Do you need an International Driving Permit in Hungary?

Yes. Hungary is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
16 March 1976

Hungary and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionRatified16 March 19763 years
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded30 July 19621 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Hungary

Hungary applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The English page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The English page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Hungary would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Hungary

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Hungary appears on it.

What the road rules say in Hungary

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted in Hungary.

Blood alcohol limit
Zero tolerance

Common questions about driving in Hungary

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Hungary?
Up to 3 years. Hungary joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 16 March 1976 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Hungary on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Hungary." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Hungary's road authority before you travel.
What is the drink-drive limit in Hungary?
Hungary operates zero tolerance, so do not drink at all before driving. Penalties are typically far heavier than a fine.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Hungary?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.