Common options that permanent-party personnel use to get around are motorcycles, mopeds, scooter rentals, bicycles and public transport, where available.

Public transportation in Poland is extensive and effcient.

Throughout Poland

Downloading the free Jakdojade App is useful; it can be used for public transportation planning and purchasing tickets across Poland. The polishtrains.eu website is a user-friendly option for buying inter-city train tickets from the many train companies in the country.

Poznań

The trams and busses in Poznań are organized by the Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego (ZTM).

There are multiple ways to buy tickets:

• Paying with card or cash at ticket machines, available at major tram/bus stops.

• The Jakdojade App

• A PEKA card, which can be used as a debit account for discounted rates or a subscription for unlimited riding.

• www.ztm.poznan.pl

All military and civilian personnel, their family members and any DOW employees stationed in Poland must get a U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR) driver’s li cense if they will be driving a privately-owned vehicle (POV) or government-owned vehicle (GOV).

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.

• 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 exceptioWe 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.

Vehicles must be registered within 30 days of importation.

1. Submit paperwork

1. Email PDF copies of the following required documents to bartlomiej.j.lotocki.ctr@army.mil.

2. Current registration document (US or USAREUR-AF). Note: If the vehicle is not currently registered, you must submit the title and a letter from the lienholder bank (if applicable) authorizing registration in Poland.

3. Orders or LOI with authorization for POV registration

4. Copy of valid U.S. drivers license

5. Copy of valid U.S. passport

2. Vehicle Inspection

1. Vehicles must pass a technical inspection before visiting the DMV. Walk-ins are available at the POV office on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

3. Schedule an appointment at the DMV. Bring all paperwork, inspection pass, valid ID and proof of Polish insurance.

In Poland, all vehicles, even if they are not being driven, must carry insurance.

There are 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.

SHIPPED VEHICLES

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 Poznan-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 (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.

There is no gas station on the installation, so you will have to fuel up on the economy. There are no fuel cards.

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.

Welcome to Poland

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