Welcome to Poland
Transportation in Poland
Stars and Stripes
August 19, 2024
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Common options that permanent-party personnel use to get around are motorcycles, mopeds, scooter rentals, bicycles and public transport, where available.
In Poznań, public transport is organized by Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego (ZTM) - Urban Transport Authority.
Download the free “Jakdojade” app to coordinate public transportation by bus or tram. You purchase your tickets on the app.
Many shopping centers are within walking/biking distance of the base and housing developments.
Poznań Tram and Bus Stops
Taxis: Uber, Free Now, Bolt
The U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR) driver’s license is recommended but not mandatory. This allows service members, civilians and their family members to drive in Poland and Germany without attaining a local Polish driver’s license. As part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), Polish authorities will recognize a U.S. driver’s license from a service member, civilian, dependent or contractor as long as they are at least 18 years old. You may be issued a translation of your license, so please present this along with your U.S. license when requested by Polish authorities.
USAREUR-AF Online Driver’s License Testing The USAREUR-AF Driver’s Certificate training and exam can be taken on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). Individuals with a Common Access Card (CAC) can login to JKO and create an account. Non-CAC holders must request a sponsored account by signing up with JKO. Sponsored accounts must use the USER ID and PASSWORD issued by JKO to access the system. Log into JKO and search the catalog for the course code USA 007. The course must be completed before the exam, USA 007B. Once completed, the scores are valid for 60 days. You must apply for a USAREUR license within the 60-day window. After, you must retake the exam for your score to be considered valid.
Bring your certificate of completion to the POV registration office, along with your U.S. driver’s license, U.S. Forces ID Card, international driver’s license, official orders and proof of payment.
If over the age of 65, bring a current vision test from an optometrist.
Note: USAREUR licenses applications in Poland are routed through registration offices in Germany, so additional processing time may be required.
International Drivers Licenses and State License Extensions We recommend all personnel obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA prior to arrival. Generally, international drivers [from outside of the European Union (EU)] require an IDP for driving in Poland or to rent a vehicle. Make sure your state license is valid throughout your stay, as the military exceptions granted by some U.S. states which allow military members to drive on expired licenses ARE NOT ACCEPTED OVERSEAS. Visit aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html.
POV Registration Office: Camp Kościuszko, Poznan. Bldg. 28, Room 18
The POV Registration Office should be one of your first stops if you plan to drive a POV in Poland. Appointments with an off-installation inspection station and Poznan’s registration department (DMV) are needed. It is important to schedule these two appointments through the POV Registration Office as soon as possible. It is recommended to schedule them prior to your arrival, and especially prior to your vehicle’s arrival in Poland.
To start the registration process, be prepared to send the following documents to the POV Registration Office.
Orders
US Driver’s License
Passport
Car title / registration (U.S. vehicles)
Registration / title (EU vehicles)
Vehicle Inspection
Each vehicle must be inspected before your Polish DMV registration appointment. After the first inspection, the vehicle needs an annual inspection. Before the initial inspection in Poland make sure that your car is in a good technical state and that you don’t have tinted windows on the front side windows as they are not legal in Poland. There is an option to take off tinting at the inspection station, free of charge. Please see the garrison website for a list of exemptions from Polish technical requirements.
Fuel
There is no gas station on the installation, so you will have to fuel up on the economy. There are no fuel cards.
Insurance
In Poland you have two types of insurance:
OC – Liability insurance (compulsory)
AC ( Autocasco ) – Full coverage insurance ( non-compulsory)
See the POV Registration Office for a list of Polish insurance options. USAA does not currently insure vehicles in Poland.
To insure your vehicle in Poland, it must first be registered in the Polish system, the local DMV, which is done via your appointment with the POV Registration Office.
There is an option to get short term insurance (30+ days) that allows you to drive with your U.S. plates, if needed. With short term insurance you can use the vehicle prior to your Polish DMV registration and before you get a Polish insurance plan, but it is recommended to keep this driving to a minimum.
If you shipped a vehicle to Poland, it will take at least 45-60 days to arrive. It’s important that you do not send any of your vehicle documents with your HHG. Bring the documents in your personal baggage. Vehicles must be picked up in person at the Poznań-Ławica Airport.
The owner must bring the vehicle’s valid registration documents for pick up.
Requirements Make sure you hand-carry the following original documents when traveling overseas:
Original title
Original Bill of Sale (Very important - This is your primary proof of ownership in Poland. If you cannot locate it, ask the dealer for a duplicate.)
Current registration document from previous station (the actual registration document, not just a fee payment confirmation).
Vehicle recall verification (proof you took care of any factory recalls)
Current and valid license plates
Driver’s record from your previous insurance company covering the last seven years.
If you don’t have a clear title for your vehicle (i.e. your bank holds a lien on the title), there are additional requirements and paperwork needed prior to shipping your vehicle from the U.S. You will need a prior written bank consent to register the vehicle in Poland. The process to obtain such authorization might take weeks or months, so it is essential that you complete it before shipping your vehicle.
If your vehicle is old, or has body damage, it might be difficult to pass the required local inspection, and repairs may be required to complete the inspection.
Vehicles shipped directly to Poland must have a valid registration (U.S. plate, import plate, or EU plate).
Vehicles must have basic insurance before they can be driven.
You have the option to buy a new or used car from dealers and private sellers in Poland. Buying a vehicle in compliance with U.S. specification from another military member is tax free. Be aware that vehicles sold in local dealerships are not in compliance with U.S. specification. If you buy a vehicle in Poland, contact your local vehicle registration office for guidance.
All vehicles are required to be insured and registered (registration first, insurance second) with the POV registration office.
There is no established value-added tax (VAT) program in Poland. If you wish to purchase a vehicle and take advantage of a VAT program, members can purchase a vehicle from a dealer in Germany and drive or ship the vehicle to their duty station in Poland.