Hungarian nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification by the deadline that applies to each role.

After you verify your identity, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you, not to one company. You can use the same code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each role.

Quick Answer for Hungarian Directors and PSCs

Hungarian nationals usually have several strong identity document options.

Depending on the verification route, you may be able to use:

• a valid Hungarian biometric passport, known as an útlevél;
• a Hungarian electronic identity card, known as a személyazonosító igazolvány, eSzemélyi or e-SZIG;
• a valid Hungarian EU photocard driving licence, known as a vezetői engedély;
• an eligible UK-issued photographic identity document; or
• one photographic identity document together with one Group B supporting document.

For a person-led remote video check, Companies House normally requires either two Group A photographic identity documents or one Group A photographic document and one Group B document. Anyone who lives outside the UK must provide at least one government-issued document.

For most Hungarian directors and PSCs, the strongest document combinations are:

• Hungarian passport and current electronic identity card;
• Hungarian passport and EU photocard driving licence;
• Hungarian identity card and EU photocard driving licence; or
• Hungarian passport and a suitable bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or other Group B document.

Urgent Point: Old Hungarian Booklet Identity Cards Expire on 3 August 2026

Hungarian nationals should check immediately whether they still hold an old booklet-format identity card.

Hungarian authorities have confirmed that old paper-based identity cards issued before 1 January 2000 will permanently lose their validity on 3 August 2026. This applies to both soft-cover and hard-cover booklet documents that previously had no fixed expiry date. The authorities will update the official register automatically, and affected holders will not receive an individual notice.

As this article was reviewed on 30 July 2026, those documents have only a few days of validity remaining.

For any Companies House verification taking place on or after 3 August 2026:

Do not use an old Hungarian booklet identity card as one of the required documents. Prepare a passport, current plastic identity card, EU photocard driving licence or suitable Group B document instead.

Companies House normally rejects expired documents unless its guidance provides a specific exception. Its expiry exceptions cover passports and certain UK biometric documents, but they do not create a general exception for expired foreign identity cards.

Important Point About Hungarian Electronic Identity Cards

Hungary began issuing electronic identity cards on 1 January 2016. The card is commonly called an eSzemélyi, e-SZIG or electronic személyazonosító igazolvány.

The current PRADO-listed design is HUN-BO-06001, first issued on 2 August 2021. It is a bank-card-format national identity document and can serve as a travel document within the EU and associated Schengen countries.

Hungarian consular guidance states that the electronic identity card normally contains a storage element or chip. The card can support electronic identification, electronic signatures and other Hungarian public services. Applicants usually provide a photograph, fingerprints and signature during the application process.

A valid chip-enabled Hungarian identity card can provide strong Group A evidence. It may also work as the single document under technology-led Option 1 where the ACSP’s identity technology can validate its electronic and physical security features.

Not Every Hungarian Identity Card Contains a Chip

Hungarian applicants should not assume that every modern-looking identity card supports electronic validation.

PRADO lists a long-validity Hungarian identity-card version under reference HUN-BO-05004. This version was first issued in 2016 for holders aged 65 or over. PRADO expressly states that the card has no chip present and shows a stated expiry date 60 years after issue.

This distinction affects the verification route:

• A chip-enabled biometric identity card may qualify under Option 1.
• A no-chip card cannot qualify through the Option 1 biometric identity-card category.
• A valid no-chip card may still qualify as Group A under a person-led Option 2 check because PRADO lists it as photographic identity evidence.
• The ACSP must still confirm that the document remains valid, has not been replaced and passes all physical document checks.

Send clear images of both sides of the card before booking the video call. The card’s exact PRADO model matters.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Hungarian nationals who are:

• directors of UK limited companies;
• becoming directors of UK companies;
• registered as PSCs;
• becoming PSCs of existing companies;
• forming UK companies in which they will act as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Mandatory identity verification began on 18 November 2025. That date started a 12-month transition period rather than creating one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements.

A new company must provide a personal code for every proposed director during incorporation. Someone appointed as a new director must also provide the code as part of the appointment filing.

PSCs follow separate 14-day compliance periods. The relevant period depends on whether the PSC also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Hungarian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Hungarian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

Companies House offers a free direct verification service through GOV.UK One Login.

The direct online service accepts:

• a biometric passport from any country;
• a UK photocard driving licence;
• a qualifying UK biometric residence permit;
• a UK biometric residence card; or
• a UK Frontier Worker permit.

You also need your current address, the year you moved there and an individual email address. Each email address can connect to only one verified identity.

