Hungary retires old IDs, launches EU‑first attribute certificates

The Hungarian Interior Ministry announced that all traditional book‑format identity cards will cease to be valid on August 3. Citizens will not receive individual notices and are urged to apply for a new electronic identity card (eSzemélyi) at any government office. Holding a different valid document, such as a card‑format driver’s licence or private passport, makes the new card optional, though it is recommended for smoother administration. The change affects hundreds of thousands of people, especially those over 60, and a free issuance is provided for citizens turning 70.

In parallel, Hungarian‑owned Microsec became the European Union’s first qualified attribute‑certificate service provider under the eIDAS regulation. Attribute certificates extend qualified electronic signatures by also confirming the signatory’s role, authority and other attributes, facilitating faster and more reliable digital transactions in both the public and private sectors. Microsec expects revenue growth and a larger client base as the service gains adoption.