Ukrainian driver's licenses will no longer be valid in Poland: what to do from October 1.

According to inkorr.com: From October 1, 2025, Ukrainian driver's licenses will no longer be valid for Ukrainians residing in Poland for more than 180 days. If drivers do not exchange their documents for Polish ones, they may face a fine of up to 2000 zlotys (approximately 22,800 UAH). These changes are being introduced due to the expiry of the regulation that allowed Ukrainian refugees to use their national driver's licenses without mandatory exchange.

From October 1, for almost a million Ukrainians, Ukrainian licenses will become just a useless piece of plastic

According to new requirements, Ukrainians residing in Poland for more than 180 days are required to have a Polish driver's license. Non-compliance with this requirement equates to driving a car without a license, which may result in a fine of up to 2000 zlotys (approximately 22,800 UAH).

How to legalize your right to drive a car?

1. Exchange Ukrainian license for a Polish one

This option is available for drivers whose Ukrainian licenses remain valid and comply with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. The procedure does not require retaking exams.

• Original Ukrainian driver's license.

• Translation of the document done by a sworn translator.

• Document confirming legal residence in Poland (for example, PESEL UKR or Residence Card).

• Medical certificate from a Polish doctor.

• Receipt for payment of administrative fee (around 100 zlotys).

2. Retraining and taking exams

If the exchange is not possible, Ukrainians must undergo a complete training course at a Polish driving school and pass theoretical and practical exams at the Voivodeship Road Traffic Center (WORD). The cost of such training ranges from 2500 to 3500 zlotys (30,000 – 42,000 UAH).

Consequences of ignoring new requirements

Driving a car with an invalid license may lead to problems with insurance companies in case of an accident or even confiscation of the vehicle. It is also important to remember the need for a Green Card insurance policy to move within Poland and other EU countries.

Thus, Ukrainians residing in Poland for more than 180 days must obtain a Polish driver's license from October 1, 2025. To do this, a number of requirements must be fulfilled to exchange the national license or undergo training and take exams to legalize their right to drive in Poland.