Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to check the FAQs at the end of this post.
After your arrival in Poland, you can drive maximum of 6 months in Poland with your Indian Driving License together with International Driving Permit. India was part of the 1949 Geneva Convention of Road Traffic but was not part of 1968 Vienna Convention of Road Traffic. So Police around the world sometimes make troubles if you do not carry International Driving Permit. But I have personal experience in Portugal to drive a rental car only with Indian Driving License. You may read more about Traffic Conventions here. You must validate with authorities for the latest information when you plan to drive. It is important to get a Polish Driving License if you plan to stay in Poland for the long term so that you can drive worry-free in Poland as well as in any EU countries including Schengen countries. You are eligible to exchange your Indian Driving License for Polish Driving License if you have already stayed in Poland for a minimum of 185 days**.
If you plan to apply for a new Polish Driving License, you have to pass both Theory and Practical Tests. Exchanging Indian Driving License is one of the easiest methods so that you only need to pass the Theory test which is comparatively easy.
Comparison of getting new DL and exchange DL
In this blog, I will explain the Online Application Process to exchange Indian Driving License for Polish Driving License.
Step 1: Get Trusted Profile
Trusted Profile can be used for authenticating your profile for most official online applications in Poland. This is similar to Aadhar authentication in India.
Getting a Trusted Profile is very easy method ; you can follow my another blog for the process.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
You will be submitting an online application, so obviously all the supporting documents should be in soft copy format either in jpg/jpef or pdf. Make sure you prepare the documents exactly as I mentioned below which is tried and succeeded method.
1. Your photo 3.5cmx4.5cm size:
Clear color photograph of 3.5X4.5 cm size. If you already have a printed passport size photo, just scan it and use any online tool to resize it to 3.5cm x 4.5cm format. Aspect ratio of 3.5cm x 4.5cm is approximately 275px wide and 354px high. There are many mobile apps available to do the job. It is recommended to have less than 20 KB JPG file size.
2. Signature 7cmx2cm size:
Your signature will be printed on the Polish Driving License. Sign on a paper with a pen and scan it or take a photo using a mobile phone and then crop the photo to accommodate only the signature. Use any online tool to resize to aspect ratio 7cmx2cm which is approximately 550px wide and 160px high. It is recommended to have less than 20 KB JPG file size.
3. Indian Driving License:
Single pdf file of all related documents.
i. Translation of Indian Driving License to Polish: Approach a legible translator and get the translation done. Make sure they attach a copy of your original Driving license along with the translated document pinned together and the Translator’s stamp on all pages including on copy of the Original Driving license. You may read my another blog post about sworn translators in Poland.
ii. Confirmation from Govt. Of India Parivahan Website: Go to the Parivahan Portal and search for your Indian Driving License. Many of us might have aquired the Indian Driving License when the service was with State Goverment thus with a different Driving License sequence number. Follow the instructions on this page to find your driving license. Use CNTRL+P on your keyboard and use ‘Print to pdf’ option to save the webpage in pdf format.
Do not worry if the Driving License sequence number on your original DL is different from the Parivahan confirmation. I believe Polish authorities are already aware of this difference based on the experience processing many applications from Indians. In my case, the processing officer sent an email to Indian Embassy asking for clarification and Embassy dealt with it successfully after calling me and discussing the matter.
iii. Polish Translation of Parivahan confirmation: In my experience, I did not provide a translation and the processing officer was ok with it. But I recommend translating this document also to avoid any delays in your application processing. Follow the checks I mentioned earlier regarding the translation.
Before proceeding to the DL online application, make sure you merge all documents related to Indian Driving license (Original and translation of Original Indian DL + English and Polish translation of Parivahan confirmation) into a single pdf file. You can use some online tool to merge the documents and compress the pdf file size. I recommend file size less than 1.5 MB or try your luck.
4. Other documents:
Unfortunately, the PWPW website did not specify what documents are really needed under this field in the online application. So we can proactively decide to provide most important documents which a Polish Authority may ask us for any common type of applications.
i. Karta Pobytu (Temporary Residence Card): Scan both sides of the card.
If you do not have Karta Pobytu, scan your visa with which you already stayed in Poland for minimum 185 days. You may check with your local office about your eligibility.
Update: You can also submit your Visa copy if you do not have Kara Pobytu. One of my friends recently applied for DL via online process even before 6 months after arrival in Poland and got the PKK number and DL. Try your luck 🙂
ii. Passport: Scan First and Last pages of the passport.
iii. Zameldowania (Resident Registration Proof): The address registration is a fee-less process and you will be assigned a PESEL number automatically. But if you need proof of address registration, you can get this document by paying 17 zl at the nearest Urzad office at the time of address registartion itself or at a later stage. This document is valid usually till your rental agreement expiry date or Karta pobytu expiry date whichever is earlier.
iv. Medical Certificate (Optional): This is an optional document in DL exchange process. If you do not submit Medical Certificate, the expiry date of Polish DL will be same as that of Indian DL. If your Indian DL expires in near future, submitting Medical Certificate will assign Polish DL validity that of Medical Certificate. If the doctor assess your medical cases and provide certificate with less expiry date than Indian DL expiry date, then it is better do not submit Medical Certificate. Use your common sense and submit the document accordingly.
You can approach Luxmed or Medicover or similar Medical Centres by calling their customer care. Usually an appointment with Ophthalmologist and an Occupational Medicine Doctor will be assigned and at the end you will be given a certificate stating that you are fit for driving. Approximate cost of this service is 200zl. There are other independent services who can also visit your home and provide certificate. Or search in google maps with term “badania prawo jazdy” to find a service near to your home.
