Destinations / Poland
Driving in Poland as a visitor
Usually yes. Poland expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Poland expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 140 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in PLN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on day and night, all year. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
| Tolls | Electronic tolls (e-TOLL) on expressways. |
On the road in Poland
At the pump
Petrol (Pb95/Pb98), diesel (ON) and LPG are widely sold; most stations are self-service with full card acceptance. Prices are among the lower in the EU.
After a crash
Call 112 (single emergency number; 997 police direct). For injuries you must call police; for minor damage drivers may settle amicably with a signed European accident statement and exchange of insurance details.
Sources: tollguru.com · winiety24.eu · visitpolska.info · kaizenrent.pl
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Poland?
Usually yes. Poland expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Poland accept?
Poland recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Poland ask for one?
Warsaw and Kraków desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.