Before you start

Valid foreign driving licence
PESEL number and proof of residence
Certified Polish translation by a sworn translator
Medical certificate, where required

Step-by-step

1
Check whether you need to exchange at all
EU/EEA licences remain valid. Non-EU licences must be exchanged within a limited period of establishing residence, after which they cease to be valid for driving in Poland.
OnlineWho: You
2
Get a sworn translation of your licence
Poland requires translation by a tłumacz przysięgły — a sworn translator. An ordinary translation will be rejected.
In personWho: You
3
Apply at the district office
Applications go to the transport department of your Warsaw district office, with your licence, translation, photograph, PESEL and proof of residence.
In personWho: You
4
Sit the theory exam, if required
Holders from convention countries typically exchange without a practical test but may need the Polish theory exam. Outside those conventions, expect the full process.
In personWho: You
5
Surrender the foreign licence
The original is handed in on exchange and returned to the issuing authority.
In personWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Foreign driving licence
Sworn Polish translation
PESEL and residence card
Photograph
Medical certificate, where required

Things most newcomers don’t know

The translation must be by a sworn translator, not any translator.

This is the most common rejection reason. A tłumacz przysięgły is a specific legal role with a registration number and stamp; a professional translation without that stamp is not accepted.

Source: Polish licence exchange requirements

EU licence holders can simply keep driving.

There's no obligation to exchange, which saves the whole procedure. Some people exchange anyway for convenience when their licence nears expiry — but nothing forces it.

Source: EU driving licence mutual recognition

You almost certainly don't need a car in central Warsaw.

The metro, trams and buses are extensive and cheap, and central parking is restricted and paid. Many residents exchange the licence for occasional car-sharing and never own a vehicle.

Source: community-reported

The exchange window is limited and starts at residence, not at first drive.

Once you establish residence the clock runs, and after it expires your foreign licence stops being valid here — which affects insurance as much as legality.

Source: Polish road traffic law

Common mistakes to avoid

Submitting an ordinary translation rather than a sworn one.
Letting the exchange window lapse after establishing residence.
Assuming a non-EU licence stays valid indefinitely because nobody has checked.
Not checking whether your country's convention status exempts you from a practical test.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.