Scan all above documents and merge them into a single pdf file. Please remember to compress to a minimum of 1 MB size or try your luck on the online application.
As of now, you are ready with all documents needed for the online application. Continue to step 3.
Step 3: Online Application in PWPW
Use Google Chrome browser so that the page can be translated from Polish to English for your convenience.
Create an account in esp.pwpw.pl by registering using Zarejestruj się option below the login fields. Click HERE for a complete step by process to register.
Once you successfully register, login to PWPW and start the online application. The application is to get the PKK number. You can also save the application as a draft and continue another time.
Click HERE or on the below image for step by step process of the application procedure in a very detailed manner. You may find answers to many of your questions there while filling the online application.
At the end of the application, you can make online payment and a total of 102.50 zl to pay inicluding the service fee of 2 zl.
For submitting the application, you need to sign using Trusted Profile given as an option and after successful compltion, you will be redirected back to PWPW.
The application process will be complete at this stage and status will be as below
From now, you just need to wait for the status change in the application which you can see under the Moje wnioski after login into PWPW.
Step 4 Get PKK – Driver Candidate Profile Number
After successful verification of your submitted application, you will find a link appearing in the column Profil Kandydata na Kierowcę.
You can download PKK number similar to below. Just note down the number.
The Driver Candidate Profile (PKK) is generated after submitting an application for authorization or ex officio in the case of a referral for a qualification check. PKK is a unique number and is necessary to register for the exam at the Provincial Road Traffic Center (WORD). You can find more details about registering for the Theory Test at the latest stage of this article.
PKK contains the following set of information: Personal data, category of entitlements from the application, medical/psychological examinations if any required, photo, driving restrictions, entitlements required in the case of applying for the resulting entitlements (eg Cat B when applying for Cat C).
The PKK number should be presented at the Selected Driver Training Center when registering for the training, as well as at the Provincial Road Traffic Center when registering for the exam.
For more information about the Driver Candidate Profile or the process of obtaining permissions, please visit http://pkk.pwpw.pl .
Step 5 – Appointment for Theory Test
Of course, you can plan to learn the theory first and then submit the application mentioned in Step 3; but believe me, we are all human and we will delay the application just by thinking we have enough time ahead to prepare and many will eventually lose the interest or forget the portions covered before.
In my opinion, the best method is to take the exam appointment and then start preparing for the exam. Take an appointment just two or three weeks ahead after submitting the application is enough for preparing for the theory test so that you will have that seriousness about nearing the exam date and you will remember the portions you covered.
PKK number is mandatory to book an appointment. You can prefer to write the test in English. Remember to select the nearest WORD centre for convenience. Book an appointment HERE.
Step 6 – Prepare for Theory Test
There are many online websites providing materials for theory test. But buying CD from the Driving School is the better option as the CD software has the exact layout and questions of the real theory exam. This is from my experience.
You can read more about Theory Test details HERE
Step 7 – The big day
The theory test will be on a computer at the WORD center; remember to inform the invigilator to select the English language for you and attempt the exam with confidence. Most questions will be exactly as in the CD software. You will know the test results on the screen at the end of the test.
Step 8 – Wait for the email
After successfully completing the Theory test, you just need to wait for an email from the Urzad Miasta about collecting the printed Driving License in card format.
You can also check the status HERE if the printed Poland DL is ready to collect. You have to take the Originals of all documents which you uploaded in the online application and those will be verified in the Urzad Miasta office. You will be surrendering the Original Indian Driving License at this stage.
Good luck and happy Driving in Poland and EU !
FAQs
- Why should I appear for Theory exam?
India driving license does not match the model specified in the Geneva Convention or the Vienna Convention – you must pass the theoretical part of the state examination.
- Do I need a letter from Indian Embassy?
No. The letter confirming the legibility of Indian DL was needed from Indian Embassy in earlier days before the Parvahan website was launched. But now confirmation from Govt. Of India Parivahan Portal is enough to submit along with Polish DL application. Use CNTRL+P on your keyboard and use ‘Print to pdf’ option to save the Parivahan webpage in pdf format. Polish translation of this confirmation was not asked for me in Krakow. But good to have the Polish translation as it depends on the processing officer to ask for it or not.
- What will be the validity (expiry date) of Polish DL?
If you do not submit Medical Certificate, the expiry date of Polish DL will be same as that of Indian DL. Do not worry if your Indian DL has short validity, you can easily renew the Polish DL with online application and also a medical test certificate (200 PLN at door step), new photo, copy of current DL and address registration proof. The renewal is super smooth process and you do not need to attempt theory or practical exams. If your Indian DL expires in near future, submitting Medical Certificate will assign Polish DL validity that of Medical Certificate. Use your common sense and submit the document accordingly.
- Do I need to surrender the Indian Driving License to Polish Authorities?
Yes
- When should I surrender the Indian Driving License?
On the day, at the time of collecting printed Polish DL card.
- Do I need to apply for new Driving License in India if I surrender the Indian Driving License?
No. Surrendering your Indian Driving License is temporary. Urzad Miasta will send your Indian DL to Indian Embassy in Warsaw after few weeks or Months after providing Polish DL to you. Give this step some time and check with Indian Embassy in email or phone after 6 months if they received your Indian Driving License. Do not worry about driving in India during your vacation; because a soft copy of Indian DL either in DigiLocker or any such app is accepted for Police checks.
- Do I need to visit Indian Embassy in Warsaw to get back the Indian Driving License?
