When should you exchange your driving license?

Just a dozen or so years ago, many drivers treated their driving license as a document issued "once and for all." Today, that's a thing of the past. Current regulations – including the adaptation of Polish regulations to European Union standards – have introduced a limited validity period for the document and the requirement to update it periodically. Therefore, replacing a driving license has become a natural part of a driver's life, and keeping track of its validity is their responsibility. Neglecting to do so can result in a fine and even insurance coverage issues in the event of a collision.

In 2026, many drivers will encounter the need to obtain a new document for the first time. This applies to both those with valid driving licenses and those with old, permanent licenses, which will be subject to mandatory replacement in the coming years. This article explains who must apply for a driving license, the step-by-step procedure, the cost, and how the mObywatel app helps monitor the validity of their licenses. This way, the driver's license replacement process won't be a surprise, but a conscious and planned formality.

When will you need to exchange your driving license? Common situations

Not every visit to the office means losing your driving privileges – most often, it's simply a formality related to updating your driving license. Driving license replacement is mandatory in a few clearly defined cases. It's worth knowing these to avoid missing the deadline and driving with an invalid document.

Document expiry date – the most common reason

The most common reason is simply that the driving license has expired. As of January 19, 2013, all new documents for the following categories:

• AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, B+E, T

are issued for a maximum of 15 years. This means that after this period, you must exchange your driving license and obtain a new document – ​​even if there are no health contraindications.

For professional drivers (categories C, C+E, D, D+E) and those with specific health limitations, a document may be issued for a shorter period – usually 5 years. After this period, a new medical examination and a renewed driving license are required – exchanged at the office.

Important: The validity period applies to the document itself, not the authorization itself. However, driving with an invalid document is treated as not having a driver's license at a roadside inspection.

Change of personal data and damage to the document

The second group of situations is changes in personal data or physical damage to the document.

A name change (e.g., after marriage) requires submitting an application for a new document. In this case, you must obtain a new driving license with your current information.

It is worth clarifying one important issue:

Changing your address doesn't require exchanging your driving license these days. For several years now, the address has no longer been included on the document, so moving doesn't require a visit to the office.

An exchange also occurs when a document:

• was lost or stolen,
• has been damaged (e.g. crack, delamination of the plastic),
• has become unreadable (e.g. faded data, damaged photo).

In such situations, you should apply for a replacement driving license. The procedure is similar to a standard replacement; the only difference is the reason specified in the application.

A new driving license will be required not only after 15 years, but also if your personal information changes or the document no longer serves as identification. Therefore, it's important to regularly check the document's condition and expiration date.

Who needs to exchange their driving license in 2026?

For some drivers, 2026 will be a critical year. Although the mass exchange of permanent driving licenses won't begin until 2028, many people already need to pay attention to their expiration date. Driving license exchange doesn't apply to everyone at the same time – the obligation arises in specific cases, which are easily overlooked.

Drivers with documents issued in 2011 and 2012

The year 2026 is particularly important for drivers who obtained their driving licence just before the new regulations came into force in January 2013.

Why?

As of January 19, 2013, all new driving licenses (for categories B, A, and T, among others) are issued for a maximum of 15 years. This means that those who obtained their provisional driving licenses at the beginning of the new rules are now approaching the end of their validity.

In practice, in 2026, the driver's license exchange will apply to drivers whose document was issued for 15 years and whose expiration date falls in that year. It's worth checking field 4b on the document – ​​that's where the expiration date is located.

An important distinction:

If someone has a permanent driving license issued before 2013, they do not have to exchange it in 2026. The mandatory exchange of these documents is scheduled for the years 2028–2033.

Professional groups and people with scheduled medical examinations

Professional drivers and people with health limitations face the obligation to replace their document much earlier.

This applies in particular to the following categories:

• C, C+E, D, D+E

In these cases, the document is usually issued for 5 years, and its extension requires current medical and – in the case of professional drivers – psychological examinations.

If your driving test expires in 2026, you will need to apply for a new driving license. Failure to obtain a current license means you will no longer be able to legally practice driving.

It is worth remembering that:

• the expiration date of the authorization may differ from the expiration date of the form itself,
• extension requires prior testing,
• It is best to submit an application for a driving license well in advance.

In 2026, the driver's license renewal will primarily apply to drivers with valid documents issued after 2013 and those whose medical examinations are about to expire. Checking the date on the document takes just a few seconds and helps avoid unpleasant consequences during a roadside check.

Does a permanent driving license also need to be exchanged?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by drivers who have held a so-called "perpetual license" for years. Many assume that since the document doesn't have an expiration date, the obligation to exchange a perpetual license doesn't apply to them. Unfortunately, the regulations are clear on this matter.

