A Polish driving licence for taxi drivers: who needs it and how to exchange yours

01What changed and who it affects

Since 17 June 2024 everyone who carries passengers — including via Uber, Bolt or FREENOW — must hold a Polish driving licence. A foreign licence, even if valid for ordinary driving in Poland, is no longer enough for passenger transport.

Checks are carried out jointly by the Police, the Road Transport Inspection (ITD) and the Border Guard. A driver without a Polish licence gets a 2,000 zł fine.

02When you can exchange

You can exchange once you have lived in Poland for at least 185 days. A foreign licence stops being valid in Poland 6 months after you get permanent or temporary residence — so start right away.

03Documents to prepare

Take the following to the office (wydział komunikacji of your municipality or district):

• the driving licence application (available at the office)
• your ID and the original foreign licence + a copy
• a sworn Polish translation of the licence
• a colour photo 35 × 45 mm
• proof of legal stay — e.g. a residence card or visa
• proof of the 100 zł payment

04Step by step

1. Submit the application with attachments at the office.
2. Within about 2 working days the office creates your driver candidate profile (PKK).
3. If your licence wasn’t issued under the 1949 or 1968 road traffic conventions, you take a theory test.
4. The office orders the document — usually ready within 9 working days, 30 days at most.
5. Collect the licence with your ID. Your foreign licence is returned to the country that issued it.

05How Enigma helps

We’ll tell you where to get the translation fastest and how to book the office in Poznań or Warsaw. While you wait you can start with delivery: a bike needs no licence, and a scooter up to 50 cc can be ridden on an AM or B licence.

?Questions