Publication date: 01.02.2026
More and more Ukrainian citizens live and work in Poland, which is why the topic Ukraine — Polish driver’s license is becoming increasingly relevant. Drivers often ask whether a Ukrainian must have a Polish driver’s license, when a replacement with a Polish license is required, and how to change a license from Ukrainian to Polish to avoid problems during road inspections or employment. Although the exchange of a Ukrainian license for a Polish one is a standard procedure, it requires properly prepared documents, as even minor formal errors may result in refusal or significant delays.
In practice, many people are unsure whether it is possible to exchange a Ukrainian license for a Polish one without additional confirmation from Ukraine, where to exchange Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones, and what requirements apply to foreigners. In some cases, authorities request additional explanations or verify data through Ukrainian registers, which makes the procedure more complex. That is why professional legal support allows you to complete the Ukrainian license — exchange for Polish faster and without unnecessary risk.
When is it necessary to exchange a Ukrainian license for a Polish one?
The issue Ukrainian — Polish driver’s license most often arises in the case of long-term stay in Poland. If a person permanently resides in the country, regularly drives a car, or plans to work as a driver, exchanging a Ukrainian license for a Polish one is often advisable and sometimes necessary.
This applies in particular when the driver:
- plans a long-term stay in Poland
- takes up employment as a driver
- has an expired Ukrainian license
- wants to avoid problems during road checks
In such situations, an exchange to a Polish license simplifies everyday driving and reduces the risk of administrative complications. At the same time, the answer to the question whether a Ukrainian must have a Polish driver’s license always depends on the individual situation, the length of stay, and the center of vital interests in Poland.
How to exchange a Ukrainian license for a Polish one?
The procedure how to exchange a Ukrainian driver’s license for a Polish one is carried out at the city administration or county office (starostwo) according to the place of residence. This is also where you can find out where to exchange Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones in a specific city.
The standard procedure includes:
- preparing an application
- submitting the original Ukrainian driver’s license
- providing a sworn translation of the license
- submitting a photo and a document confirming legal residence
- paying the administrative fee
After the documents are submitted, the authority sends a request to Ukrainian institutions to verify the validity of the license. Only after confirmation is the exchange to a Polish license possible and a new document issued. This stage is where delays most often occur, but they can usually be avoided with a properly prepared set of documents.
What does a lawyer’s assistance involve?
A lawyer specializing in cases involving foreigners and drivers supports the client at every stage of the procedure. Legal assistance includes:
- analysis of the situation and assessment whether Ukrainian licenses can be exchanged for Polish ones in a given case
- preparation of the application and all required documents
- verification of compliance with the authority’s requirements
- explanation of how to exchange licenses from Ukrainian to Polish without errors
- monitoring the case and communication with authorities
- representation in the event of refusal and preparation of an appeal
Thanks to this support, a Ukrainian — Polish driver’s license is obtained much faster, without unnecessary stress or the risk of procedural mistakes.
The exchange of Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones is a real and accessible solution for Ukrainian citizens living in Poland. The key factors are correctly determining when an exchange to a Polish license is required, timely preparation of documents, and proper knowledge of the procedure. Independent actions without sufficient information often lead to delays or refusals.
Consultant Legal Marketplace helps Ukrainian citizens safely and efficiently complete the exchange of Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones — from the first consultation to obtaining a Polish driver’s license. If you are unsure whether it is possible to exchange Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones in your situation or do not know how to change a Ukrainian license to a Polish one, professional support will help you save time and avoid risks.
FAQ
Question
Can Ukrainian licenses be exchanged for Polish ones if they are still valid?
Answer
Yes, Ukrainian licenses can be exchanged for Polish ones regardless of whether they are still valid or expired. A valid Ukrainian license may be exchanged under the standard procedure, although the authority will still verify the data in Ukrainian registers.
Question
Does a Ukrainian have to have a Polish driver’s license to drive in Poland?
Answer
Whether a Ukrainian must have a Polish driver’s license depends on the length of stay and the center of vital interests. During a short stay, Ukrainian licenses may be used, but for permanent residence or work as a driver, exchanging to a Polish license is recommended and often required.
Question
Where can a Ukrainian driving licence be exchanged for a Polish one ?
Answer
The answer to where to exchange Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones is straightforward: at the city administration or county office according to your place of residence. This authority accepts the application, verifies documents, and issues the Polish driver’s license.
Question
How long does it take to exchange a Ukrainian license for a Polish one?
Answer
The time required for the exchange of Ukrainian licenses for Polish ones depends on how quickly confirmation is received from Ukraine. On average, it takes several weeks, but with correctly prepared documents the process may be significantly faster.
Question
Is it necessary to use a lawyer when exchanging licenses?
Answer
Formally, how to exchange a Ukrainian driving licence for a Polish one can be handled independently. In practice, however, many cases are delayed due to formal errors or additional requirements. A lawyer helps prepare documents correctly, explains how to exchange licenses from Ukrainian to Polish in a specific city, and supports the case until the final document is issued.