Using a Hungarian Passport

A Hungarian national can normally try GOV.UK One Login with a current biometric passport.

PRADO lists the current Hungarian ordinary passport under reference HUN-AO-03001. Hungary first issued this model on 1 March 2012. The document contains an integrated biodata card, facial images and modern physical security features.

The passport normally remains valid for:

• three years for a child under six;
• five years for a person aged six to under 18; and
• five years for an adult, with a ten-year passport available on request.

The individual passport must still remain current for GOV.UK One Login. The app does not accept an expired passport.

Can You Use a Hungarian Identity Card in the GOV.UK One Login App?

The GOV.UK One Login mobile app does not currently list foreign national identity cards among its accepted app documents.

You should therefore not assume that a Hungarian eSzemélyi will work through the mobile app, even where the card contains a chip. A biometric Hungarian passport provides the clearest overseas app route.

However, the Post Office route accepts national identity photocards issued by EU countries. A valid Hungarian identity card may therefore work where GOV.UK One Login directs the applicant to a participating UK Post Office.

Can You Use a Hungarian Driving Licence in the App?

Not as the driving-licence document in the mobile app.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than an overseas driving licence. However, the Post Office route accepts EU photocard driving licences. A valid Hungarian licence may therefore work where the online system offers that route.

An ACSP can also use a valid Hungarian EU photocard driving licence under the Companies House identity verification standard.

Using the Post Office Route

You cannot simply attend a Post Office and request Companies House verification.

You must first:

1. start the Companies House verification service online;
2. enter the requested photographic ID details;
3. receive confirmation that the Post Office route is available;
4. download the customer letter containing the QR code;
5. attend a participating Post Office; and
6. show the original identity document.

The Post Office does not accept a photocopy or digital image. Staff scan the original document and take your photograph. GOV.UK One Login normally sends the result within one day.

This route may suit Hungarian nationals who live in the UK. It usually offers less convenience to someone who lives in Hungary and does not plan to travel to the UK.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP, can verify a person’s identity for Companies House.

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers. Companies House allows an ACSP to complete the checks remotely or in person. However, the ACSP must follow every step in the Companies House identity verification standard.

The ACSP route may suit a Hungarian director or PSC who:

• lives in Hungary or another country outside the UK;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login verification;
• cannot scan the Hungarian passport chip;
• wants to use a Hungarian identity card or driving licence;
• holds a no-chip identity card;
• still holds an old booklet identity card;
• has a Hungarian name that appears in a different order in UK records;
• uses accented Hungarian letters;
• has a birth surname and married surname;
• needs help selecting a Group B document; or
• wants remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The number of documents depends on how the ACSP completes the identity check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

One eligible photographic document may be enough where the ACSP uses suitable identity document validation technology.

The technology must validate all relevant cryptographic and physical security features.

Companies House permits the following documents under Option 1:

• a biometric or machine-readable passport;
• a UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence;
• a biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• an eVisa.

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired where the technology can still validate its security features.

For Hungarian nationals, suitable Option 1 documents may include:

• a Hungarian biometric passport;
• a chip-enabled Hungarian biometric identity card;
• a Hungarian EU photocard driving licence; or
• an eligible UK-issued immigration document.

A no-chip Hungarian identity card cannot qualify through the biometric EU identity-card category. However, a valid no-chip card may still work under person-led Option 2.

Option 2: Person-Led Remote or In-Person Verification

A trained person may inspect the documents remotely by video call or examine them in person.

Under this route, the applicant must provide either:

• two Group A photographic identity documents; or
• one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document.

Anyone who lives outside the UK must provide at least one government-issued document.

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2. The issuing authority must not have cancelled or replaced it.

Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

Hungarian applicants who use a person-led remote service should prepare two suitable documents before the video appointment.

Group A Photographic ID for Hungarian Nationals

1. Hungarian Passport

A Hungarian passport normally provides the clearest Group A identity document.

PRADO lists the current ordinary passport as:

• HUN-AO-03001;
• ÚTLEVÉL;
• first issued on 1 March 2012;
• valid as a current document model; and
• issued to Hungarian nationals.

The passport contains an integrated biodata card, facial images and several physical security features.

For a person-led Option 2 check, Companies House may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

However, you cannot use a passport that:

• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced by a newer passport;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a cut or clipped corner;
• has serious damage around the personal-details page; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current passport will normally make the process easier.

2. Current Hungarian Electronic Identity Card

Hungary’s current identity card appears on PRADO under reference HUN-BO-06001.

The card:

• was first issued on 2 August 2021;
• uses bank-card format;
• contains a facial image;
• confirms Hungarian identity and nationality; and
• acts as a travel document within the EU and associated Schengen countries.

