Replacing a Driving License – When Do You Need to Replace Your Driving License?
Until recently, only a portion of drivers had to worry about the validity period of their entitlement to drive motor vehicles. Those who held non-expiring (indefinite) driving licenses were exempt from this. However, that belongs to the past, as regulations in this area have changed. So if you are a driver, you should check when the expiration of your document approaches. Find out now in what other cases you need to replace it, how much renewal costs, and what an extension looks like.
Replacing an Indefinite Driving License – When?
Let us begin with the issue that will affect the vast majority of current drivers. Previously, it was possible to receive a document issued with indefinite validity. Currently, every driving license has a maximum 15-year validity. Everyone who obtained their driving entitlements before the new regulations came into force will have to replace them between 2028 and 2033. New ones will already be issued with a specific expiration date. You must keep this in mind, because driving a car with a driving license document that has not been renewed carries the risk of a fine—it costs at least 1,500 PLN.
When Exactly Does a Driving License Expire?
Holders of indefinite driving licenses still have many years left for their replacement. However, in certain cases, one must apply for an extension of this document much sooner. When the expiration date falls depends on the entitlement category and medical recommendations in a given case.
The maximum validity period of a driving license for categories B, B1, B+E, A, A1, A2, AM, and T is 15 years. In turn, for categories C, C1, C1+E, C+E, D, D1, D+E, and D1+E, they must be replaced after 5 years.
Why do some receive a shorter renewal timeframe? This usually stems from health conditions. For example, individuals with a significant visual impairment may have the expiration of their driving license set even after just one year. Prior to the expiration date, medical examinations must be repeated—in this case, ophthalmological tests.
Individuals who will be replacing a document that was previously indefinite do not have to undergo medical examinations again. In such a situation, the validity is automatically extended by 15 years.
Name Change and Driving License Replacement
A change in personal data always brings about the necessity of obtaining new documents. It is no different in this case. Replacing a driving license after taking a new surname should take place within a maximum of 30 days from that moment. The good news is that you do not need to undergo medical check-ups upon renewal. You only pay for the document itself, so the entire process costs less compared to obtaining a new one due to expiration.
Incidentally, it is worth noting that you do not need to replace or extend your driving license if your registered address has changed—newer versions of the document no longer contain such information.
Damaged or Lost Driving License
Damage to the document to such an extent that it becomes illegible requires getting a new one. Of course, replacing a driving license is also necessary in case of loss or theft. In both cases, it costs the same as a new document. To replace your driving permit, you must report to the municipal office or complete an online application. Renewal is thus a procedure similar to extending the document’s validity period. It is worth remembering that if it is damaged, you must attach it to the application or provide a scan. If, on the other hand, it was lost or stolen, this fact should be reported to the Police beforehand.
How to Extend a Driving License?
Applications for this are submitted to institutions depending on your place of residence. The document can be replaced at the city hall (urząd miasta) or county starosty office (starostwo powiatowe). When the end of its validity is approaching, you can also opt for renewal via the internet, specifically through the ePUAP portal.
Applications for a driving license extension must have several documents attached (in the case of replacement online, you must send clear scans):
- proof of payment for renewal,
- a frontal-facing photograph measuring 35×45 mm,
- identity card (dowód osobisty) or passport,
- the original driving license.
The waiting time for renewal is up to 9 business days from the moment of submitting the application, and in exceptional situations it can be extended up to 2 months. It is therefore not worth waiting until the very last day before expiration, but rather to arrange the replacement a bit earlier.
How Much Does Replacing a Driving License Cost?
Surely this question interests many people the most, and unfortunately, extending this document is subject to a fee. After the expiration date, one must prepare for an additional expense. Fortunately, it is not high—how much does replacing and renewing a driving license cost? Currently, it is an amount of 100.50 PLN. An additional 200 PLN must be spent on medical examinations, but only in cases where they are required—this does not apply to individuals holding indefinite driving entitlements.
Remember About the Validity and Replacement of Your Driving License
A driver with an expired driving license who operates a car risks heavy fines. For this reason among others, you should always keep track of its expiration date. It is a good idea to set a reminder on your phone about the need for an extension or mark the date in your calendar or planner. There is no point in delaying renewal, since replacement costs little and allows you to avoid unpleasant consequences.
We hope this has dispelled all doubts regarding when to replace a driving license. And if you are just looking to obtain your driving entitlements, take advantage of our company’s help. On our website, you will find sets of questions that will allow you to professionally prepare for the theoretical part of the exam.
