Marcin Koziak The electronic driver’s license – who can get one and when is it valid?
Table of contents
What is an electronic driver’s license?
The electronic driver’s license, available in the mObywatel 2.0 application, is a modern form of the document authorizing you to drive a vehicle. It is a digital version of the traditional driver’s license that allows you to drive from the moment you pass the exam, without having to wait for the physical document to be issued.
The temporary nature of this driver’s license is intended to make life easier for new drivers by allowing them to drive legally as soon as they pass their test. However, drivers in Poland are not currently required to have a physical version of their driver’s license when driving. In the event of a road check, a photo ID document is sufficient to confirm their right to drive.
When is an electronic driver’s license valid?
The temporary electronic driver’s license was introduced in Poland in August 2023. This, in response to a growing need for digitization of public services and facilitating access to important documents for citizens. The electronic version of the driver’s license applies to categories B, B1, A, A1, A2, AM, B+E and T, which is a significant convenience for a wide group of drivers.
Before this solution was introduced, drivers after passing the state exam were able to drive only once the plastic document was produced. In practice, it came down to having to wait to collect the physical document at the office, or at least until receiving information that the driver’s license was ready for collection.
How to obtain a temporary electronic driver’s license
The process of obtaining a temporary electronic driver’s license is automatic and does not require additional actions on the part of the candidate driver. After passing the exam, the appropriate data is entered into the system by the examiner, and the new document is automatically available in the mObywatel 2.0 app. However, it is worth installing the app on your mobile device before taking the exam to be notified about the availability of the document.
Electronic driver’s license – benefits
- quick access to the document
- ease of proving right to drive
- no need to have a physical version
- easier access to information about penalty points
- convenient use of car rental companies
- ability to use offline
Electronic suspension of driver’s license – how to get it reinstated?
In the case of an electronic suspension of a driver’s license, the process of reinstating it requires submitting the appropriate application after the suspension period is over. Information about the return of the driver’s license is sent to the central driver register, allowing you to use your driver’s license again.
mDriver’s license – not only temporary
The temporary electronic driver’s license is a significant step towards the digitization of public services, offering drivers a convenient and quick alternative to the traditional document. Its introduction makes life easier for new drivers and contributes to greater flexibility in using driver’s licenses. Moreover, the electronic version of the driver’s license is not limited to the period immediately after passing the state exam. After creating a plastic document, its digital (permanent) equivalent replaces the temporary version in the application.
FAQ
What driver’s license categories does the electronic version cover?
It includes categories B, B1, A, A1, A2, AM, B+E and T.
What is an electronic driver’s license?
The electronic driver’s license is a digital version of the traditional document, available in the mObywatel 2.0 application.
Does the electronic driver’s license replace the physical version?
In Poland, it is not required to carry a driver’s license when driving. All you need is a photo ID.
How is the temporary electronic driver’s license obtained?
The process is automatic. After passing the exam, the data is entered into the system and the new document becomes available in the mObywatel 2.0 application.