No. Once you have information from Indian Embassy about ready to collection of your Indian DL, you can arrange courier pick up. Use DPD or similar courier service online service to pay for the pickup and delivery and to generate the shipment label. Send this shipment label via email to Indian Embassy so that they can pack your Indian DL and paste this shipment label on it awaiting courier pickup. Please note, Indian Embassy do not have any service to deliver your Indian DL; it is your responsibility to arrange the courier.
- How will I get back my Indian Driving License if I go out of Poland shortly after receiving Polish DL?
Follow same courier pickup method mentioned above. This time, select the international delivery option (Eg: DHL) and pay appropriate delivery fee. Make sure you communicate with Indian Embassy and get consent before initiating courier pickup.
- How long should I wait for the Polish DL?
As per official process, up to 9 business days from the day the office receives confirmation of your foreign driving license data and confirmation of payment, the driving license will be ready for collection. Data confirmation may take up to several weeks :).
- I need some refresh lessons to drive in Poland?
This is absolutely possible at Driving Schools having cars equipped with dual controls and with help of instructor. You do not need to pay the entire fee for fresh DL, but hourly fee (70-90 PLN approximately) only to practice on Polish roads. You need to contact nearby Driving School and arrange the date and time and how many hours of practice you need. If you are in Krakow, I would recommend https://letsgokrakow.pl/english and Mr.Konrad and his staff speak very good English.
Note: Please let me know if you have gone through the most recent application process and would like to suggest any edits in the above article. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing all the information with clear how-to’s!!!. Very much appreciated…
Thanks for your comment..!!
Really nice and appreciate you for your time taken for doing this to help others..!
Thanks for the feedback!
Bro, wonderful article on the conversion process. One basic doubt, does the date of expiry on the Indian DL matter? In other words, if someone is planning to convert their Indian DL to Polish DL but they have only a few months left before their Indian DL is set to expire, will this affect the validity of the Polish DL? Also what will be the duration or validity of the newly exchanged DL, will it be given for a fresh term or only until the validity of the source Indian DL? Thank you.
Hi Benoy, Thanks for your comment. Yes, the Polish DL will be given with an expiry date of that of the Indian DL. You can easily renew the card by submitting application with only a short medical test (200 PLN at door step) certificate, new photo, copy of current DL and address registration proof. Theory and Practical exams not required again.
Hi Srinath
My driving license is expiring in the month of Dec. I already have a PKK number but not given test yet
1)Can I give medical now itself and get my expiry extended now itself?
2)With medical tests , what is the new expiry date? how many years the license gets extended?
And thanks for the extremely useful article
Hi Kartic,
1) Usually Polish DL is given with same expiry date as Indian DL, as you alrady have PKK, there is no option to submit the medical now; you could have provided along with application to try your luck.
2) 15 years
It is better you write exam as early as possible and get the Polish DL with expiry date in December. Then just with medical it is possible to renew another 15 years.
Hi bro, is it possible to change residency to poland from germany for driving license. It looks easy and cheaper to get a license in poland than in germany 🙂
Very smart idea bro. I do not think Poland will issue you a visa for this reason 😛
Hi Sreenath, Do you know if the Indian DL needs to be issued at least 6 months before my travel to EU ?
or it doesn’t matter ? Am living in Amsterdam currently but in India now for Holiday, but will move to Poland for job purpose by end of June, 2022.
Can I make my Indian Driving license now (By Feb,2022) and exchange to Polish ?
Hi Amulya, The start date if Indian DL doesn’t matter to exchange to Polish DL. You will get Polish DL with expiry date same as that of Indian DL.
Regards, Sreenath
Good evening. My Indian driving license is expiring this year (Nov 2021). Am I eligible to convert the Indian license into Polish. Would the validity of the Polish driving license will be the same as Indian driving license or will I get the Polish driving license for 10 years.
Hi Rahul, If you convert the Indian DL to Polish DL, the validity of the Polish DL is set as same your Indian DL. You can renew the Polish DL with application and also a medical test. The renewal is super smooth process and you do not need to attempt theory or practical exams. I will post a blog about the process and will share.
Thanks Sreekanth. I believe there is no way where we can request renewal of India license from Embassy of India, or has this process changed?.
Hi Sreekanth, Sorry, I am not aware about such a process. Must contact embassy to know more. BR Sreenath
Hello,
Is the licence issued for both Cat A and B, without practical test, if you have motorcycle (MCWG)and Car (LMVNT) endorsement on your Indian licence?
Thanks for such an informative article!
Hi Rohit, endorsement doesn’t matter as usually the penalty points are reset every year in Poland. Try and let us know. You have to attempt written tests separately for A and B. Good luck.
Thank you for all the help and guidance in getting my Indian license exchanged with the Polish one. I was able to complete the entire process within a month, starting from the application, to registering and completing the theory exam and getting the license issued, all thanks to this article.
Congrats! Happy driving in EU. 👍
Sathya, Can you please help from where you studied for the exam, How many questions were there and what is minium to score to get pass?
Hi Ahmed, You may try some online websites like https://drivingtest.portalnaukijazdy.pl/.
Theory exam consists of 32 questions with specific points to each questions for a total of 74 points:
20 basic knowledge questions with yes or no answers – 20 seconds to read the question and 15 seconds to answer
10 questions for 3 points
6 questions for 2 points
4 questions for 1 point
12 specialist knowledge questions about the driving license category- 50 seconds to read the question and answer
6 questions for 3 points
4 questions for 2 points
2 questions for 1 point
At least 68 out of 74 points should be obtained to pass the Theory test
Thank you, am in the process of exchanging my existing Indian Driving License (DL) by attending theory test in Poland, one of the key step to download “Active” status confirmation from Ministry of Road Transport Parivahan Sewa website (RC/DL STATUS (parivahan.gov.in), but it shows “No DL details found” related to my existing DL which was taken from state of Andhra Pradesh in 2011.
