A guide to the Hungarian ID card (személyazonosító igazolvány)

This in-depth explainer covers its purpose, features, application process, and additional details to provide a complete understanding of this essential document.

What is the Hungarian ID Card?

The Személyazonosító igazolvány is an official document issued by Hungary to certify a citizen’s identity and personal data, as outlined in Act LXVI of 1992 on the Registration of Personal Data and Address of Citizens. While possession of the ID card itself is not mandatory, Hungarian citizens aged 14 and older must carry at least one of the following identity documents:

• National identity card (személyi)

• Passport (for those under 17)

• Photo-card driving license (for those over 17)

The ID card has evolved over time, with three main types currently recognized:

1. Hard-covered, multi-page book: Issued before 1989 by the People’s Republic of Hungary, known as an internal passport.

2. Soft-cover, multi-page book: Issued post-1989, following Hungary’s democratic transition.

3. Plastic card: Introduced in 2000, known as the Personal Identity Card, with the latest version being the electronic eSzemélyi, launched on January 1, 2016.

The eSzemélyi incorporates an electronic chip, enhancing its functionality for electronic identification, qualified electronic signatures, and travel purposes. The card was first issued in its current form on August 2, 2021.

Key Details of the ID Card:

• Name: Személyazonosító igazolvány (személyi)

• Issued by: Hungary

• Purpose: Proof of identity

• Valid in: European Union, United Kingdom (under the EU Settlement Scheme), rest of Europe (except Belarus, Russia, Ukraine), Georgia, Montserrat (up to 14 days), Overseas France, Tunisia (organized tours), Turkey

• Eligibility: Hungarian citizens, with a mandatory requirement for those over 14 to have at least one form of ID

• Expiration:

  • 60 years for individuals aged 65 and over

  • 6 years for those aged 18–64

  • 3 years for those aged 12–18

• Card Contents:

  • Full name, maiden name (if applicable), birth date and place, mother’s name, sex, validity period, issuing authority

  • Unique ID number (6 numbers, 2 letters)

  • Note: Residential address and personal ID number are not included on the card but are found on a separate lakcímkártya (Address Card)

• Other Valid Documents: Passports (blue or red, with RFID chip) and driver’s licenses are also acceptable, but at least one must be carried at all times

• Usage: Essential for voting in state elections and often required for opening bank accounts, though passports and driver’s licenses are now also accepted

Why is the Hungarian ID Card Important?

The Hungarian ID card serves multiple critical functions, making it a cornerstone of civic life in Hungary. Here are the primary reasons it is needed:

1. Identification: The ID card is the primary document for proving identity in Hungary. It is required for official transactions, such as opening bank accounts, signing contracts, accessing healthcare services, and interacting with government agencies.

2. Travel: The card is accepted for travel within the European Union (excluding Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine) and to select non-EU destinations, including Georgia, Montserrat (for up to 14 days), Overseas France, Tunisia (for organized tours), and Turkey. This makes it a convenient alternative to a passport for short trips.

3. Legal Requirement: While the ID card itself is not compulsory, Hungarian law mandates that citizens aged 14 and above carry at least one form of identification (ID card, passport, or driver’s license). This ensures that individuals can verify their identity when required.

4. Electronic Services: The eSzemélyi includes a chip that stores biometric data (photo, fingerprints for those over 12, and signature for those over 12), enabling electronic public identification and qualified electronic signatures. This facilitates secure online interactions with government services, such as tax filings or social security applications.

How to Obtain a Hungarian ID Card

The process for obtaining a Hungarian ID card depends on whether the applicant is in Hungary or abroad. Below are the detailed steps for each scenario.

For Hungarian Citizens in Hungary:

• Eligibility: Any Hungarian citizen can apply, including newborns after birth registration.

• Required Documents:

  • A valid or recently expired Hungarian ID card or passport (for renewals or replacements)

  • A lakcímkártya (Address Card) to verify the residential address

• Application Process:

  • Applications are submitted at local government offices (járási hivatal) or designated government offices (kormányablak).

  • Applicants must provide the required documents, and a photo and fingerprints are taken on-site (for those over 6 years old).

  • For first-time applications or changes in personal data (e.g., name change), additional verification may be needed, which could extend processing time.

