Hungary: Deadline for book-style ID card replacement

The Digital Hungary Agency has issued a warning that the grace period for replacing old, book-style identity cards will expire on December 31. While these documents lost their official validity on August 3 in accordance with European Union regulations, a legislative amendment allows them to be used for specific purposes, such as receiving pensions, social benefits, and accessing healthcare services, until the end of the year.

More than 30,000 citizens have not yet transitioned to the new card-format identification. To complete the replacement, individuals must visit a government window (kormányablak) in person. Appointment booking is not required for this urgent procedure, but applicants must bring their old book-style ID and their address card. If an individual lacks an address card, one will be issued during the process. For those unable to visit in person due to health reasons, alternative options and information are available via the official agency website or the 1818 helpline.