Revolution in regulations – the end of the “perpetual validity” of documents

It is crucial to distinguish between two concepts:

• driving license,
• driving license document form.

Authorizations may be indefinite – especially in the case of category B issued before 2013. However, the document itself, as a physical data carrier, is subject to unification at the European Union level and must be replaced.

Under current regulations, all permanent driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013, will be required to be replaced between 2028 and 2033. The replacement schedule is universal, covering millions of drivers nationwide.

What does this mean in practice?

• there is no need to replace the document immediately,
• the obligation will occur within the specified period,
• the new driving license will have a specific validity date (maximum 15 years).

This is not a withdrawal of rights – it is an administrative replacement of the document in order to standardize the designs and security features.

Is it necessary to undergo a medical examination when exchanging a "perpetual" certificate?

This is the second issue that worries drivers. The good news is that in most cases, when exchanging a category B driving license, a medical examination is not required.

If the original document did not contain any health restrictions and there were no medical indications, the replacement consists solely of submitting an application and obtaining a new form.

A medical examination will only be needed if:

• the driving license includes a medical restriction code (e.g. the requirement to wear glasses when driving is not a problem – but other restrictions may be relevant),
• the office will request their presentation due to special circumstances,
• the driver has professional categories requiring periodic examinations.

In practice, for most drivers with old, permanent driving licenses, the procedure will be simple and will come down to a formal exchange of the document.

A "perpetual" driving license doesn't mean it's valid forever. Everyone will be required to replace their license between 2028 and 2033, but in typical cases, this doesn't involve any additional tests or exams.

How to check the validity period of your driving license?

Many drivers don't remember the exact date their license was issued, and its expiration date can only be revealed during a roadside inspection. However, checking this information takes just a few dozen seconds. It's worth doing this regularly, especially if you're planning to renew your license.

Physical document – ​​where to look for the date?

The easiest way is to check your plastic driving license. Information about its validity period can be found on the back of the license, in a table covering the individual categories.

The key are:

• column 11 – date of issue of the authorization for a given category,
• column 12 – validity date of the authorization (i.e. the period until which the document is valid).

If a specific date appears in column 12 (e.g., May 14, 2026), it means that the document will need to be replaced after that date. For older, open-ended documents, the column may not include a date, but as explained earlier, they are also subject to mandatory replacement between 2028 and 2033.

It is worth checking each category separately, because, for example, category B may have a different expiry date than C or D.

Digital conveniences: mObywatel and online systems

Modern solutions significantly simplify document verification. The mObywatel driving license app allows you to check the validity of your driving license without having to pull out the physical document.

In the mObywatel application:

• we select the "Driving License" module,
• we can see the current status of permissions,
• we can check the validity date of the document.

Additionally, the "Check Your Entitlements" service is available on the gov.pl website. After logging in with a trusted profile, you can verify the data stored in the CEPiK system, including the expiration date of your driving license.

This is especially useful when:

• the document was lost,
• we don't have it with us,
• We want to make sure that the deadline for exchanging our driving license is approaching.

Regularly checking data in the system – both in the mObywatel application and via the gov.pl website – allows you to avoid driving with an invalid document and the related legal consequences.

How to exchange your driving license? Step-by-step procedure

Replacing your driving license isn't complicated, but it's worth approaching it as a checklist. This will help you avoid being asked to fill in missing information, which will unnecessarily prolong the process. Below, you'll find a practical step-by-step guide to issuing a driver's license after the exchange, without any official jargon.

Documents required to submit an application

To apply for a replacement driving licence, you most often need:

• application for a driving license (official form – available at gov.pl and at the office),
• a recent photo – standard for documents (35 × 45 mm, on a light background, photo taken no earlier than 6 months ago),
• current driving license (available for inspection or attached – depending on the case),
• confirmation of the fee for issuing the document,
• identity document (ID card or passport),
• medical certificate (only if required – e.g. for professional categories or health restrictions).

A practical note: a photo is a common cause of rejection. If it doesn't meet the requirements (format, background, relevance), the office may refuse to accept the application and request a new one.

Costs and waiting time for a new driving license

How much does it cost to exchange a driving license?

Under the standard procedure, the fee for issuing a document is PLN 100. In some paths/offices, you may encounter an amount of PLN 100.50 (PLN 100 + PLN 0.50 registration fee) – the office will provide the correct amount and account number.

Where to pay?

Typically: office cashier's office or transfer to the office's account (the account number is available from your district office/municipal office). Confirmation of payment must be attached to the application.

How long does the wait last?

