Driving licence and residence status — deadline calculator
After the 5 March 2026 changes · day counter · updated July 2026
Note — the law has changed. On 5 March 2026 the Act of 23 January 2026 winding down the Ukrainian special act entered into force. Legal stay for PESEL UKR holders was extended to 4 March 2027, but some people must confirm their identity with a passport by 31 August 2026 — otherwise they lose UKR status from 1 September.
The clock starts on the day your temporary or permanent residence began — e.g. when the residence card was issued.
A stable alternative: the cUKR residence card. The wind-down act introduced a simplified route: a temporary residence permit for 3 years for people with uninterrupted UKR status for at least 365 days and a valid passport. Applications are filed electronically, by 4 March 2027.
But note — a trap for drivers: swapping temporary protection for a residence card means losing temporary protection, and with it the basis for recognising your Ukrainian licence. From the day residence starts on the new basis, the 185-day clock runs. Recalculate then using the „general rules” option.
Uber / Bolt / taxi drivers: regardless of status or deadlines — carrying passengers for money requires a Polish driving licence. A foreign document is not enough.
What to prepare for the exchange. Application form · a 35×45 mm photo · the original and a copy of the Ukrainian licence · a sworn translation (if required) · proof of legal residence · payment confirmation. Fee: 100 zł plus a 0.50 zł records fee; an extra 125 zł if the office verifies the document through the Ukrainian consulate. Waiting time: usually a few weeks, up to 3–4 months with verification in Ukraine.
A status change affects your finances too. Losing or changing residence status changes the rules for work and settlements. Calculators for social security, income tax and B2B take-home pay are at Finumero.
This calculator is informational and is not legal advice. Residence and licence rules change — confirm your situation with the municipal and communication offices.