For standard cards, the maximum validity shown by PRADO is:

• three years for a holder under 12;
• three years for a holder aged 12 to under 18; and
• six years for an adult.

A current chip-enabled identity card may qualify:

• as one document under technology-led Option 1; or
• as one Group A document under person-led Option 2.

Send clear images of both the front and reverse before the appointment. You must also have the original physical card during the video call.

3. Long-Validity No-Chip Identity Card

Hungary issues or has issued special long-validity identity cards to some older citizens.

PRADO lists HUN-BO-05004 for holders aged 65 or over. The card has a stated expiry date 60 years after issue, but PRADO expressly records that it contains no chip.

A valid card of this type may provide Group A evidence under Option 2 because PRADO lists it as a photographic identity document.

It cannot qualify as a biometric EU identity card under Option 1.

The verifier should check:

• the exact PRADO version;
• the card’s stated validity;
• whether the authority has replaced it;
• the photograph;
• the document’s physical condition; and
• whether the applicant’s details match the passport and Companies House register.

4. Older Plastic Hungarian Identity Cards

PRADO lists several earlier Hungarian plastic identity-card models.

One important earlier model is HUN-BO-04002, first issued on 1 March 2012. PRADO records different validity periods based on the holder’s age, including historically indefinite validity for some holders aged 70 or over.

An older plastic card may provide Group A evidence under Option 2 where:

• it remains legally valid;
• PRADO lists the exact version;
• the card has not been cancelled or replaced;
• the photograph still provides a reliable likeness;
• the card remains undamaged; and
• the verifier can inspect its security features.

Do not treat an older card as biometric merely because it uses a plastic card format.

A current passport, current eSzemélyi or EU photocard driving licence will normally provide a clearer route.

5. Old Booklet-Format Identity Cards

Hungarian authorities recognise older hard-cover and soft-cover identity documents as historical identity-card formats. However, cards issued before 1 January 2000 permanently lose their validity on 3 August 2026.

Do not use one for a verification appointment on or after that date.

Even before the deadline, an ACSP may request a stronger document because the booklet will become invalid almost immediately after the check.

6. Temporary Hungarian Identity Card

PRADO lists a temporary Hungarian identity-card model under reference HUN-BP-02001. However, PRADO marks that specific model as no longer valid after 28 September 2017.

Do not rely on that document for Companies House verification.

Where the applicant holds a different current temporary document, send the exact document for individual review. Do not assume that a temporary paper, application receipt or government-office confirmation will qualify as Group A evidence.

7. Hungarian EU Photocard Driving Licence

A valid Hungarian EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A photographic evidence.

Companies House expressly accepts EU photocard driving licences under both Option 1 and Option 2.

PRADO lists the current Hungarian licence under reference HUN-FO-04001. Hungary first issued this model on 19 January 2013.

The licence:

• uses bank-card format;
• contains the holder’s photograph;
• has a maximum validity of ten years;
• establishes identity within Hungary; and
• does not, by itself, prove Hungarian nationality.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment.

Earlier Hungarian Driving Licences

PRADO also lists earlier Hungarian driving-licence models issued in 2012, 2004 and 2001.

An earlier photocard licence may work where the individual document remains valid and passes the required checks.

A paper licence, provisional document or expired card requires individual review. A current EU photocard licence will usually provide the clearest route.

8. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

Hungarian nationals who live in the UK may also hold another Group A document.

Examples include:

• a UK photocard driving licence;
• a UK biometric residence card;
• a qualifying UK biometric residence permit;
• a UK Frontier Worker permit;
• a photographic government-issued work permit;
• a photographic immigration document;
• a photographic visa; or
• an eVisa under the appropriate verification route.

The ACSP must review the exact document and apply the current Companies House expiry rules.

Hungarian Documents and Numbers You Should Not Rely On Alone

Hungarian Address Card or Lakcímkártya

The Hungarian identity card does not normally show the holder’s residential address. Hungary uses a separate address card, commonly called a lakcímkártya.

PRADO lists the current address card under reference HUN-HO-10001. It describes the card as an official document certifying address and personal identity.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign address card in its Group B list.

The lakcímkártya may help the ACSP understand or cross-check:

• a Hungarian residential address;
• an address change;
• whether the applicant lives abroad;
• a Hungarian personal identifier; or
• the relationship between separate Hungarian documents.

Do not rely on the lakcímkártya as the formal second document without prior confirmation. A bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or insurance policy will normally provide a clearer Group B route.