Most often: within one month of submitting a complete application (usually sooner). In cases requiring clarification, the office may take up to two months. You can check the document's production status online, for example, at Kierownik.pwpw.pl or Info-Car.pl.

Online application vs. office visit

In the case of a classic driving license exchange (e.g. expiration, name change), the gov.pl portal indicates two main ways of submitting documents:

• in person at the office,
• by post (you send a complete set of documents).

In practice, this means that full, paperless, click-and-click exchange is limited – and you'll usually still need to provide the required attachments (e.g., a photo) and proof of payment. It's safest to follow the instructions from your local office (county office/municipal office), as organizational details may vary.

If you want, in the next section I can add a short "cheat sheet" (mini-checklist) to print: what to prepare, what to check, when to submit the application so as not to be left with an invalid document.

What can you lose your driving license for?

A driving license can be replaced, not just replaced – it can also be lost. In some cases, the decision is made automatically (e.g., after exceeding the points limit), while in others, an administrative decision from the district governor or a court order is required. It's important to be aware of these situations, as losing your license not only means a driving ban but often also requires retaking the driving test.

Exceeding the penalty point limit and recklessness

One of the most common reasons for losing your driving licence is exceeding the permitted limit of penalty points.

The following limits currently apply:

• 24 penalty points – for drivers who have held a driving license for more than one year,
• 20 penalty points – for drivers in the first year of obtaining their driving license.

Once the limit is exceeded, the district governor issues a decision revoking the driving license. In practice, this means that the driver must retake the state exam (both theoretical and practical).

A second, very common situation is when a driver's license is suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area. In this case, the document is suspended for three months. If the driver continues to drive despite the ban, this period may be extended or even result in the license being revoked entirely.

This is an example of regulations that are preventative in nature – their aim is to reduce reckless driving and improve road safety.

Driving under the influence and health

The most serious consequences are for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Depending on the blood alcohol concentration, we talk about:

• standing under the influence of alcohol (offense),
• intoxication (crime).

In the case of a criminal offense, the court may impose a driving ban for several years, or in extreme cases, for life. Revocation of driving privileges requires the driver to complete the entire licensing process again after the ban ends.

A driving license can also be lost for health reasons. If a doctor determines there are no contraindications to driving for a specified period of time, or if a doctor determines permanent contraindications (e.g., serious neurological conditions, significant vision impairment), the district governor (starosta) may issue a decision to revoke the license.

In such situations, it is crucial to distinguish:

• retention of a document (e.g. by the police),
• withdrawal of rights by administrative or court decision.

Losing your driving license is a real consequence of serious violations or safety hazards. Therefore, keeping your penalty points, driving sensibly, and taking care of your health are not only a matter of responsibility but also a way to avoid the long and costly road to legal driving again.

Can you lose your driving license indefinitely?

Many drivers who hold old, permanent driving licenses assume that because the document has no expiration date, they are not at risk of losing their license. This is a mistake. "Permanent driving" only applies to the administrative form of the pre-2013 license – it does not protect against revocation by a court or administrative body.

Loss of rights and validity period of the form

The key distinction is:

• validity of the document (form),
• having the right to drive vehicles.

Even if someone has a permanent driving licence issued many years ago, the police can confiscate it and the court can order a driving ban – exactly under the same rules as in the case of a permanent licence.

Perpetuity does not protect against:

• exceeding the penalty point limit,
• driving under the influence of alcohol,
• serious traffic offense,
• administrative decision to withdraw authorization.

In practice, this means that perpetual driving licenses are subject to the same liability regulations as new documents. The difference concerns only the validity period of the document – ​​not the scope of the driver's liability.

When does a permanent driving license become invalid?

A perpetual driving licence can "expire" in several situations – even if it does not formally have an end date.

The most common cases are:

1. Withdrawal of authorizations by decision of the staroste – e.g. after exceeding the point limit.
2. Driving ban ordered by the court.
3. Negative medical report – if the doctor determines that there are health contraindications to driving.

In the latter case, a situation is possible in which:

• the existing indefinite rights are withdrawn,
• After re-verification of health, a new driving license is issued with a specified validity period (e.g. 5 or 10 years).

This means that even people with a document from before 2013 can receive a temporary document as a result of a change in their health status.

It's also worth remembering that between 2028 and 2033, there will be a mandatory exchange of permanent driving licenses for a document with a specified validity period (maximum 15 years). The exchange itself does not mean a loss of entitlement – ​​it is merely an administrative standardization of documents.

A permanent driving licence does not provide a "lifetime guarantee" of driving privileges. The licence can be revoked for the same reasons as a permanent licence – and in some situations, reissuance of the licence will be subject to a limited validity period.