I use or exchange a foreign driving licence in Hungary
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Identify the country that issued the driving licence and whether the rules for an EEA licence or another foreign licence apply.
Before driving long-term in Hungary or applying for recognition/exchange.
Road-traffic administration rules / current administrative channel.
Original driving licence, issuing country and details of your stay in Hungary.
The rules on recognition, use and exchange differ between EEA-issued licences and other foreign licences.
Official source: njt.hu
2. Check how long the foreign driving licence can be used in Hungary and when it must or may be exchanged or recognised as a Hungarian licence.
When you begin residing and driving in Hungary.
Rules in Government Decree 326/2011 (XII. 28.) and the official guidance of the Központi Kormányablak.
Driving licence and residence details.
As a general rule, a qualifying non-EEA foreign licence can be used for 1 year from the start of residence in Hungary and must then be recognised/exchanged. This requirement does not apply to a valid licence issued by another EEA country; if an EEA licence has no expiry date, exchange must be initiated after 2 years from establishing normal residence in Hungary. An international treaty or a special rule may provide otherwise.
Official source: njt.hu
3. For recognition/exchange, prepare your identity and residence documents, the original driving licence and any additional evidence required for your category.
Before submitting the application.
Központi Kormányablak – 1133 Budapest, Visegrádi utca 110.
According to the current official document list.
For some non-EEA licences, a certified Hungarian translation and/or a theory or practical examination may also be required; this must be checked according to the issuing country, the document and the legal basis for recognition.
Official source: kormanyhivatalok.hu
4. Submit the recognition/exchange application in person at the Központi Kormányablak with a pre-booked appointment.
When recognition/exchange is required or when you choose to apply under the applicable conditions.
Központi Kormányablak – 1133 Budapest, Visegrádi utca 110.
Complete set of required documents.
Recognition/exchange of a foreign driving licence is handled only at the Központi Kormányablak and only with a pre-booked appointment.
Official source: kormanyhivatalok.hu