Hungarian Personal Identification Number

A Hungarian personal identification number does not provide photographic identity evidence by itself.

Do not submit only:

• a written personal identification number;
• a screenshot containing the number;
• a government letter showing the number;
• a tax record;
• an address-card number; or
• an online account screen.

The number is also not the same as the Companies House personal code.

TAJ Number or TAJ Card

A TAJ-szám is a Hungarian social-security identifier.

Hungarian electronic identity cards can store or connect to TAJ information, but the TAJ number or TAJ card does not replace a passport, identity card, driving licence or Group B supporting document.

Hungarian Tax Number or Tax Card

A Hungarian tax identifier, commonly called an adóazonosító jel, does not provide photographic identity evidence.

A tax card, tax letter or online tax account screen should not replace one of the required Companies House documents.

DÁP, Ügyfélkapu or Digital Identity Screens

Hungarian digital-government services can support online identification and access to public records.

However, a DÁP application screen, Ügyfélkapu account, QR code, electronic-signature result or digital identity screenshot does not replace the documents required by Companies House.

During a person-led video call, the applicant should show the original physical passport, identity card or driving licence. Companies House requires the verifier to compare the person with the photograph and inspect the document for signs of alteration.

Vehicle Registration Certificate

A Hungarian vehicle-registration certificate, known as a forgalmi engedély, does not replace an identity document.

PRADO lists vehicle-registration documents separately from passports, identity cards and driving licences. Companies House does not include them in its Group A or Group B lists.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you have only one suitable Group A photographic document, you can provide one Group B document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

• birth or adoption certificate;
• marriage or civil partnership certificate;
• non-photographic immigration document;
• non-photographic visa;
• non-photographic work permit;
• bank or building society statement;
• mortgage statement showing the current address;
• utility bill showing the current address;
• insurance policy showing the current address;
• UK council tax statement; or
• a qualifying UK local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

A Hungarian bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate may work where the ACSP can confirm that it:

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine issuer;
• clearly shows the relevant personal details;
• contains no signs of alteration;
• supports the claimed identity or current address; and
• provides credible evidence of genuine activity.

Hungarian Bank Statements

A Hungarian bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

• show the applicant’s full name;
• identify the bank clearly;
• display a recent statement date;
• show genuine account activity;
• remain complete and legible;
• contain no signs of editing; and
• show the current address where the applicant relies on it as address evidence.

A complete PDF downloaded directly from online banking will usually provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

Companies House encourages ACSPs to consider evidence of genuine activity, such as recent bank or credit-card transactions.

Hungarian Utility Bills

A Hungarian utility bill may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Examples may include:

• electricity bills;
• gas or heating bills;
• water bills;
• fixed-line telephone bills; or
• another genuine household utility account.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and connect the account to the applicant.

A mobile telephone bill may need individual review, especially where it does not clearly show a residential address.

Mortgage Statements and Insurance Policies

A Hungarian mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

An insurance policy may also qualify where it identifies the applicant and shows the current address. Companies House added insurance policies to the Group B list in June 2026.

Hungarian Birth Certificates

A Hungarian birth certificate, known as a születési anyakönyvi kivonat, may provide Group B evidence.

Hungary records births centrally, and applicants can obtain official copies of birth certificates.

For identity verification, provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• a hospital record;
• baptism certificate;
• informal translation;
• cropped photograph;
• application receipt; or
• registry screenshot.

The verifier should be able to identify:

• the issuing authority;
• the applicant’s full name;
• the date and place of birth;
• the certificate date; and
• any later name amendment.

Hungarian Marriage Certificates

A Hungarian marriage certificate, known as a házassági anyakönyvi kivonat, may provide Group B evidence.

Hungary legally recognises and registers civil marriages. A marriage that took place outside Hungary may need registration in the Hungarian civil register, especially where the person wants Hungarian identity documents in a new married name.

The certificate can help connect:

• a birth surname;
• a spouse’s surname;
• a double-barrelled surname;
• a former married name; or
• another name used in UK records.

Multilingual Standard Forms

A Multilingual Standard Form can help another EU authority understand a birth or marriage certificate.

However, it acts as a translation aid rather than the underlying civil-status record. Provide the original Hungarian birth or marriage certificate as well.

English Translations

Hungarian passports, identity cards and EU driving licences use standardised fields that a trained verifier may understand.

Other documents may contain important information only in Hungarian.

The ACSP may therefore request an English translation of:

• a birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• bank statement;
• utility bill;
• mortgage statement;
• insurance policy; or
• formal name-change document.

