Publication date: 01.02.2026
Many drivers — both Polish citizens and foreigners — wonder how to get a temporary driving licence and whether it is possible to legally drive with a temporary license during the period when the main license is being exchanged. During the exchange procedure, the driver is often left without a physical document for several weeks. In such cases, a temporary driver's license is a practical solution that allows you to avoid problems during a road check.
The most common questions concern: how long you have to wait for a temporary license, what a temporary license looks like, how long a temporary license is valid, whether it is possible to drive with a temporary license without restrictions, temporary licenses for Ukrainians — whether they are issued on the same terms as for Polish citizens.
In practice, temporary licenses for Ukrainians are issued under the same rules, provided that the documents are submitted correctly.
When can you get a temporary driver's license?
A temporary driver's license is issued after the authority has accepted the application for a temporary driver's license as part of the exchange procedure and transferred the case for the production of a permanent document. The temporary document is generated in electronic form and is available for download online.
It is important to remember that:
- temporary licenses are valid only in Poland,
- if there are errors in the application or attachments, the authority may suspend the issuance of the temporary license until the circumstances are clarified.
That is why the correct preparation of the application is crucial.
How to obtain a temporary driver's license — step by step
The procedure looks as follows:
- Submission of an application for the exchange of a driver's license together with a full package of documents.
- Acceptance of the case by the authority and its transfer for the production of the permanent license.
- Generation of the document and the ability to download the temporary license in the electronic system.
Many drivers do not know how to download a temporary license or are unsure whether the procedure is different for foreigners. In fact, temporary licenses for Ukrainians are issued according to the same rules, provided the application is correct.
Is it possible to drive with a temporary driver's license?
Yes. The question “is it possible to drive with a temporary license” is one of the most important ones, and the answer is yes. A temporary driver's license gives the right to drive a vehicle in Poland during its validity period.
However, it should be remembered that:
- the temporary license is not recognized outside Poland,
- it does not replace a permanent license when traveling abroad.
How does a lawyer help to obtain a temporary driver's license?
Professional legal support significantly reduces the risk of refusals or delays. A lawyer:
- prepares and checks the application for a temporary driver's license,
- controls the completeness of the documents,
- supports the case at all stages,
- explains how to obtain a temporary driver's license and how to download a temporary license,
- reacts in case of refusals or delays in the procedure.
Obtaining a temporary driver's license during an exchange is a legal procedure, but its result depends on the correctness of the submitted documents, compliance with formal requirements and the absence of errors in the application. Even minor inaccuracies can lead to a delay or suspension of the issuance of a temporary document, which makes it difficult to drive a vehicle during the transition period. That is why each case requires careful analysis, taking into account the individual circumstances of the applicant.
The Legal Marketplace Consultant brings together specialists who work on issues of exchanging driver's licenses and support the procedure for obtaining temporary rights within the framework of current Polish legislation. Through the platform, you can get a legal assessment of the situation, verification of documents and professional support without forming unreasonable expectations about the result.
FAQ
Question
How to get a temporary driver's license during an exchange?
Answer
A temporary driver's license is issued after the application for the exchange is accepted and the case is transferred for the production of the permanent document.
Question
How long do you have to wait for a temporary license?
Answer
In most cases, the temporary license is available immediately after the application is registered, without a long waiting period.
Question
How long are temporary licenses valid?
Answer
Temporary driver's licenses are valid until the permanent license is obtained, but only within Poland.
Question
What does a temporary driver's license look like?
Answer
It is an electronic document available online that contains the driver’s basic personal data and license categories.
Question
Is it possible to drive with a temporary license without the risk of a fine?
Answer
Yes, provided that the document is valid and was issued on the basis of a correctly completed application.
