The exchange of a Belarusian driver’s license for a Polish equivalent is becoming an increasingly pressing issue for drivers and car enthusiasts from Belarus living in Poland.
In the standard format, the procedure for replacing a driver’s license with a Polish one requires confirmation of rights issued at the consulate of the Republic of Belarus, or at the State Traffic Inspectorate at the place of residence in the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
Replacement of rights without consular confirmation for citizens of Belarus
Now, from 07.08.2025, citizens of Belarus staying in Poland on the basis of a humanitarian visa under art.60 ust.1 pkt 23 ustawy o cudzoziemcach or a temporary residence permit issued on the basis of such a visa under art.186 ust.1 pkt 9, have the right to replace their Belarusian license with a Polish equivalent without providing the above-mentioned document from the consulate or traffic police, receiving a full exemption from it. Previously, this simplification was available to people with refugee status, persons with asylum, subsidiary protection or humanitarian/tolerated stay, and now the list also includes these categories of citizens of Belarus.
This relaxation simplifies the procedure for Belarusian citizens who cannot return to their country of origin or obtain the required document from the consulate for security reasons. Previously, the exchange of Belarusian driving licenses in Poland was often delayed, since the Polish authorities, according to the procedure, are obliged to request confirmation of the validity of the certificate through the consulate and wait for an official response. With the new consequences, the procedure becomes faster: the Polish authority makes a decision based on the submitted documents and its own regulations. The basic requirement for permanent residence in Poland remains: the applicant must actually reside in Poland for at least 185 days a year, which is confirmed by registration (zameldowanie) and actual stay in the country.
Where can I replace my license with a Polish one?
The exchange is carried out at the place of your registration (zameldowanie): in the district or city administration (in Warsaw – in the relevant department of Urząd m.st. Warszawy). The application is submitted in person or through an authorized person on the basis of a power of attorney. In case of exemption from confirmation of the originality of the rights from the State Automobile Inspectorate or the consulate, the procedure takes about a week.
Basic list of documents for replacing a driver’s license with a Polish one
To replace your driving license with a Polish one, you must submit the following list of documents:
– A valid humanitarian visa or a residence card issued on the basis of such a visa.
– A photocopy of your passport and the original for verification upon submission.
– Current registration.
– Original Belarusian driver’s license and a copy.
– Sworn translation of the certificate into Polish.
– Application for exchange of driving license.ьского удостоверения.
– Receipt for payment of administrative fee (according to the Uzhonda tariff).
– Photo 35×45 mm.
– At the request of the Uzhąd – a medical certificate (optional, its submission allows you to receive a Polish sample of the driver’s license for 15 years. Without its submission, the Polish license will be issued for the same period until which your Belarusian sample is valid).
Common mistakes when replacing a driver’s license with a Polish one
When exchanging a Belarusian driver’s license for a Polish equivalent, many applicants make typical mistakes that can lead to delays or even refusal: или даже отказу:
– Incomplete set of documents. Often people forget to attach a sworn translation of the driver’s license or a current registration (zameldowanie). Without these documents, the Uzhond will not accept the application.
– Old medical certificate. If you want to obtain a Polish license for the maximum period (15 years), the certificate must be recent and issued in Poland by an authorized doctor.
– Translation errors. A sworn translator must correctly indicate all categories and validity periods. Inaccuracies may raise doubts among officials.
– Ignoring the validity of a visa or residence card. If the document expires soon, the office may suspend the procedure.
– Failure to comply with the 185-day residence rule. Some people apply without actually having residence in Poland. The authorities have the right to check the registration and they check it during the review of your application.
– Payment of the fee not according to the details. Sometimes applicants make the payment to the wrong account or without the required header in the payment order, and then the office requires re-confirmation.овторного подтверждения.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can significantly speed up the process and obtain a Polish driving license without unnecessary complications.
Why you should contact POLegal
POLegal provides turnkey support in the driver’s license exchange procedure for Belarusian citizens. We are a team of professionals in the field of work in Polish bureaucracy since 2019. Our successful history includes over 900 positive decisions on various cases. We will consult and analyze the legal basis, prepare a sworn translation of the required documents, form a package for submission, register with the office, monitor the status and notify about readiness. This saves time and reduces the risk of refusals due to formal errors.
Phone: +48 733 343 599 (Telegram, WhatsApp)
Office address: Tadeusza Czackiego 15/17, 00-043 Warszawa