The translation supports the original document. It does not replace it.

Recommended Document Combinations

Hungarian Passport and Current Electronic Identity Card

This combination provides two strong Group A photographic documents.

The passport confirms identity and Hungarian nationality. The eSzemélyi provides a second photographic identity document.

Where the identity card contains a functioning chip, the document set also provides strong electronic-security evidence.

Hungarian Passport and EU Photocard Driving Licence

This combination also provides two Group A documents.

Both documents should show consistent:

• names;
• dates of birth;
• photographs; and
• other personal details.

The passport confirms nationality. The driving licence provides a second photographic identity document.

Hungarian Identity Card and Driving Licence

A valid Hungarian identity card and current EU photocard driving licence may provide two Group A documents.

The verifier may still request a passport where the case requires clearer nationality evidence or a stronger identity history.

Hungarian Passport and Long-Validity No-Chip Identity Card

This combination may provide two Group A documents under Option 2 where the no-chip card:

• remains valid;
• matches a PRADO-listed Hungarian identity-card model;
• has not been cancelled or replaced;
• remains in good condition; and
• passes the required physical document checks.

The no-chip card cannot support biometric Option 1 verification.

Hungarian Passport and Older Plastic Identity Card

This combination may provide two Group A documents under Option 2 where the older card remains legally valid and matches a PRADO-listed model.

Do not use an old booklet-format card for a verification taking place on or after 3 August 2026.

Hungarian Passport and Bank Statement

This combination provides one Group A document and one Group B document.

It may suit an applicant who:

• does not hold a driving licence;
• has an expired identity card;
• holds a booklet identity card nearing the 3 August 2026 deadline;
• cannot use the identity card for technical reasons; or
• wants to provide evidence of recent financial activity.

Hungarian Passport and Utility Bill

A utility bill may provide the required Group B document where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

The provider and account details must remain capable of validation.

Hungarian Passport and Mortgage Statement

This combination may work where the mortgage statement clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

Hungarian Passport and Insurance Policy

An insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it identifies the applicant and clearly shows the current address.

Hungarian Passport and Birth Certificate

An official Hungarian birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House records the name differently;
• the applicant uses an English version of a Hungarian forename;
• the passport contains a professional title;
• the applicant changed their name;
• a birth surname and married surname differ; or
• the date of birth needs stronger support.

Hungarian Passport and Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence and connect different surname formats.

This combination may help where:

• the applicant adopted a spouse’s surname;
• the couple created a double-barrelled surname;
• a UK bank account uses a married surname;
• Companies House records an earlier name; or
• a marriage outside Hungary has since been registered in Hungary.

Hungarian Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Hungarian national living in the UK may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

This can provide two strong photographic identity documents.

Hungarian Passport and UK Immigration Document

An eligible UK photographic immigration document may provide another Group A document.

The ACSP must review the exact document type, current validity and any Companies House expiry exception.

Hungarian Names, Name Order and Accented Letters

They require careful review.

Hungarian Name Structure

Hungarian official records may contain:

• up to two family names;
• one forename; and
• a second forename.

Passports and birth certificates may therefore show up to two surnames and up to two forenames.

Hungarian-language use often places the family name before the given name. English-language and UK systems commonly place the given name first.

For example, one person may appear as:

• NAGY PÉTER;
• PÉTER NAGY;
• NAGY, PÉTER;
• PETER NAGY; or
• P. NAGY.

Check the document’s field labels rather than assuming that the first word is always the forename.

Hungarian and English Versions of Forenames

Hungarian authorities may register a Hungarian version of a foreign forename.

Official examples include:

• JOSEPH becoming JÓZSEF; and
• CHARLES becoming KÁROLY.

Other records may use an English-language version socially or professionally.

A Hungarian passport showing JÓZSEF will not automatically match a Companies House record showing JOSEPH. The ACSP must compare the complete document set and understand how the two names connect.

Accents and Special Hungarian Letters

Hungarian names may contain letters and marks such as:

• Á;
• É;
• Í;
• Ó;
• Ö;
• Ő;
• Ú;
• Ü; and
• Ű.

Examples include:

• JÓZSEF and JOZSEF;
• KÁROLY and KAROLY;
• SZŰCS and SZUCS;
• KŐVÁRI and KOVARI;
• TÓTH and TOTH; or
• ERDŐS and ERDOS.

UK systems may remove accents or use the machine-readable spelling from the passport.

A missing accent does not automatically mean that two records relate to different people. However, the ACSP must compare:

• the printed passport name;
• the machine-readable information;
• the identity card;
• the Companies House record;
• bank and address documents; and
• any former-name evidence.

