If you are a Turkish citizen living in Poland, converting your driving licence to a Polish one is refreshingly simple: Turkey is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so the exchange requires no exams — neither theory nor practical. This 2026 guide covers when you must exchange, the documents, the step-by-step process, costs and timeline.
Can you drive in Poland with a Turkish licence?
Yes — temporarily. As a resident you may drive on your valid Turkish licence for up to 185 days from establishing residence in Poland. After that you must exchange it for a Polish (EU) licence to keep driving legally.
The big advantage: no exams
Because Turkey ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, a Turkish licence qualifies for a straightforward administrative exchange:
- No theory exam at a WORD centre
- No practical exam behind the wheel
- It is a paperwork process, not a testing process
One caveat: this exemption applies when your licence matches the Vienna Convention model. If your specific document does not conform, the transport office can still ask you to pass the Polish theory exam — so confirm with your local Wydział Komunikacji. If that happens, you can prepare in English for free on OKDrive.pl.
Required documents
- Completed application form (wniosek o wydanie prawa jazdy)
- Your original valid Turkish licence (retained during the procedure) plus a copy
- A sworn Polish translation of the licence by a certified translator (tłumacz przysięgły)
- A colour photo, 35 × 45 mm, to Polish specifications
- Proof of legal residence in Poland and a PESEL number
Because Turkey is a Vienna Convention country, a medical certificate is generally not required for the exchange (unlike licences from non-Convention countries) — but always confirm your office's current checklist.
Step-by-step process
- Get a sworn Polish translation of your Turkish licence
- Take a compliant 35 × 45 mm photo
- Submit your application at the Wydział Komunikacji (Transport Department) at your Urząd Miasta or Starostwo Powiatowe
- The office sends a verification request to the Turkish authorities (usually via the embassy) to confirm your licence is genuine and valid
- Once verified, your Polish licence is produced — you will be notified when to collect it
- Collect your Polish licence and surrender the Turkish original
Costs
| Item | Cost (PLN) |
|---|---|
| Licence issuance fee (2026) | ~115.50 |
| Sworn translation | 50–150 |
| Consular verification (request via embassy) | ~125 |
| Passport photo (35 × 45 mm) | 20–40 |
| Total estimated | ~310–430 PLN |
Processing timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document preparation (translation, photo) | A few days – 1 week |
| Application submission | 1 day |
| Verification with Turkish authorities | Up to ~1–2 months |
| Total end-to-end | ~1–2 months |
What happens to your Turkish licence?
When you collect your Polish licence you surrender the Turkish original — Poland does not allow holding two national licences at once. The document is returned to the issuing country through official channels. If you want a record of your driving history, make copies before submitting it.
Preparing to drive in Poland
You do not need to pass the theory exam to exchange a Turkish licence, but Polish road signs and a few local rules (headlights on 24/7, tram priority, the right-hand rule at unmarked junctions) are worth a quick refresher so you drive confidently. You can review Polish signs and rules for free on OKDrive.pl — which also helps if your document needs an exam after all, or if you ever get a licence from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkish citizens have to pass an exam to exchange their licence in Poland?
No. Turkey is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so the exchange is administrative — no theory or practical exam. The only exception is if your specific licence does not match the Vienna model, in which case the office may require the theory exam.
How long can I drive in Poland on my Turkish licence?
Up to 185 days from establishing residence. After that, long-term residents must exchange for a Polish (EU) licence.
Do I need a sworn translation?
Yes. You need a sworn (certified) Polish translation of your Turkish licence by a registered tłumacz przysięgły.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Generally not for a Vienna-model exchange (unlike non-Convention countries), but requirements can vary slightly between offices — confirm your local checklist.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Roughly 310–430 PLN in total (issuance fee, sworn translation, consular verification and photo), and about 1–2 months, mostly due to verification with the Turkish authorities.
Will I keep my Turkish licence?
No. When you collect your Polish licence you surrender the Turkish original, because Poland does not permit holding two national licences at the same time.
Is the Polish licence valid across the EU?
Yes. A Polish licence is an EU-format licence recognised in all 27 EU states, the EEA and Switzerland.