Foreign driving licences in Hungary (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Licences from other EEA states are valid in Hungary within their period of validity. Licences from other states that meet the Vienna or Geneva Convention format, or come with a translation, are valid for one year from the start of the stay and must then be exchanged.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceAn EEA licence entitles the holder to drive within its period of validity and does not have to be exchanged. For an EEA licence without a validity date, the holder who moves residence to Hungary must start an exchange after two years. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceValid if issued in a state party to the 1968 Vienna or 1949 Geneva Convention and in the convention format or category, or accompanied by the matching international permit, or with a certified Hungarian translation that shows the entitlement. Entitlement lasts one year from the start of the stay in Hungary. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceThe licence entitles the holder to drive for one year from the start of the stay in Hungary; after that it must be exchanged on application for a Hungarian licence (honosítás). Members of diplomatic and consular missions are treated separately. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Not valid if the issuing EEA state has restricted, suspended or revoked it (§ 17(3)). Learner and temporary licences are excluded (§ 17(1)). Exchange is by 'honosítás' at the transport administration authority.
  • Hungarian rules accept a licence plus an international permit under the 1968 or 1949 convention where the licence itself does not fit the convention format (§ 17(2a) c); whether an IDP is needed with an EEA licence was not read.

Sources

  1. Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Ministry of Justice): 326/2011. (XII. 28.) Korm. rendelet a járművezetők vezetői engedélyéről és a közlekedési igazgatási feladatokról (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.