Professional Titles Such as Dr

Hungarian passports may show a title such as Dr. in the surname field. HM Passport Office guidance recognises this as a Hungary-specific document feature.

This can create a difference where:

• the Hungarian passport shows DR NAGY;
• Companies House records only NAGY;
• a UK bank account treats Dr as a title rather than part of the name field; or
• another document omits the title completely.

The verifier should review the field structure carefully rather than treating the difference as an automatic mismatch.

Birth Surnames and Married Names

Hungary allows formal name changes.

After marriage, spouses may:

• keep their existing surnames;
• adopt one spouse’s surname;
• use a double-barrelled surname; or
• choose another legally permitted married-name format.

Where a marriage took place outside Hungary, the couple normally needs to register it with the Hungarian civil registry or a Hungarian consulate before completing a Hungarian marital-name change.

Differences may arise where:

• the passport shows the birth surname;
• the identity card shows a married surname;
• a UK bank account uses a double-barrelled surname;
• Companies House records an older surname; or
• the foreign marriage has not yet been registered in Hungary.

Provide the marriage certificate and any updated Hungarian identity documents where the names differ.

Formal Name Changes

Hungary allows changes to a person’s surname and forename.

After an approved name change, Hungarian authorities amend the official documents and issue a new birth certificate. A married applicant may also receive an updated marriage certificate.

Useful linking evidence may include:

• the official name-change decision;
• updated birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• updated passport;
• updated identity card;
• court document; or
• another civil-registration record.

A UK deed poll may help explain the UK name, but it does not automatically update the Hungarian passport or identity card.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

The date of birth connected to your personal code must match the date held by Companies House.

Problems can arise where:

• someone enters the personal code incorrectly;
• Companies House holds the wrong date of birth;
• an incorporation filing contained an error;
• the ACSP submits incorrect personal information; or
• the Hungarian documents contain inconsistent details.

Companies House may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role where the details do not match. Correct an inaccurate date of birth before trying to provide the verification details.

Is a Hungarian Personal Number the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A Hungarian personal identification number, TAJ number, tax identifier, passport number or identity-card number belongs to a different administrative system.

The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code created after successful Companies House identity verification.

Do not enter any of the following when Companies House asks for your personal code:

• Hungarian personal identification number;
• TAJ number;
• tax identification number;
• passport number;
• identity-card number;
• driving-licence number;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code; or
• eSzemélyi PIN.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our Legal Consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Through our partner solicitor, we can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Hungarian directors and PSCs.

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant supplies all required personal information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents during the call;
• the verifier can validate the documents;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches; and
• no unresolved identity or document concerns arise.

Applicants who still hold an old booklet-format identity card should prepare an alternative document before 3 August 2026.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission. Companies House controls the later processing and delivery of the personal code.

Where an ACSP completes the verification, Companies House sends the personal code to the individual email address supplied by the ACSP.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Send clear images of the documents you want to use.

For a passport, provide the complete personal-details page.

For an identity card or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

Regarding a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy or certificate, send the complete document rather than a cropped screenshot.

You must also provide:

• your full name;
• all former names;
• your date of birth;
• your current home address;
• your address history for the previous 12 months; and
• your personal email address.

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information and retain document copies for seven years.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

We check whether each document falls within Group A or Group B.

The review may cover:

• the Hungarian passport model;
• whether the passport chip works;
• whether the identity card is chip-enabled;
• whether the applicant holds the no-chip senior version;
• whether an older plastic identity card remains valid;
• whether the applicant still holds a pre-2000 booklet card;
• whether the driving licence uses a current EU photocard format;
• the printed expiry dates;
• the physical condition of each document;
• Hungarian and English name order;
• accents and special characters;
• former and married surnames;
• the current home address; and
• the previous 12 months of address history.

Where the proposed documents do not meet the standard, we identify a stronger combination before arranging the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt them when requested;
• display their physical security features from different angles;
• confirm your personal information;
• complete a live facial comparison; and
• answer any necessary identity questions.

The verifier must confirm that you are a real person, that the documents appear genuine and that the identity belongs to you.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

After completing the required checks, the ACSP submits the verification information to Companies House.

The ACSP does not normally send the identity-document copies to Companies House. However, it must keep:

• copies of the documents;
• supporting evidence;
• records of the checks;
• details of failed verification attempts; and
• other required verification information.

The ACSP must retain the records for seven years from the date it completes the identity verification.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the 11-character personal code to the individual email address supplied during the ACSP submission.

Make sure that the email address is correct and that you can access it.

