What is the Hungarian address card (lakcímkártya)?

The Hungarian address card, known as the “lakcímkártya” in Hungarian, is an official document that serves as proof of a person’s registered address in Hungary. It is an essential document for residents of Hungary and is used for various administrative and legal purposes. Here are some key points about the Hungarian address card:

1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the Hungarian address card is to confirm a person’s legal residence or domicile in Hungary. It contains information about the individual’s registered address.
2. Issuing Authority: The Hungarian address card is typically issued by the local government authorities or the municipality where the individual resides. Each municipality in Hungary has its own system for issuing and managing these cards.
3. Information Included: The address card contains the following information:
   • Full name of the cardholder.
   • Registered address (lakcím), which includes the street name, house/apartment number, and city/town/village.
   • A unique identification number for the cardholder.
4. Proof of Residence: The address card is widely accepted as proof of residence for various official purposes, including:
   • Registering for government services and benefits.
   • Opening bank accounts.
   • Enrolling in schools or universities.
   • Voting in local elections.
   • Conducting legal transactions.
5. Renewal and Updates: Address cards may need to be renewed periodically, and any changes in address or personal information must be updated promptly with the local authorities.
6. Residency Requirements: To obtain an address card, individuals usually need to prove that they have a legal residence in Hungary. This often requires having a rental agreement or property ownership documents for the registered address.
7. Not an Identification Document: It’s important to note that the Hungarian address card is not an official identification document. For identification purposes, individuals in Hungary typically use their national ID cards or passports.
8. Legal Consequences: Failing to maintain accurate and up-to-date address information on the card can have legal consequences, as it may affect a person’s ability to access services and participate in various activities requiring proof of residence.

Overall, the Hungarian address card is a crucial administrative document for residents of Hungary, helping to establish and confirm their legal addresses for a range of official and legal purposes.