Driving licence renewal in Poland
Renewing a Polish driving licence typically involves undergoing a medical examination, submitting an application with required documents to the relevant district or city office, and then picking up the new licence when it is ready.
It is advisable to initiate the renewal process a few weeks to a month before the current licence's expiry date. This allows sufficient time for scheduling a medical examination, processing the application by the authorities, and for the new document to be produced and delivered. Processing times can vary depending on the local office and current workload.
Start 30 days ahead
This estimate accounts for obtaining the medical certificate, submitting the application, and the standard processing time for the new licence to be issued. Actual times may vary.
The process
- 1Undergo a medical examination to obtain a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive. This certificate is issued by a medical practitioner authorized to conduct such examinations.
- 2Obtain a current photograph (usually 3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- 3Complete the application form for a driving licence renewal.
- 4Pay the administrative fee for the new driving licence.
- 5Submit the completed application form, medical certificate, photograph, proof of payment, and current driving licence at the appropriate Starostwo Powiatowe or Urząd Miasta (Wydział Komunikacji) based on one's place of residence.
- 6Await notification regarding the readiness of the new driving licence.
- 7Collect the new driving licence in person from the office where the application was submitted, presenting a valid identification document.
What to bring
- Current driving licence
- Medical certificate confirming no contraindications to driving (or no contraindications for the specific licence categories)
- One current, high-quality photograph (usually 3.5 x 4.5 cm, meeting specified requirements for official documents)
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee
- Application form for driving licence renewal (available at the office or for download)
- Proof of identity (e.g., valid ID card or passport)
Who handles it
Starostwo Powiatowe (District Office) or Urząd Miasta (City Office) - Wydział Komunikacji (Department of Communication)
https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-prawo-jazdy-po-raz-pierwszy-lub-kolejny-wymien-dokument
The administrative fee for issuing a driving licence is typically 100 zł (Polish złoty), plus a small registration fee (e.g., 0.50 zł). There is also a separate fee for the medical examination, which is set by the medical professional and is generally around 200-250 zł. All fees should be confirmed with the specific office and medical practitioner.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure the medical certificate is issued by an authorized doctor; it is a critical requirement.
- The photograph must meet specific standards for official documents; non-compliant photos may lead to delays.
- Verify the correct Starostwo Powiatowe or Urząd Miasta to apply to, as it depends on your registered place of residence.
- Check the validity period of the medical certificate, especially if there are health conditions, as it may be shorter than the standard 15 years for the licence itself.
Sources
Other documents in Poland
Driving licence renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
Don't rely on remembering
Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.