Issuing a chip card for a tachograph

Obtaining a chip card for a tachograph in Poland

In the field of international transport, accurate recording of drivers' working hours is not only a legal requirement, but also a guarantee of safety and trust for partners. Therefore, obtaining a chip card for a tachograph is a mandatory procedure for every driver who performs commercial flights in Europe. Consultant lawyers help you avoid mistakes, fines and delays in the card application process by providing full legal support from the submission of the application to the receipt of the finished document.

What is a chip card for a tachograph and what is it for?

A chip card is a personal electronic medium used to record a driver's working time, rest time and movement. Its data is monitored by the police, ITD and labour inspectorate. Without a valid card, a driver cannot perform international transport, and the company risks receiving high fines.

Lawyers help you understand:

• who is eligible for a card;
• how to complete the paperwork for a driver, company employee or vehicle owner;
• what terms and conditions apply in Poland to citizens of other countries (including Ukraine).

Applying for a card is not just a technical process, but part of a legal control system that requires precision at every step.

Step-by-step procedure for applying for a chip card

The procedure for applying for a card in Poland consists of several main stages, which the lawyers at Consultant accompany throughout — from the initial verification of documents to the moment when the driver has the finished card in their hands. This approach ensures that the process runs smoothly, without errors, delays or unexpected refusals.

• Preparation of a package of documents — verification of passport, driver's licence, confirmation of registration and work permit (for foreigners). At this stage, a lawyer helps to avoid the most common mistakes that can lead to applications being rejected.
• Filling out an application to PWPW (Państwowa Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych) — a special state body that issues tachograph cards. Correct completion of the form and compliance of the data with the documents is the key to quick approval.
• Submitting documents in person or online — taking into account all legal nuances, in particular the translation of documents and confirmation of signatures. This helps to avoid the application being returned for revision.
• Monitoring the application review process — tracking the status of the application and responding to requests from the institution. Lawyers monitor deadlines and ensure timely results.
• Receiving the finished card — handing it over to the driver or company and explaining the rules for its use, including renewal terms and data storage procedures.

Thanks to a clear step-by-step system, the client does not waste time on bureaucracy and receives a clear, predictable result. All stages are carried out under the supervision of specialists, which guarantees the legality and efficiency of the card registration.

Documents that need to be prepared

Before submitting an application, the driver or company must collect the basic set of documents. Consultant lawyers help to check their correctness in order to avoid refusal of issuance.

• Valid passport or residence card.
• Driver's licence valid in the EU.
• Photograph of the required format.
• A document confirming residence in Poland.
• A completed and signed PWPW application form.

All documents are checked for compliance with legal requirements, as even a minor error can delay the card issuance process by several weeks.

After a thorough check of the documents, the application is submitted without the risk of rejection, which saves a lot of time.

Advantages of legal support

Applying for a chip card often seems like a simple procedure, but in practice, difficulties arise due to the nuances of foreigner status, document translations, or incorrect application forms. Consultant lawyers provide:

1. full support in the process of submitting documents;
2. translation and certification of official documents;
3. monitoring of processing times;
4. appeals against refusals to issue a card;
5. consultations on renewing or replacing an expired card.

Thanks to our professional approach, our clients receive their cards faster, without unnecessary bureaucracy.