Keep the code secure. You may share it with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who needs to file on your behalf.

How Hungarian Directors Use the Personal Code

An existing director normally provides the personal code through the company’s next confirmation statement.

A new director provides the code as part of the appointment filing.

When forming a new company, the incorporation application must include a personal code for every proposed director.

You only need to verify your identity once. However, you must connect the same code to every separate director appointment that you hold.

How Hungarian PSCs Use the Personal Code

A PSC must connect the personal code separately to the PSC role.

This applies even where the same person has already provided the code as a director.

The deadline depends on the circumstances:

• A person who acts as both director and PSC of the same company normally provides the PSC code during the 14 days beginning on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.
• A PSC who does not act as a director of the same company normally provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.
• A new PSC may provide the code when Companies House first records the PSC or within 14 days of being added.

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles. You must still connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can help Hungarian nationals by:

• reviewing Hungarian biometric passports;
• checking current electronic identity cards;
• identifying no-chip identity-card versions;
• reviewing older plastic Hungarian identity cards;
• advising on the 3 August 2026 booklet-card deadline;
• checking Hungarian EU photocard driving licences;
• matching documents against relevant PRADO models;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Hungarian bank statements and address documents;
• assessing the role of a lakcímkártya;
• checking Hungarian birth and marriage certificates;
• explaining why a TAJ number, tax number or digital-government screen does not replace an accepted document;
• checking Hungarian and English name order;
• reviewing accents and special characters;
• identifying titles such as Dr in identity-document fields;
• connecting birth, married and former surnames;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• arranging a remote video call;
• completing the required ACSP checks;
• submitting the verification to Companies House; and
• helping the applicant progress towards receiving the personal code.

Ginkgo Advisory’s Role

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor provide the identity verification service.

Ginkgo Advisory supports the process through preliminary document review, client communication, document coordination, appointment arrangements and practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Hungarian passport?

Yes.

A Hungarian passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence. A current biometric Hungarian passport may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app.

Can I use an expired Hungarian passport?

Potentially, depending on the route.

The GOV.UK One Login app does not accept an expired passport.

Under ACSP Option 1, suitable technology may accept a biometric or machine-readable passport that expired within the previous six months.

A person-led Option 2 check may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I use my Hungarian electronic identity card?

Yes.

A current Hungarian identity card can provide strong Group A evidence.

Where the card contains a functioning biometric chip, suitable technology may also accept it under Option 1.

Can I use the current 2021 Hungarian identity card?

Yes.

PRADO lists HUN-BO-06001 as a valid Hungarian national identity card first issued on 2 August 2021.

Does every Hungarian identity card contain a chip?

No.

PRADO lists HUN-BO-05004 as a no-chip identity-card version for certain holders aged 65 or over. The exact card model must be checked.

Can I use a no-chip Hungarian identity card?

Potentially under person-led Option 2.

The card cannot qualify through the biometric EU identity-card category under Option 1. However, it may provide Group A evidence under Option 2 where it remains valid and PRADO lists the exact photographic model.

Can I use an older Hungarian plastic identity card?

Potentially.

The card must remain valid, match a PRADO-listed model and pass all required document checks.

A current passport or current eSzemélyi will usually provide an easier route.

Can I use an old Hungarian booklet identity card?

Do not use it for a verification appointment on or after 3 August 2026.

Hungarian authorities have confirmed that booklet-format cards issued before 1 January 2000 lose their validity on that date.

My booklet identity card has no expiry date. Can I still use it?

Not after 2 August 2026.

The statutory cutoff applies even where the physical booklet previously had indefinite validity.

Can I use my Hungarian identity card in the GOV.UK One Login app?

Not through the mobile app based on the current published document list.

However, the Post Office route accepts national identity photocards from EU countries. The online service must first offer you that route.

Can I use my Hungarian driving licence?

Yes.

A valid Hungarian EU photocard driving licence can provide Group A evidence.

Can I use my Hungarian driving licence in the GOV.UK One Login app?

Not as the app’s driving-licence document.

However, the Post Office route accepts EU photocard driving licences, and an ACSP can use a Hungarian EU licence under the Companies House standard.

Can I use an older Hungarian driving licence?

Possibly.

An earlier photocard licence may work where it remains valid, matches a PRADO-listed model and passes the required document checks.

A paper, provisional or expired licence requires individual review.

Can I use a temporary Hungarian identity card?

Do not rely on the PRADO-listed HUN-BP-02001 model. PRADO marks that document as invalid after 28 September 2017.

Any different current temporary document requires individual review.

