Foreign driving licences in Poland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Under the Act on Drivers, a valid licence from an EU, Swiss or EFTA/EEA state is valid in Poland for its period of validity and need not be exchanged. A non-EU licence under the Vienna or Geneva Conventions counts for 6 months from the start of residence, and people living in Poland for at least 185 days can exchange a foreign licence.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceValid in Poland for its period of validity; it does not have to be exchanged for a Polish licence. Applies to licences from EU states, Switzerland and EFTA/EEA states. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceA national or international licence under the 1968 Vienna Convention, or an international driving permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, is a recognised document for driving in Poland. Its validity is counted in a period of 6 months from the start of permanent or temporary residence. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceThe entitlement under such a licence applies for 6 months from the start of permanent or temporary residence. A foreign licence can be exchanged for a Polish one by a person who has lived in Poland for at least 185 days; an international driving permit cannot be exchanged. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Based on the consolidated text of the Act on Drivers (Dz. U. 2024 poz. 1210, published 9 August 2024); later amendments were not checked. The gov.pl exchange page was last updated in August 2023.
  • The Act does not mention an international driving permit as a requirement for a valid EU, Swiss or EFTA/EEA licence.

Sources

  1. Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Dziennik Ustaw): Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu z dnia 10 lipca 2024 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy o kierujących pojazdami (Dz. U. 2024 poz. 1210) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Portal Gov.pl: Wymień zagraniczne prawo jazdy na polskie (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.