How did someone approach in such case? If anyone had faced similar issue and their advice will really help me lot. Thank you in advance.
Hi Naveena, I know about two issues.
1) The DL format: Make sure you follow the instructions in Parivahan website to find your DL. There may be 3 digits of RTA code on AP DLs; but Parivahan is expecting 2 digits and a total of 16 characters.
2) Local RTA is yet to upload your data into Parivahan. Contact local RTA.
Hi Sreenath,
I have followed the same procedure but after the creation of my profile PWPW, I didn’t get option to do the payment, Can you please help me on this, I have also sent you DM in facebook with screenshot.
Hi Ahmed, Please read the “Payment” section after Section G in below link https://sreenathkg.com/2015/01/22/online_application_in_pwpw_driving_license_poland/
Hi Sreenath,
Thanks for the so detailed article about getting DL. I see we can get PKK online without going to Urzad but people on Indian community group were referring to visit urzad with documents. Could you please clear this?
Hello Samarth, Both options are possible. You may select whichever convenient for you. In the online application option, you can stay at home and avoid bureaucracy up to an extend. If you do not speak Polish, online is a better option.
Regards
Sreenath
Appreciate your quick response. In the case of DL translation, do I require embassy registration or only translated DL will work with Parivahan document in English?(Translation of such doc is v expensive here).
Thanks
Hi Samarth, Parivahan page saved as pdf document in English is enough. No need to translate this document.
So only DL translation will work, correct?
Thank you
Hello Sreenath,
Thanks for writing such an informative article.
I have one query – My license was issued in 2010 from Jamnagar, Gujarat. The parivahan website doesn’t have the details. I tried to enter in the DL backlog entry, but it seems after filling online, I have to visit the aRto Jamnagar. This is not possible as I am in Poland.
So my query is, If I have the original licence with me here, is there a way I can get it exchanged to Polish license without having a print from Parivahan website? Will Indian embassy help in this regard? What is the process?
Please advise.
Hello Abhinab, Thanks for your feedback. I hope you formatted the old DL sequence number into the new sequence number format as expected by Parivahan website. If the data is still not available in Parivahan and you cannot connect with RTO back in India, then contact Indian Embassy in Warsaw and get an authentication letter. This method was in place before the Parivahan website confirmation.
Regards
Sreenath
Hello Sreenath,
Thankyou for your response. Much appreciated. I’ll contact the embassy to get an authentication letter.
Hi Sreenath,
This is very informative!! Thanks a lot!!
Thanks Manoj..!
Very useful Blog. Thank you for writing this blog 🙂
hi sree, i do not have card type license, i have the printed one which i have laminated, i guess i never ordered the card one, do you think will that be an issue and should i pursue a polish dl
Hi Rahul, that won’t be a problem if it is original. Mine was book type.
Regards
Sreenath
I finally got my driving license by following this article and related articles from Sreenathkg, Thanks a ton bro for all the help.
Congrats Ahmed 🙂
Dear Sreenath,
Thanks for investing your time and efforts in this amazing info.
I have a question for you.
I have an Indian Driver’s License which is domestic and not International. As I read over the internet, a domestic driving licence issued in countries that are parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic is valid for 6 months in Poland. But India is not a part of this list. So is it still actual that I can use my domestic driver’s license in Poland for first 6 months?
Hi Gaurav, Yes, if your Indian DL is in latin characters, you can use it in Poland for first 6 months of your arrival. If you travel outside Poland, some rentalcar agencies in some countries still accept Indian DL even after 6 months. But this is rare cases and not guarantied.
Regards, Sreenath
Hello Sreenath,
I have Schengen visitor visa can i change my Indian driving license in Poland.
Thanks
Ashish
Hi Ashish, I know it is possible to exchange if one has work visa. I am not sure if possible with visitor visa.
Regards
Sreenath
Hello Sreenath,
Sincere thanks for the detailed and complete article. It was very much helpful for me to obtain the Polish DL, all process less than a month from application to get the DL plastic card in hand today(25 days for the whole process!).
One update from me, the Zameldowania hard copy was not required since City office lady in Wroclaw from where I applied told that, after address registration, they will have the data in their system. Hence 17zl was saved 😉
Regards,
Alby
Hi Alby, thanks for your valuable feedback and sharing your experience with process. City administration requirements are sometimes different from city to city. Thanks again for sharing this and would be helpful for others applying in Wroclaw!. Regards- Sreenath
Hello Alby,
Thanks for sharing the info.I live in wroclaw and I want to apply for DL (exchange Indian DL), please share the address I should visit or an online link where I can apply.
Thank you
Mohammed
Hello Mohammed, Please contact nearest Urząd Miasta if you want to apply offline. If you prefer online, you may follow my blog.
Regards – Sreenath
does it also require to have a medical test certificate related to health check , as its mentioned in the form while I was raising application online. please advise.
Hello Mohammed, Health Check is required only if you apply for new Polish Driving license. I think you might have selected wrong application. Please follow the blog for online application to exchange Indian DL.
Regards – Sreenath
Hi,
I have Cleared my theory exam today and needs to exchange my Indian DL. What is the next process and when & where do i need to do the payment for next steps.
Could you please explain me the next steps in detail
Hello Karthik, Sorry for delayed response; I hope you might have received DL by now! Please let me know if any further clarifications needed. – Sreenath
Hi Sreenathkg,
I have the polish DL based on indian DL, now i wanted to make the polish DL independent without link to indian DL.