Can I use my Hungarian address card?

Do not rely on the lakcímkártya as the formal second document without prior confirmation.

The card may help prove or explain a Hungarian address, but Companies House does not expressly include a foreign address card in its Group B list.

Can I use my TAJ card?

Not as one of the required documents.

A TAJ card or number relates to Hungarian social-security administration. It does not replace an accepted photographic document or Group B document.

Can I use my Hungarian tax card?

Not by itself.

A tax card or tax identification number does not provide photographic identity evidence and is not the Companies House personal code.

Can I use DÁP or Ügyfélkapu?

Not as a replacement for one of the required documents.

A digital-government account may support additional checks, but the applicant should still provide the accepted passport, identity card, driving licence or Group B evidence.

Can I use a Hungarian bank statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B. The document must be genuine, clear and capable of validation.

Can I use a Hungarian utility bill?

Potentially.

A utility bill falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Can I use a Hungarian mortgage statement?

Potentially.

A mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it shows the applicant’s current home address.

Can I use a Hungarian insurance policy?

Potentially.

An insurance policy falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current address.

Can I use a Hungarian birth certificate?

Potentially.

A birth certificate falls within Group B. Provide the complete official születési anyakönyvi kivonat.

Can I use a Hungarian marriage certificate?

Potentially.

A marriage certificate falls within Group B and may also connect birth, married and double-barrelled surnames.

Can I use an EU Multilingual Standard Form?

Not by itself.

The form acts as a translation aid. Provide the underlying Hungarian birth or marriage certificate as well.

Do Hungarian documents need an English translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

Passports, identity cards and EU driving licences use standardised fields. However, birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements and bills may contain important information only in Hungarian.

Provide both the original and the translation where requested.

Why is my surname shown before my forename?

Hungarian-language records may present the family name before the given name.

UK systems commonly use the opposite order. The verifier should compare the field labels and complete document set rather than relying only on the displayed word order.

What if Companies House shows Joseph but my passport shows József?

Send the complete document set for review.

Hungarian authorities may register a Hungarian equivalent of a foreign forename. Official guidance gives JOSEPH and JÓZSEF as an example.

What if my name contains accents?

The verifier should compare the printed name, machine-readable passport information and Companies House record.

Differences such as JÓZSEF and JOZSEF or SZŰCS and SZUCS may be explainable, but the complete evidence must support one identity.

What if my passport includes Dr in the surname field?

Send the passport and Companies House record for review.

Hungarian passports may show a title such as Dr in the surname field. The verifier should confirm whether the apparent difference comes from the document’s field structure.

What if I changed my surname after marriage?

Provide your passport or identity card together with the marriage certificate and any updated Hungarian documents.

Hungarian spouses can choose different married-name formats, including a double-barrelled surname.

What if I married outside Hungary?

Check whether the marriage and any related name change have been registered in Hungary.

Hungarian authorities normally require the foreign marriage to be registered before completing a Hungarian marital-name change.

Can I verify my identity while living in Hungary?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely where the documents meet the Companies House standard and the video process allows the verifier to confirm the applicant’s identity.

Do I always need two documents?

You need two documents for a person-led remote or in-person Option 2 check.

One eligible document may be enough under Option 1 where suitable technology validates all required security features.

Must I post my original Hungarian passport?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

You send clear images for preliminary review and show the original documents during the video call.

Can I use one personal code as both a director and PSC?

Yes.

The personal code belongs to you. However, you must connect it separately to your director role and PSC role.

Can You Complete the Verification on the Same Day?

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where we approve the document set in advance and complete all checks without an unresolved issue.

Companies House controls when it issues and delivers the personal code.

Need Companies House Identity Verification for a Hungarian Director or PSC?

Hungarian nationals usually have several practical document routes:

• a Hungarian passport plus a current electronic identity card;
• a Hungarian passport plus a valid EU photocard driving licence;
• a Hungarian identity card plus a driving licence; or
• a Hungarian passport plus an accepted Group B supporting document.

Some cases need extra care, especially where the applicant has:

• an old booklet identity card approaching the 3 August 2026 deadline;
• a no-chip identity card;
• an older plastic identity card;
• an expired identity card or driving licence;
• only a temporary document;
• only a lakcímkártya as the second document;
• Hungarian and English name order differences;
• accented Hungarian letters removed from UK records;
• a title such as Dr in the passport’s surname field;
• a birth surname and married surname;
• a foreign marriage that has not been registered in Hungary;
• an incorrect date of birth; or
• information that does not match the Companies House register.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the most suitable route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.