How to Find & Request Hungarian Ancestry Certificate for Free
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You may request Hungarian vital statistics certificates (birth, marriage, death) for events that occurred within present-day Hungary. Hungary’s state civil registry began in 1895; for earlier records based on church registers, specify the religious denomination.
Where and how to apply
- In person: Submit your request at the Hungarian consular representation responsible for your residence.
- By mail (exceptional cases): Embassy of Hungary, 3910 Shoemaker Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Fee: Obtaining certificates from Hungary is free of charge.
Information required
Provide accurate details to locate the record:
- Birth name
- Place and date of birth (yyyy-mm-dd); include district for Budapest
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s name
- For marriage certificates: place and date of marriage (yyyy-mm-dd); include Budapest district if applicable
Application form
Download the form (PDF): Application for issuing a vital statistics certificate
- Complete in blue ink, block capitals.
- Sign in front of a consular officer.
- Indicate the purpose for obtaining the certificate.
What to bring (in-person submissions)
Your own or your minor child’s certificate
- Valid ID
Requesting a non-own document
- Proof supporting the request (e.g., evidence of relationship, record of a pending matter)
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Written authorization from the person named on the certificate:
- Handwritten and signed by that person, or
- Typed/handwritten and signed by that person, authenticated by two witnesses
- For a deceased person, include a copy of the death certificate/registration.
Mail-in checklist (exceptional cases)
- Photocopy of your valid ID
- Cover letter with your contact details (phone, email)
- Prepaid, self-addressed, trackable envelope
Practical notes
- Budapest records are organized by district; accurate district information speeds processing.
- Provide the most precise dates and locations you have to reduce search time.
Official links
- Embassy of Hungary (Washington, DC): guidance page — Obtaining Certificates from Hungary
- Application form (PDF) — Anyakönyvi kivonat kiállítása iránti kérelem
Disclaimer
Procedures and forms can change. Verify the latest instructions directly on the Embassy’s website before submitting.