So do i need to give only practical exam or do i need to give both written & practical exams ?
Hi, Your Polish DL is already independent of your Indian DL. You do not need Indian DL anymore even during renew process once your Polish DL is expired.
Hi, The option to choose Trusted profile is not showing for me, I can just see the use Esignature, which is also not working. Any ideas?
Hi Aman, May be you attempted during a downtime. Please try again.
Other then this post I cannot find information else where that with Indian domestic license I can drive in Poland.
Can you please confirm sources?
Hi Rohit, There are debates on this topic. India is officially part of Geneva Convention of Road Traffic 1949; also Poland. India has not ratified the Geneva Convention of Road Traffic 1968 which Poland is considering for allowing 6 months validity for any DL from the time someone arrives. But never heard of anyone fined for using Indian DL in Poland for first 6 months or denied rental cars. You can search more about this in google.
Hello,
Really nice work to provide the necessary information. I have a doubt as the current Indian license I have is in the old format (plastic card) and I cannot find it in the parivahan portal. I have not been to India in many years and right now I do not know when will I go. In this case, what can I do to apply for the theory test ?
Thanks
Hi Mukul, You may contact Local RTO through agents or family members. I know similar issues mentioend by many of my blog followers; sometimes there can be manual typos by officials or your state RTO is yet to load your data to Parivahan database.
Thanks for your reply. I got the license certified by the Indian embassy and submitted the docs along with Polish translation of the samne.
Hi Sreenath
Thank you for posting this. I have a question re. paperless DL’s. Odisha for ex. is not giving any plastic card DLs anymore (to adopt paperless & plastic less practice). What should i do in this case?
Hi Tatva, This information is new to me also. You may need to submit additional documents, like press release, govt notification etc together with parivahan certificate. Please share your experience once you attempt; will be helpful for others too. Thanks.
Hello,
Please correct your first statement that you can use
Indian license for 6 months which is not true. Nowhere this information is written and you can’t drive without international license. Because my friend got caught by police when he checked information on his database. He could not find India in his database that our domestic license is valid for 6 months. This is completely misleading information
You can check following link which has nothing do with me or any marketing strategies:
https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?chapter=11&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&src=TREATY
https://www.careersinpoland.com/article/arrival-and-stay/how-to-exchange-a-foreign-driving-licence-in-poland
Hi Nilesh, Thanks for your valuable feedback. India was part of 1947 convention; I could not figure out within limited time the exact details as this convention data is available in scanned format pdf. You are right, India is not in 1968 convention. I have updated my blog so that it doesn’t give an ambiguity in information. Thanks again for your input.
Thank you Sreenath! Your detailed steps helped me to obtain the DL hassle free.
You’re welcome. Glad that the blog helped.
How long shall I wait for assignment of PKK number. I submitted my application on 17 June and I got comments from the office that I submit my signature in black and photograph again which I did on 20th June. Since then the status shows application accepted but no PKK number.
Got PKK number after a month. Had to send them my license details from the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The old license number works and one is also able to have the new format license number from the website.
Hi Sreenath,
My application changed to accepted status and I have recived PKK number, but Its not being accepted while submitting in WORD for exam reservation. Should I wait for application to change to verifed status.
Hi Sunil If you have PKK number, WORD should be ideally accepting it. How did it go for you later?
HI Sreenath,
i could completed the PKK Number and before i give theory exam, i relocated to Sweden. any idea if we convert Indian license to Polish, is this valid only in Poland. is it possible to convert again from Poland to Swedish license. i heard it will be mentioned in the license that, this originally from India and converted to Poland. other EU countries will not accept this converted license if we plan for long term in different EU countries.
Hi Manoj, You can drive in Sweden with Polish driving license till its expiry. Please check the Swedish govt department for exchanging Polish Dl for Swedish one.
Hi Sreenath, It’s really helpful information. Thank you for sharing.
I have one question, I want to apply “Exchange Indian DL”, Is it mandatory to after 185 days stay in poland then only we can book theory test slot? For me 106 Days only, Is there any other option?
Hi Neeilh, You can apply. I have mentioned this in my blog already. Please refer.
Hi I have a Swedish permanent residence for 5 years .
Is it possible to convert the license
If I managed to get Pesel number in poland
Hi Nandh, If you have PESEl and address registration in Poland, then you can exchange Indian DL to Polish DL.
Hi Sreenath,
Thanks so much for all the information provided, Life saver. I’m currently not in Krakow, away from Krakow, would you please let me know the address of the WORD driving center where I can purchase the CD with questions for the test in English ? Can I register for my theory test at the same place ?
Hi Riya, You may purchase the CD from nearest driving school. Or from the internet, I have mentioned in my blog Q&A section.
Hi Sreekanth, a quick question..while making an application i had done it for Category B and A both and got 2 seperate PKK’s. Do i need to pass both and then only my DL will be issued? i have passed Category B already; and i do not intend to take Category A now.
Hi Karthik, If you need only category B, please get in touch with the WORD centre if they can forward the result of Category B to Urzad Miasta for printing your DL. Please share your experience here for others to know. Thanks.
Hey Karthik!
Were you able to get category B license? I am in the same zone currently. I passed the B license exam but I will take some time to do the category A theory and do not intend to do it anytime soon.
Let me know.
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Sreenath. Very helpful & informative blog. I don’t have an Indian DL. Do you have any blog with details on applying for Fresh Polish DL? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Swetha, If you are applying for fresh Polish DL, then I suggest you approach the nearest Driving School. Because practicals are mandatory for Polish Driving License. They will help with all processes including application, PKK number, etc. Good Luck.
