-- main --
### title
Exchange a Foreign Driving License

### summary
[👛](100.50 PLN|Fee)
[⏱️](30 days|Processing)

### description
Exchange your foreign license for a Polish one if required. EU/EEA/Swiss licenses are generally recognized; exchange is usually optional unless you need a replacement or to update your data in Poland. For non‑EU licenses, you can typically drive for up to 6 months after establishing residence (normal residence = at least 185 days/year); after that, exchange is required.

### benefits
**Drive legally**
Avoid fines after the allowed period
---
**Insurance clarity**
Prevent claim issues from document mismatches
---
**One local document**
Simpler checks, rentals, and office visits
---
**EU‑model recognition**
Widely accepted licence format
---
**Predictable process**
Clear fees, timelines, and status tracking

### Who must exchange
- EU/EEA/Switzerland: exchange is optional; required if you need a replacement or data change in Poland.
- Non‑EU: exchange is required after 6 months of residence. If the issuing country is not party to road traffic conventions (1968 Vienna or 1949 Geneva), local theory/practical exams may be required.

### common mistakes
**No sworn translation**
Use a sworn translator for non‑EU licenses
---
**Missing residence proof**
Bring address confirmation
---
**Wrong photo size**
Use a 35×45 mm photo per Polish specs
---
**Missed 6‑month deadline**
Non‑EU licenses must be exchanged within 6 months of establishing residence

### Where to apply
Apply at the Wydział Komunikacji of your city/municipal office (Urząd Miasta/Gminy) or county office (Starostwo Powiatowe) for your place of residence. Many offices use appointments and prefer cashless payments.

### Fees and processing time
Standard fee: 100.50 PLN. Processing usually up to 30 days; it can be extended if the office must verify your license with the issuing authority abroad.

### Non‑EU/EEA specifics
If the issuing country is party to the 1968 (Vienna) or 1949 (Geneva) road traffic conventions, exchange is typically possible without exams. If not, you may be asked to pass theory and/or practical tests. The office can also request confirmation of authenticity from the issuing authority or a consular certificate.

### Driving while waiting
You may drive only if you still physically hold a valid foreign license and you are within the allowed period (e.g., first 6 months after establishing residence). If the office retains your foreign license during processing, you cannot drive until you receive the Polish one (temporary licenses are generally not issued for exchanges).

### checklist

**ID/passport and residence address**
---
**Proof of legal stay (e.g., residence card/visa) or PESEL (for non‑EU/EEA)**
---
**Original driving license**
---
**Sworn translation into Polish**
if not in Polish/EU model (by a sworn translator in Poland or a Polish consul)
---
**35×45 mm color photo**
--- 
**Submit application**
at your local Wydział Komunikacji
---
**Pay 100.50 PLN fee.**
---
**Collect Polish license**
bring your ID to collect

### links
[Government portal](https://www.gov.pl/)
[EU – Driving licence recognition/exchange](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/driving-licence-exchange-recognition/index_en.htm)
[Check status of your driving licence (InfoCar)](https://info-car.pl/infocar/prawo-jazdy/sprawdz-status.html)
-- end main --