Non-EU licenses are valid for private driving for 185 days after PESEL issuance. After that — Polish license required. For Bolt work, you need a Polish license from day one.
Who needs to convert their license
Non-EU countries (must convert)
- Ukraine
- UK (post-Brexit)
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- Most Asian and African countries
- Belarus, Russia, Moldova
EU countries (no conversion needed)
EU licenses are fully recognized in Poland indefinitely. You can drive privately and even work for Bolt with an EU license, though some partners may request conversion for administrative simplicity.
Why you need conversion for Bolt
Polish law is clear: professional passenger transport through platforms like Bolt, Uber, or FreeNow requires a Polish driving license. This applies even to foreigners with valid residence cards.
For private use — yes, 185 days after PESEL you can drive with a non-EU license. But Bolt checks documents during registration, and partners can't sign you up without a Polish license. This is a requirement from the Road Transport Inspectorate.
Required documents
- Original foreign license — the physical card
- Sworn translation (tłumacz przysięgły) — only translators from the Ministry of Justice register
- Medical certificate (orzeczenie lekarskie)
- Photo 3.5 × 4.5 cm
- Copy of residence card or UKR status
- PESEL — mandatory
- Administrative fee — 100.50 PLN
Cost breakdown (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Administrative fee | 100.50 PLN |
| Medical certificate | 200 PLN |
| Sworn translation | 150–300 PLN |
| Photos | 25–40 PLN |
| Total | ~500–650 PLN |
Kraków prices are closer to the higher end. Tarnów, Rzeszów, Lublin — often lower.
Where to apply — step by step
Step 1. Wydział Komunikacji
Conversion happens at the Transportation Department of the starostwo (county office) for your registered address:
- Kraków: Urząd Miasta Krakowa, ul. Wielicka 28a
- Tarnów: Urząd Miasta Tarnowa, ul. Gumniska 30
- Rzeszów: Urząd Miasta Rzeszowa, ul. Okrzei 1
- Lublin: Urząd Miasta Lublina, ul. Spokojna 2
Step 2. Book appointment online
Most offices require pre-booking via info-car.pl or the specific city website. Without appointment — several hours of waiting or being turned away.
Step 3. Submit documents
Fill application, surrender original foreign license. Get pokwitowanie (receipt). From this moment you can no longer drive on your foreign license.
Step 4. Polish license issuance
Average 2–6 weeks. Kraków — 4–5 weeks, Tarnów and Rzeszów — 2–3 weeks, Lublin — 3–4 weeks. You'll receive an SMS when ready.
Polish licenses have the same categories as most non-EU licenses. Category B stays B. Sufficient for Bolt work.
What to do after receiving the license
License is one of five puzzle pieces for Bolt work. You'll also need:
- Criminal record certificate (Polish KRK + country of origin)
- Psychological tests (~150 PLN)
- Taxi license — see: how non-EU citizens get a taxi license
- Vehicle — your own or from a partner fleet
- Bolt registration (6–24h activation)
Full overview: How to become a Bolt driver in Poland.
Common mistakes
Waiting "until the last day"
185 days seems like a lot, but translation + medical + office wait easily become 8 weeks. Start immediately after PESEL.
Translation not from a sworn translator
Only accepted from sworn translators in the Ministry of Justice register. List: tlumacze.ms.gov.pl.
Filing in wrong city
Wydział Komunikacji serves only local district residents. If registered in Lublin — apply in Lublin. Otherwise — rejection.
Expired foreign license
Expired licenses can't be converted. You'd need to start from scratch with theory and practical exams at a Polish driving school (OSK).