Hi Sreekanth,
Superhelpful blog that got me to submit my application with ease. However, I got this notification from the office after my submission for pkk.
Notification No. AO-D-XII-II.5430.4|1|2023|DG
INFORMATION
RESIDENCE AT THE ADDRESS INDICATED IN THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BY REGISTERING FOR PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE. NO FEE FOR ISSUING A POLISH DRIVING LICENSE.
Would you have some knowledge for this reason and what should I submit to gain the pkk profile?
Hello Rakhtar, I think you either missed uploading a scanned copy of Karta Pobytu or the processing officer validates address in application and address in your karta pobytu or Zameldowanie document.Message also says payment proof is missing.
Hello Srikanth, Today I have received Polish licence. I followed all the steps in your blog and it was really helpful 😊. Thank you so much for your efforts to write a ver useful blog like this. As you mentioned, the licence validity date is as per Indian license validity date. One of my friend told, he got 15year valid license after submitting a medical certificate along with application. One more thing, they are accepting applications without TRC as well. Just provide Visa and PESEL document
Hi Dhanish, Thanks for your feedback. Accepting Visa as valid proof of stay is under the decision of the Processing Officer or specific to the City department. I have heard from many that, their applications got rejected as they do not have Karta pobytu. I have included this message in my blog already with a fire background 😛
Regarding the medical certificate, I will explore this option and will update my blog. But I know, if you renew your Polish DL, a medical certificate is mandatory and then you get 15 years of validity.
Medical Certificate case is confirmed. I have updated my blog. Thanks for your suggestions.
Hello,
They are asking me to provide document confirming legal stay in poland minimum 185 days.
Which document should I give and can we attach this document online or need to send it via post?
Awaiting for your response.
Kind regards,
Kedar
Hi Kedar, You may submit Karta Pobytu and if it is new, additional submit Visa copy with Port of Entry stamp, Rental agreement, Zameldowanie, etc.
If you have applied online, the application will be back to you and available in edit mode, upload documents as explained in my blog.
Thank you very much for the detailed process step by step. It helped me a lot to obtain the Polish Driving License. Much appreciated.
Hi Siva, thanks a lot for your feedback. Happy Driving in EU !!
Thank you for your blog , I was able to get the licence , could you please explain me more with details how to get our indian licence back from Indian emabassy in warsaw, Poland
Hi Rahul, You may refer the FAQ section under the same blog. Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for this detailed post & it is really helpful for people like me who recently moved to Poland.
I have one query, when i am trying to find my DL in Parivahan Sewa potal, it is not showing me any record of my DL.
Is there any other way to find the DL record?
Hi Neeraj, Please go through comments. We had few discussions on this topic. Thanks for your feedback.
Hey Sree,
Awesome work mate, much appreciated..
Just one quick question about preparation for the exam, you mentioned to get CD from driving school, which driving school and how much did it cost?
Cheers!
Thanks rahul for feedback. Nowadays there are several websites and apps where you can practice tests. 20zl-50zl depends on packages. I have mentioend one of the websites https://drivingtest.portalnaukijazdy.pl/ in comments section.
Hi Sreekanth, I have submitted my application 2 weeks back for exchange of Indian DL to Polish DL but application status is showing as “Accepted” & Application Implementation stage is showing as ” Redemption”. Can you please suggest if I need to wait further or any issue?
Also just to clarify i have submitted the document as mentioned above in your blog except the address registration proof. Do i need to submit the address registration proof also or i can attach the lease agreement? Please suggest as I am not sure how to get the address registration proof.
Same is happing for me. May be the Jurisdiction you have submitted is not the correct one. I’ve submitted to my nearest centre There I got comment that I’ve submit physically. But then I change the second nearest one then got the Redemption. I’ve submitted address registration as well. Are your from Warsaw or Krakow?
Thank you so much for the details.. Helped a lot !!
Thanks Hari for your feedback!!
First of all, Thanks for sharing this information.
This Blog was really helpful in preparing Docs and appearing for Exam after making required payments- around 100 pln for PKK and then another 50 for exam and some additional amount for translation which saved a lot of money than going through an agent.
Now, I am at final stage and was waiting for plastic Card post clearing the exam and when i checked this link on Website Info-car.pl-Check if your driver’s license is ready, I am seeing this message:
“Your PKK was supplemented by the WORD in which you took your exams with information about their results and returned to the Faculty of Communication. You can now order a driver’s license.”
Now, the doubt was Do I need to pay any extra amount at this stage for ordering Driver’s license?
Hi piyush, Thanks for sharing feedback. I am glad that the blog helped.
You donot need to order separately. Just wait for information from the transport department sms/email/post and then go directly to collect card. If it is taking severla days, just go to the city hall and ask in the transport department. Hopefully the printed plastic card is waiting for you!
hey, i follow your steps ! and they asking for this document “DZIAŁAJĄC NA PODSTAWIE ART. 64 PAR. 2 USTAWY Z DNIA 14 CZERWCA 1960 R. KODEKS POSTĘPOWANIA ADMISTRACYJNEGO (DZ.U. Z 2023 R. POZ 775) WZYWAM PANA DO UZUPEŁNIENIA WNIESIONEGO PODANIA O KOPIĘ DOKUMENTU POTWIERDZAJĄCEGO PRAWO POBYTU NA TERYTORIUM RZECZYPOSPOLITEJ POLSKIEJ OD MINIMUM 185 DNI”
i dont know what document they asking for! could you help me? i apriciate it .