• Fees: Issuing an ID card is free of charge once per year, as stipulated by the Act on Fees. Additional issuances within the same year may incur a fee.

• Processing Time: Typically around 60 days, though this may vary depending on data verification needs.

For Hungarian Citizens Abroad:

• Eligibility: Only Hungarian citizens can apply at Hungarian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates), and only for permanent ID cards, not temporary ones.

• Required Documents:

  • A valid or recently expired Hungarian ID card or passport

  • Proof of address in the country of residence (e.g., a residence permit or equivalent document)

  • For first-time applicants without a valid ID or passport, additional documents like a birth certificate may be required

• Application Process:

  • Applications must be submitted in person at a Hungarian embassy or consulate, with a prior appointment booked through the consulate’s online reservation system.

  • A photo and fingerprints are taken during the application process. For children under 6, a biometric photo must be provided, as consulates do not take photos for this age group.

  • Applicants receive a PIN envelope containing a plastic card with the PIN and PUK codes needed to activate the eSzemélyi’s electronic services.

• Special Notes:

  • If an applicant has a valid ID card, it must be surrendered upon receiving the new one.

  • If the ID card is lost or stolen, a declaration must be made, and an official report is drawn up at the consulate.

  • Fingerprinting is mandatory unless the applicant is physically unable to provide fingerprints, in which case certain electronic functions may be inactive.

Table: Comparison of Application Processes

Additional Details

• Renewal and Replacement:

  • ID cards can be renewed or replaced in cases of:

    • Changes in personal data (e.g., name, address)

    • Loss, theft, or damage

    • Expiration or nearing expiration (applications can be submitted 60 days before expiry)

    • Reaching age 70, when a 10-year validity card can be requested

  • Lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately, and a replacement application can be filed, potentially incurring a fee if it’s the second issuance within a year.

• Electronic Features:

  • The eSzemélyi’s chip stores biometric data, including:

    • Photo (all ages)

    • Fingerprints (for those over 12, mandatory unless physically unable)

    • Signature (for those over 12)

  • These features enable secure electronic identification and signatures, useful for online government services like Ügyfélkapu (Client Gate).

  • Applicants receive a PIN and PUK code to activate these services, which can be changed after receiving the card.

• For Minors:

  • Children can apply for an ID card after their birth is registered and they receive a birth certificate and lakcímkártya.

  • Parents or guardians must accompany children under 14 during the application process.

  • For children aged 6–12, a photo and fingerprints are required (no signature). For those under 6, only a photo is needed, which must be provided as consulates cannot take photos for this age group.

  • Only one parent’s presence and signature are required, and no additional parental consent documentation is needed unless parental rights are in question.

• Travel Purposes:

  • The ID card is a convenient alternative to a passport for travel within the EU and to select non-EU countries, reducing the need to carry a more valuable document for short trips.

  • For foreign nationals with Hungarian-issued ID cards (e.g., those with permanent residence), the card is not valid for international travel.

• Address Information:

  • Unlike some national ID cards, the Hungarian ID card does not include the holder’s residential address. This information is recorded on a separate lakcímkártya (Address Card), which must be kept alongside the ID card for complete identification.

• Special Considerations:

  • Foreign Nationals: Non-Hungarian citizens with settled status in Hungary (e.g., permanent residents) may receive an ID card, but its validity is tied to their residence permit and is not valid for international travel.

  • Temporary ID Cards: Temporary ID cards cannot be applied for at consulates and are generally handled within Hungary for urgent cases.

  • Data Verification: If discrepancies arise during the application process (e.g., mismatched personal data), additional verification with Hungarian authorities may delay issuance.

Conclusion

The Hungarian ID card (Személyazonosító igazolvány) is a multifaceted document that serves as a cornerstone of identity verification for Hungarian citizens. Whether used for everyday transactions, voting, travel, or accessing digital government services, it plays a critical role in civic life. The introduction of the eSzemélyi has modernized the card, integrating advanced electronic features that align with Hungary’s push toward digital governance. By understanding its features, application process, and specific requirements—whether applying in Hungary or abroad—citizens can navigate the system effectively. For the most current information, consult official sources like the eSzemélyi website or contact Hungarian government offices or consulates.