A taxi licence in Poland (licencja taxi) is required for anyone carrying passengers for payment through Uber, Bolt or FreeNow, and for fleet owners. This guide explains where to apply, what it costs in 2026, which documents to prepare and how to get the TAXI entry on your vehicle. Fees and procedures can change, so check your local office (urząd) website before applying.
What a taxi licence is and who needs one
It is an official permit to carry passengers in a passenger car, issued by a local authority. Under Polish rules (often called the Lex Uber), rides on ride-hailing apps must be carried out in a vehicle with a valid TAXI licence by a driver who meets the statutory requirements.
If you work through a fleet partner, their licence usually covers your car: the partner adds the vehicle to their licence and obtains an extract (wypis) for it. You need your own company and licence if you want to run your own business and settle with the platforms directly.
Where to apply
You apply to the authority responsible for the area where you will operate:
- City office, licensing and transport department (urząd miasta): for rides within a city or municipality, such as Warsaw or Kraków.
- County office (starostwo powiatowe): when the licence covers a county made up of several neighbouring municipalities.
A licence is issued for a specific area. If you plan to drive in Warsaw, apply to Warsaw’s transport department.
What it costs in 2026
The price depends on the licence term, which by law runs from 2 to 50 years. The official fees, as stated in our Polish source, are:
| Licence term | Licence fee | Fee per vehicle extract |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 15 years | 200 PLN | 22 PLN |
| over 15 to 30 years | 250 PLN | 27.50 PLN |
| over 30 to 50 years | 300 PLN | 33 PLN |
These are official fees only. Add the medical and psychological examinations (roughly 350 to 400 PLN) and the vehicle inspection (around 98 PLN). All figures are approximate, so confirm current amounts on your office’s website.
Document checklist
To avoid requests for corrections, prepare the following:
- The completed application for a TAXI licence (available on the office website or at the counter).
- A criminal record certificate from the National Criminal Register (KRK), issued no more than 30 days before you apply. It costs about 30 PLN online or 50 PLN in court.
- A medical certificate confirming no health contraindications to working as a taxi driver.
- A psychological certificate confirming no psychological contraindications.
- A copy of your valid driving licence (category B).
- A copy of the vehicle registration document with the TAXI entry, or a certificate of a positive TAXI inspection.
- Proof of payment of the licence and extract fees.
Driving licences for foreigners
Since 2024, drivers on ride-hailing apps in Poland generally need a Polish driving licence; foreign licences are no longer enough. If you hold one from another country, ask the urząd how to exchange it and what applies in your case. Rules can change, so verify the current procedure.
How long it takes and how to speed it up
The statutory time to process an application is up to 30 days from submission of the complete documents. In big cities during busy periods it can stretch, and our Polish source mentions up to 45 days.
The fastest route is usually to apply online through ePUAP using a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) and to complete all medical checks before visiting the office. Availability of a Trusted Profile for foreigners can vary, so ask in advance.
The TAXI entry on the registration document
Before you request an extract for a specific car, the vehicle must pass an additional inspection:
- Book the TAXI inspection at a vehicle inspection station (SKP), roughly 43 to 98 PLN.
- The inspector checks the equipment: first-aid kit, spare wheel or repair kit, taximeter or virtual cash register and, where required, markings.
- With the certificate, go to the vehicle registration office (wydział komunikacji), where the TAXI annotation is entered in the registration document.
Own licence or a fleet partner’s licence
- If you work through a fleet partner: you do not need your own company licence. The partner adds the car to their licence and obtains the extract.
- If you set up your own company (JDG) and settle directly with Uber or Bolt: you must complete the whole procedure and obtain a licence for your own business.
For the wider picture, read how to become a Bolt and Uber fleet partner in Poland.
Why applications get refused
- The applicant or driver has been finally convicted of intentional offences against life, health, sexual freedom, property or road safety.
- The medical or psychological opinion shows contraindications.
- The vehicle does not meet the technical requirements for taxis in that municipality.
Once you have the licence
With the licence in hand you add cars, hire drivers and connect to the platforms. To avoid spending hours each week on manual calculations, you can use TwojaFlota: it imports Bolt, Uber and FreeNow reports, calculates driver payouts, sends them PDF statements and stores contracts and handover protocols with photos. Pricing is 200 PLN net per month or 1,200 PLN net per year, with unlimited cars and drivers and a 30-day free trial without a card.
Explore the home page or start your free trial. To see how payouts work, read Bolt and Uber driver settlements in Poland.
FAQ
How much does a taxi licence cost in Poland?
The fee for a licence of 2 to 15 years is 200 PLN, plus 22 PLN per vehicle extract. Add the costs of examinations and the inspection.
How long does it take?
By law up to 30 days after a complete application. Large cities can be slower in busy periods.
Can I drive for Uber or Bolt without my own licence?
Yes, if you work through a fleet partner who adds your car to their licence.
Do I need a Polish driving licence?
Since 2024, generally yes. Check the current rules with your local office.