Hi Ravi, They are asking for TRC copy. addiitonally submit decision letter.
Hi Sreekath,
Thanks fro sharing this valuable article. I’m from Warsaw. I’ve applied for the DL exchange as mentioned above and the status was verified. Unfortunately I’m not getting the online payment whenever tried with differ URZAD office. Also when I’ve submitted the comment I’m getting is I need to physically submit form in the office for PKK. Anyone faced this issue from Warsaw.
Hi Animesh, Functions of transport departments in different cities are independant. Some of them has different operational procedures and decisions are depending up on the processing officer.
Regaridng payment – you have option to transfer application fee directly to the bank account of the selected city hall and then attach transfer confirmation in online application. There may be some different reason for your case; you may get the explanation from city hall.
How many days does it take to receive any feed back after the submission of application ?
It depends on the processing officer. Usually 2 weeks.
Hi Sreekanth,
for the exchange of INdian DL, I have appeared for the theory test and now I am waiting for the email. However, on the track status tab in info-car.pl, I could see the last comment for my details as below
“Your PKK has been supplemented by the WORD in which you took the exams with information about their results and returned to the Department of Communication. You can now order a driving license document.”
Should I order it seperately?
Please do let me know.
Hi Sreekanth, The DL will be automatically printed. You may wait for communication from the Transport Department.
Hello! Thanks for All the info Sreenath. Much appreciated. I submitted all my documents online in April. I got some comments in may to submit some additional documents (translated by a authorized translator). It’s been two months and the status on my application is stuck in ‘Accepted’. Luckily I’ve a friend who used to work in the close by municipality where my application got approved and she found out that they’ve queried Indian government to confirm if my license is original or not. My license is from the state of Maharashtra. It’s so unfortunate that I’ve to go through this. Been almost 3 months now since I’ve submitted my application. So if your application is stuck at ‘Accepted’and hasn’t changed status for a while, good chance that this could be happening to you as well.
Hello Sri, Sorry for long wait for reply. Have you finally succeeded? Parivahan website should be the reference to check the authenticity, but some officers are not aware about or less experienced handling Indian applications.
Hej mój znajomy chciałby wymienić swoje indyjskie prawo jazdy na polskie ale twierdzi że ma je tylko w formie elektronicznej. Byłam już się dopytać w urzędzie ale zostałam poinformowana że nie ma możliwości wymienić elektronicznego prawa jazdy. Myślałam że on ma normalny dokument prawa jazdy ale twierdzi że ma tylko elektroniczne. Słyszałeś o czyms takim? Czy w Indiach już nie wydają dokumentow? Z gory dzieki za pomoc
Hello Magda, He should have original as book or card.
Hi Sreekanth!
My first application was rejected due to photo issue, after editing and attached new photo I’m not able to sign my application using my trusted profile, it only permits me with my own certificate which I don’t have.
Can you please suggest what should be done in this case?
Thanks
Hi Kanchan, System should allow to submit, you may check what is the actual issue with Trusted Profile. Otherwise, another option is to submit a new application.
Hi Sreekanth,
Thank you so much for the detailed Process. I have visited recently Urzad to exchange license.
They asked 2 more additional documents :
1. Address registration where your staying, (if your PESEL or TRC is not registered under the same Urzad)
2. Certificate from the Indian embassy connected with INDIAN DL.
FYI: I applied here in Warsaw Bemowo. If you can add the information how to get certificate from Indian embassy that would be helpful.
Regards,
Pavan
Hello Pavan, Ceritifacte from Indian Embassy is not required as Parivahan website is available for Polish authorities to check Indian DL authenticity. But few officers are not aware about it it seems.
Hi,
I have applied for PKK number on 7th August 2023 following the instructions without medical certificate and after waiting for 1 month today I went to office in Gdansk for checking status and they mentioned they have sent 2 reminders to Indian Embassy and awaiting reply, can you please advise here ?
Hello Pavan, Ceritifacte from Indian Embassy is not required as Parivahan website is available for Polish authorities to check Indian DL authenticity. But few officers are not aware about it it seems. But haven’t you submitted Parivahan copy as I mentioned in set of documents to submit in instructions?
Hi Manish, Can you please share your experience about what happened after this?
I might be in the exact same situation as yours.
Hi ,Im planning to apply for exchanging driving license my Visa will expire on 26th Jan 2024 ,And i have applied for TRC but same will recieved by FEB as per agency (Warsaw) , I saw somewhere that you should atleast have 6 months of validity on Visa, Can i still apply ?
Hi Chirag, You can apply for Polish DL. There is no conditions mentioend about expiry date of visa/trc.
Hi,
I followed the instructions but got a response from the office to submit the application in person.
“IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMITTED APPLICATION, I KINDLY INFORM YOU THAT: IN ORDER TO START THE PROCEDURE FOR EXCHANGING A DRIVING LICENSE, YOU MUST PERSONALLY SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE EXCHANGE OF A FOREIGN DRIVING LICENSE TOGETHER WITH ALL ATTACHMENTS TO THE APPLICATION. YOU MUST ALSO PERSONALLY PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION OF THE DRIVING LICENSE AND PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL OF THE DRIVING LICENSE DOCUMENT.”
Is there change in process and which form do we need to submit.
