications? Polish legislation provides that the obligation to undergo medical examinations depends on several factors, in particular on the type of driver’s license, its validity period, and the information contained in the driver’s profile — medical examinations.
That is why in some cases a medical certificate for a driver’s license is a mandatory part of the application package, while in others the authority has no legal grounds to require it. Misunderstanding these rules often leads to delays, refusal to accept the application, or the need to resubmit documents.
A separate situation applies to individuals who work as drivers professionally. Medical examinations of a professional driver are subject to stricter requirements and are usually mandatory regardless of the validity period of the Ukrainian document. In such cases, without the appropriate certificate, the exchange procedure may be suspended.
What documents are required to exchange a driver’s license?
One of the most common questions is what documents are needed to exchange a driving licence and whether a medical certificate is included in this list. The procedure itself is not overly complicated, but it requires accuracy and a correct assessment of the requirements applicable to a specific case.
In most situations, the documents needed to exchange a driving licence include:
- a document confirming identity and legal residence in Poland;
- the original Ukrainian driver’s license;
- a sworn translation of the license;
- a current photograph;
- an application for exchange;
- a driving-licence medical certificate — only if required by the authority.
In practice, the authority may also request additional documents needed to exchange a driving licence, such as confirmation of the validity of the Ukrainian license or an extract from the driver’s register. Therefore, it is crucial to determine in advance which documents are required to exchange a driver’s license in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
When are driver medical examinations mandatory?
The necessity of undergoing medical examinations is assessed individually. The authority may require driver medical examinations in the following situations:
- if the Ukrainian driver’s license has expired;
- if the driver holds a professional category and is subject to medical examinations of a professional driver;
- if data in the driver’s profile — medical examinations indicate that an examination is mandatory;
- if the official has justified doubts regarding the driver’s health condition.
In such cases, without undergoing the examination and obtaining the required certificate, the exchange procedure may be suspended. At the same time, in many situations the requirement for a medical certificate is unjustified and can be avoided with proper legal reasoning.
What does legal assistance look like?
Professional legal support significantly simplifies the procedure and reduces the risk of refusal. A lawyer:
- verifies what documents are required to exchange a driving licence in a specific case
- determines whether driver medical examinations or medical examinations of a professional driver are mandatory
- prepares a complete package of documents for exchanging a driving licence
- submits documents to the appropriate authority and monitors processing deadlines
- communicates with institutions on behalf of the client
- accompanies the procedure until the Polish driver’s license is issued
This approach helps avoid formal errors, unnecessary costs, and lengthy delays.
The question of whether a driver’s medical examination is required when exchanging a Ukrainian driver’s license in Poland does not have a universal answer. Everything depends on the specific circumstances, the type of license, its validity period, and the data recorded in the driver’s profile — medical examinations. In some cases, a medical certificate for a driver’s license is mandatory, while in others its requirement has no legal basis.
The key factor is correctly determining which documents are required to exchange a driver’s license and preparing the full package in a timely manner. Errors at this stage may result in refusal or significant delays.
Consultant Legal Marketplace helps Ukrainian citizens in Poland determine whether driver medical examinations are required, properly prepare all documents needed to exchange a driving licence, and complete the procedure quickly and safely. If you have doubts about your situation, professional support will protect your rights and save valuable time.
FAQ
Question
Is a medical examination always required when exchanging a Ukrainian driver’s license in Poland?
Answer
No, a medical examination is not always required. It depends on the type of license, its validity, and the driver’s profile data.
Question
When is a medical certificate mandatory?
Answer
A medical certificate is mandatory if the license has expired, if the driver holds a professional category, or if the authority has health-related concerns.
Question
Are medical exams required for professional drivers?
Answer
Yes, medical examinations for professional drivers are generally mandatory.
Question
Can authorities request a medical exam without valid grounds?
Answer
Yes, this may happen in practice, but such a request can often be challenged.
Question
What should I do if I’m unsure whether I need a medical exam?
Answer
Seeking professional legal advice helps determine the exact requirements in your case
