Can I drive in Poland with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Poland for up to 6 months.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Poland, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | 1968 | You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence. If you have a paper driving licence, you’ll need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Poland: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Poland for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
When driving, always bring your:
- driving licence
- ID
- car registration document
- insurance documents
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. Most car rental companies will not allow you to take a hire car across the Poland-Ukraine border.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Poland travel advice, page updated 11 August 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Poland
Hiring a car in Poland? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Taking your dog or cat? Pet rules from the UK to Poland: animal health certificate, rabies
Other licences in Poland
| Licence | In Poland | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Poland
- British passport: Poland entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Poland
- Australian passport: Poland
- Italian citizens: Polonia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Poland with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Poland for up to 6 months.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Poland, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Poland with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Poland for up to 6 months.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Poland?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Poland.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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