Information on the Exchange (Naturalization) of UK Driving Licenses

Since the United Kingdom’s departure from the EEA on 1 January 2021, British driving licenses must be naturalized in Hungary following Brexit. Original UK driving licenses remain valid for one year from the start of your residence in Hungary. After that period, naturalization is necessary to keep your license valid.

Our Services

We offer a range of services to guide you through this process with ease. Our experienced team can assist you with every step, from preparing your application to coordinating your appointment at the Central Document Office of the Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala (KEKH).

The Process

A fee of 6,200 HUF is required, payable by bank card or postal money order at the time of your appointment. Please note that you must apply in person—applications cannot be submitted by a legal or other representative. Due to ongoing pandemic-related measures, in-person services are available by appointment only, which you can schedule by phone or email.

Location & Contact Details:

• Address: 1133 Budapest, Visegrádi u. 110.
• Website: Central Document Office – KEKH
• Telephone:
  • 1818 (free within Hungary)
  • +36-1-550-1858 (from abroad or non-Hungarian numbers)
• Email: 1818@1818.hu

Documents You Will Need

When you apply, please bring the following:

• Your original UK driving license
• A valid ID document or passport
• A Hungarian address card or accommodation reporting form
• A valid residence permit (if applicable)
• A medical fitness certificate (if required)
• A certified translation (if needed)
• An international driving license compliant with the Geneva Convention (if applicable)

Additional Requirements

Depending on the date of issue and the specifics of your UK driving license:

• Medical Fitness Certificate: Required if you did not previously hold a Hungarian driving license, if your former Hungarian license did not include the same categories as your current British license, or if your former license is no longer valid.
• Certified Translation:
  • If your UK license was issued after 28 March 2018, no translation is needed.
  • If it was issued before 28 March 2018 and you hold an international driving license, no translation is required.
  • However, if your license was issued before 28 March 2018 and you do not have an international driving license, a certified translation is necessary.

You can submit documents for certified translation to the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (OFFI). Only translations from OFFI are accepted by Hungarian authorities. For more information, please visit OFFI’s website.

Exams

Depending on your license’s categories, you might need to pass a theoretical and/or practical exam:

• No Exam Required:
  • If your license was issued after 28 March 2018, as it aligns with Hungarian categories.
  • If your license was issued before 28 March 2018 and you have an international driving license.
• Exam Required:
  • If your license was issued before 28 March 2018 and you do not have an international driving license, you may be required to take a practical and/or theoretical exam.
  • The exact requirement will depend on whether your UK driving license’s categories match those recognized in Hungary, as determined by a certified translation.
• Previously Held Hungarian License:

If you have previously held a Hungarian driving license with equivalent categories, neither a certified translation nor an exam is necessary.

The Central Document Office will determine if an exam is needed, and if so, the process will pause until you successfully pass the exam(s).

Final Steps

Once your application is complete—meaning all required documents are submitted and the fee is paid—your naturalized driving license will be ready within eight calendar days (plus delivery time). As current regulations allow only one driving license per person, you will need to surrender your previous license once your naturalized license is issued. Your UK license will then either be returned to the UK authorities (if there is a reciprocity policy in place) or held securely by Hungarian authorities.

If you need any further information or assistance, please feel free to contact us. We offer expert legal advice and comprehensive services related to Brexit and Hungarian regulations affecting UK citizens, including naturalization of driving licenses and permanent residence permit applications.