Hi Vaibhav, There may be some clarifications which the officer needs. Or the specific office where you applied in not capable of handling online applications. You can find the application form in the nearest Urzad Miasta or online https://obywatel.gov.pl/documents/10181/0/Wniosek+o+wydanie+prawa+jazdy2018_c_2.pdf
BRAK POTWIERDZENIA PRZEZ TŁUMACZA KOPII TŁUMACZONEGO DOKUMENTU. These are the comments mentioned by the Officer can you please tell what am i suppose to do
Hello Chirag, Make sure you submit the scan translation together with the copy of original. Some tranlators forget to attach copy of the original with the translated document and put their seal on it.
Hey, if anyone could tell me;
How long after the application do I need to wait for them to verify my application and provide me with a pkk number. It has been half a week and I’m running out of patience.
Hello Puneet, You need patience. The process depends on how fast the processing officer process your application.
Hi, Do you know what details do they usually check?
It’s been 3 weeks today and makes me wonder about the same.
Another question is – Once you get your pkk number, can I directly sign up online for a theory test, I do not need to take the pkk number anywhere in-person right?
Hi Puneet, I hope you have the details now why it was pending.
Once you get PKK, you can sign up for theory test online.
Hi Sreenath ,Thanks for update .Couple more queryies query i have cleared my Theory exam .In Info-car website when i check for driving license processing it gives unable to process the information .I have tried with both Pesel and PKK, How will i get confirmation on the that i have cleared exam and how long is the wait period after clearing exam..Is there anything i need to do to complete the process
Hi Chirag, May be info-car service was down or the exam results are not yet interfaced to info-car. You may trey later.
Hi, I was contacted by my inspector today asking for a proof of payment with a QR code through the info-car website regardless of me making payment on the pwpw website as I was able to do it while submitting my application.
What should I do?
Hello Puneet, You may check your application status, if it is showing not paid, then the payment failed. If you already made payment, show your bank statement as proof.
Hello, I have surrendered mu Indian license and have got my Polish license. How long will it take to get the Indian license back from embassy? And do you have any email or address in embassy to which I can enquire regarding the collection of my indian license?Thanks in advance.
Hi Keerthi, The process depends on the office or Urząd Miasta. You may contact Indian Embassy to check if they have your DL. You can find contact number or email in the Indian Embassy website https://www.indianembassywarsaw.gov.in/page/contact-us/
Regards, Sreenath
Hi Sreenath,
I need some information on the International Driving Permit, there is a website called iternationalDriverAssociation which provides IDP in few minutes, and we do not need to surrender our Indian DL also. We can drive in many of the countries with our IDP and Indian DL. can you please confirm, is this possible to rent a car with my Indian DL and IDP.
Hello Ashish, Apologies, my blog is to help with online application for Polish DL. You may need to search other resources about iDP and it’s validity.
Regards, Sreenath
Hello, When I check the status on Info Car it shows the below.
Your PKK was supplemented by the WORD in which you took the exams with information about their results and returned to the Faculty of Communication. You can now order your driving license document.
Its been few days now should I go to the local city office and ask them how to order the License?
Hi Peter, Yes, please go to the office and collect the card. In some city offices, you may need to make a prior appointment and I hope you can find in the local city website.
REgards, Sreenath
Thanks a lot Sreenath for this detailed info on getting a driving license. It helped me a lot to get the license here in Poland.
I suggest all to buy 10 days access for the driving test from this site, all the questions are from this website. they charge 12 zloty for 10 days of access.
https://testy.portalnaukijazdy.pl/en.
Thanks for your feedback Prakash. Glad the blog helped.
Congrats for owning your new driving licence, happy motoring !!
Regard, Sreenath
Hello @Sreenath,
I have my Indian DL and I would like to exchange for polish one. My surname is abbreviated to initial ‘N’ in my Indian DL however all the documents in Poland including my Indian passport has complete surname ‘Navil Raju’. Will it be a problem while exchanging my DL? Has anyone experienced the similar situation? Will a letter from Indian embassy help? Can you please advise how to proceed? Thank you in advance!
Hi Keerthi, It might not a problem. I had same issue and my 3 words long surname was just KG in my Indian DL. But there was no question asked to me during the process. But everything depends on the processing officer and you may be asked for some proof like passport copy or some other evidences to proove the Indian DL belongs to you.
Regards, Sreenath
Thanks for the detailed explanation of the process. My status is showing as “Adopted” do you have any information what is that mean? I am waiting for PPK number since 1 week.
Hi Ahad, You may need to wait for PKK as the time depends on the processing officer.
Regards, Sreenath
Hey Sreenath, great write up and thanks for holding all the comments and making it relevant,
Quick question: Do you know if i can apply for polish DL if my visa has expired and i have applied for trc?
In this situation would i have to wait until my trc is approved?
Thanks
Hi Pragith, Thanks for your feedback. For a smoother process, I would suggest to wiat for valid visa. I wouldnt claim it is not possible to apply, but without proper documentation the application can be put on hold and further processing can be complicated.
REgards, Sreenath
Hi,
first of all thamk you very much fo this blog.
From the parivahan site, we get our DL status. But i see that our name is masked for some reason. This is fine??
Hi Balanand, Try again to get the proper document from Parivahan. The document is to verify ythe authenticity of the Indian DL, for sure the processing officer wants to see your name in it.
Regards, Sreenath
Hello, can we get both Cat A and B together only by attending the Theory test?
Hi Bala, Yes, but theory exams to be attended separately for A and B. Make sure you plan on same day or within 2-3 days so that you get both printed on your first print of Polish DL.
REgards
Sreenath
Thanks for this vlog. Was very helpful.
However they asked me to submit an application in person. Don’t know why..!
Hi Balanand, May be the specific city office doesnt have capability to verify or process the online application. In Poland, the city offices are having independed processes and authorities sometimes.
Regards, Sreenath