Obtaining a taxi license in Poland involves a number of formalities and fees. The cost of a taxi license in Poland depends on many factors, including location, validity period, and the number of vehicles covered by the license.
Licenses valid for a longer period are more profitable in the long run, although they require a higher initial investment. Since 2025, there have been many changes that affect both the issuance of a taxi license and the subsequent costs of maintaining it.
Regional variations in taxi driver license costs
Warsaw - the most expensive taxi licenses in the country
The capital is the clear leader when it comes to the cost of a taxi license in Warsaw . The fee for a taxi license valid for 30–50 years is PLN 450, and the fee for registration in the taxi license (i.e. the cost of the registration for one vehicle) is an additional 11%, or PLN 49.50. In total, this amounts to PLN 499.50. Additionally, a new registration fee applies – PLN 150.
Krakow - moderate costs and local requirements
In Krakow, the taxi license fee starts at PLN 200 and ends at PLN 300, depending on the license validity period . In addition, there is a fee for an extract from the taxi license (approx. PLN 22–33). The city also requires an additional declaration of no tax criminal record (administrative cost: PLN 17).
Wrocław – an ecological approach
In Wrocław, having a taxi license is one thing, but meeting the technical requirements is another. The city plans to introduce a requirement for older vehicles to have an environmental certificate (cost: PLN 200 per year). Issuing a taxi license costs from PLN 250 here, and an extract from the taxi license is another 11%. Training in serving people with disabilities is also required - PLN 150.
Urban-rural communes – the cheapest solution
In small communes, such as Żukowo, Kartuzy, Braniewo, Pelplin or Puck , the cost of a taxi license is around PLN 200 (for 2–15 years). The fee for registration for a taxi license is only PLN 22. The conditions are more lenient – older vehicles are allowed after an additional technical inspection of the taxi .
Cities neighbouring with agglomerations
In municipalities bordering large cities, the taxi license fee is usually between PLN 250 and PLN 280. Local authorities often offer discounts – for example, for people who provide transport at night or transport people with disabilities or cooperate with non-governmental organizations.
What are the requirements for obtaining a taxi license?
In order to be able to practice as a taxi driver and obtain a license, you must:
submit an application with a complete set of documents,
have a category B driving license ,
submit a current certificate of no criminal record (cost: approx. PLN 30),
undergo medical examinations for taxi drivers (300–400 PLN),
undergo psychotechnical tests for taxi drivers (PLN 150–250),
show valid third party liability insurance
The total cost of the psychotechnical, medical and document examination is approximately PLN 600. Everything must be submitted before the day of obtaining the license .
What do administrative procedures look like?
The license application form is available in the Public Information Bulletin or on the city hall website.
From 2025, applications will be submitted electronically via the e-Office (in cities with >100,000 inhabitants).
It takes an average of 14 business days to issue a license.
In case of loss of the document it is possible to issue a duplicate license . A duplicate taxi license costs from 10% to 25% of the basic rate.
What are the additional fees and costs of equipping a taxi for startup?
Taximeter : PLN 800–1200 (Kasotaksowmet costs up to PLN 3500)
GPS system: about PLN 200/year
Internal cameras: 500–900 PLN
Payment terminal : 30-50 PLN/month
Vehicle marking: about PLN 200 - 400
Annual technical inspection of a taxi : PLN 140. PLN 100 standard inspection plus PLN 40 for checking the suitability for transporting people by taxi
The cost of a taxi technical inspection (including additional requirements): approximately PLN 140
What is the future of taxi licensing?
The Ministry of Infrastructure has long been announcing a reform of the taxi licensing system, which is to come into force in 2026–2030.
It is planned to introduce a single national tariff:
PLN 300 for municipalities with less than 50,000 inhabitants,
PLN 400 for cities with 50,000 to 500,000 inhabitants,
PLN 500 for the largest metropolises.
Sounds simple? On paper, yes. In practice, however, it may be completely different. Plans of this type have been announced many times and then abandoned or significantly changed.
That is why the taxi community approaches these declarations with a great deal of skepticism.
The idea of introducing a single, nationwide taxi license, which would replace the current system of local permits, has been discussed for years.
Such a model would be beneficial primarily for large technology platforms and international corporations that could operate without any obstacles throughout the country.
Their influence – both in business and politics – is becoming more and more visible, so it is hard to resist the impression that the direction of change has already been decided.
On the other hand, limiting the role of local governments in the licensing process could have negative consequences for local drivers and passengers – including loss of control over service standards and transport safety.
Although nothing has been officially decided yet, everything indicates that the current system will undergo a major transformation in the coming years.
Will the changes bring the desired simplification, or will they deepen the inequalities in the industry? For now, all that remains is to wait – and to closely monitor how the situation develops.
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