Poland Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Poland
The Starostwo Powiatowe (county office) handles licence renewals in Poland. Your licence lasts 15 years. Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- In person — visit your local government office with the required documents.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Get a passport photo — Have a recent passport-style photo taken (35×45mm). You must take the photo within the last 6 months. Most photo shops charge about 30 PLN for a set.
- Download the application form — Get the form from gov.pl or your local county office website. You can also pick up a blank form at the office. You need to fill in your personal details and licence number.
- Visit your starostwo powiatowe — Go to the county office where you are registered. Bring your current licence, photo, and ID. You should arrive early to avoid long queues. Some offices let you book a time slot online.
- Pay the fee — Pay 100 PLN (plus a 50 gr stamp duty). You can pay by card or cash at most offices. Keep your receipt because you need it to collect your licence.
- Receive your new licence — Your new EU-format licence card is ready for collection within 9–30 work days. You must pick it up in person with your ID. You can check the status on the gov.pl website.
Poland Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | 100 PLN (~€23). |
| Currency. | PLN. |
| Validity period. | 15 years. |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in Poland.
- Valid identity card (dowód osobisty) or passport.
- Current driving licence.
- Passport-style photograph (35×45mm).
- Completed application form.
- Proof of payment.
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
Passport-style photograph (35×45mm), taken within the last 6 months, with a uniform light background. Must show the face from the front. You must remove glasses and hats before the photo. You can get the photo at most photo shops for about 30 PLN.
Medical Rules
Not required for standard category B renewal. Required for professional drivers (categories C, D) every 5 years and for drivers with certain medical conditions. You can visit any doctor who is registered to do driving checks. You will need to bring the medical certificate to the county office.
If Your Poland Licence Expires
Driving with an expired licence is a traffic offence. The fine is 50–500 PLN (€12–€115). You do not lose your driving entitlement — just the valid card. You may also get penalty points on your record. Police can stop you and issue the fine on the spot.
No formal grace period. The licence card must be renewed before it expires. However, you can renew after expiry without retaking any tests. You should start the renewal at least six weeks early. You avoid fines if you renew before the expiry date.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in Poland. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in Poland
EU/EEA licences are recognised. Non-EU licences can be used for 6 months after establishing residency. Exchange is possible with some countries; others require taking the Polish driving test. You must register your address in Poland before you apply. You should check if your country has an exchange deal with Poland.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common Poland Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Going to the wrong office
You must go to the starostwo powiatowe in the county where you are registered (zameldowany). A different county cannot process your renewal. You can check your registration address on your ID card.
Not having the correct photo format
The photo must be 35×45mm on a light background. Digital-only photos are not accepted — bring a printed photo. You should get your photo taken at a shop near the county office.
Expecting fast processing
Processing can take up to 30 work days, though it is often faster (9–14 days in most areas). You should start your renewal at least six weeks before your licence expires.
What Makes Poland Different
Poland uses starostwo powiatowe (county offices) for licence renewals, not a centralised national agency.
The fee is 100 PLN (approximately €23) — one of the lowest in the EU.
Polish licences issued since 2013 are valid for 15 years (the card), matching the maximum EU validity.
Poland has a relatively new points system, with 24 points leading to a mandatory check test.
You must renew your licence at the county office where you are registered.
You can drive in all EU and EEA countries with your Polish licence.
You need a printed photo for your application — digital files are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in Poland is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.