Ukrainian driving licences in the EU: recognition extended until 4 March 2027

Ukrainians with temporary protection status can continue to drive in the European Union on their Ukrainian driving licence — without exchanging it for a local one, without a notarised translation and without an international permit. This right lasts for as long as temporary protection lasts, and it has been extended until 4 March 2027 (Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460 of 15 July 2025). In other words, EU-level recognition of Ukrainian licences automatically applies at least until that date.

What exactly has changed

No separate new "2026 licence law" has appeared. Something else changed: the EU extended temporary protection itself until 4 March 2027, and since recognition of Ukrainian licences is tied to this status, it was extended along with it. Previously the reference point was the earlier cut-off date — 4 March 2026. Now the countdown runs to 4 March 2027 (or earlier, if you lose protection status).

Legal basis

The right to drive in the EU on a Ukrainian licence is set out in Regulation (EU) 2022/1280 of 18 July 2022. Its Article 3 provides that valid driving licences issued by Ukraine are recognised throughout the Union for as long as their holders enjoy temporary protection. The same article expressly prohibits requiring a certified translation or an international driving permit. This rule is binding on all 27 Member States.

Note separately that the EU Council Recommendation of 16 September 2025 on the gradual transition out of temporary protection does not concern driving licences separately. It is about switching to other residence permits, return and information support. Licences are still governed by the current Regulation 2022/1280.

Who this concerns

• Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status (in different countries it is labelled differently: UKR status, PESEL UKR, etc.).
• Holders of a valid Ukrainian driving licence — paper or plastic, including old-format ones in Cyrillic only.

If your licence expired on 31 December 2021 or earlier, these simplifications do not apply to it. A licence that expired after 31 December 2021 is considered valid only if Ukraine has officially extended its validity; otherwise it must be renewed or exchanged under the general rules.

Do you need to exchange your licence for a national one

At EU level, while your temporary protection is valid, exchange is not mandatory. But exchange will become necessary in typical situations:

• when you move from temporary protection to another residence permit (work, study, family reunification);
• when you work as a professional driver (truck, bus, taxi) — this usually requires a national licence of the country of residence;
• after temporary protection ends, if you stay in the country long-term.

How it works by country

Poland

Under current guidance (in particular from the Rule of Law Institute and specialist lawyers), a person with temporary protection status (PESEL UKR) may use a valid Ukrainian driving licence without exchange at least for as long as the EU-level temporary protection mechanism lasts — currently 4 March 2027. There is no obligation for PESEL UKR holders to exchange their licence for a Polish one. The Polish special law has historically tied the domestic deadline to the temporary protection date (previously 4 March 2026), and it was extended along with protection, so we advise checking the current date with the local urząd (starostwo). By contrast, for people without temporary protection status, exchange is mandatory after 185 days of residence, and working as a driver always requires a Polish licence.

Germany

According to official information from the Germany4Ukraine portal, while protection status is valid, nothing needs to be done — the Ukrainian licence is recognised (including ones expired after 31 December 2021). An exchange ("Umschreibung") at the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde will only be needed by those planning to stay long-term after protection ends.

Czechia

According to the Czech Ministry of Transport, a Ukrainian licence may be used without exchange throughout the protection period, including old Cyrillic-only licences — without an additional certified translation or an international permit.

What to do now

1. Check that your Ukrainian licence is valid (not expired) and that you have valid temporary protection status.
2. Keep with you a document confirming your protection status — you may be asked for it during a roadside check.
3. If you plan to change your residence status or work as a driver, find out about the exchange at your local authority in advance, as the procedure may take weeks.
4. If you are in Poland, for full certainty check the current date with your local urząd, but bear in mind: under current guidance, exchange is not mandatory for PESEL UKR holders while temporary protection lasts.

The exact conditions, document lists and exchange deadlines differ from country to country — always check with the official source of your country of residence.