Factorisation (officially known as the transition to factor-based identification) is the process of converting an old, document-protected .hu domain to the identification method used today. Following this, the registry identifies the domain holder via a pre-specified email address or telephone number, and you will no longer need to send a signed document for every change. If your domain is still protected by a document, certain changes can only be initiated after the transition to multi-factor authentication; therefore, the registrar may ask you to provide a declaration.

Document-protected and multi-factor authenticated domain

.hu domains were previously registered on the basis of a printed and signed application form. The Domain Registration Regulations refer to these domains as ‘document-protected domains’: the identity of the domain holder is verified by a signed document.

New domains are now created using multi-factor authentication. The factors are the domain holder’s contact details, over which only they have control:

• Single-factor authentication: an email address.
• Two-factor authentication: email address and telephone number (with a code received via SMS or voice message).

When verification is required in relation to the domain, the registry sends a confirmation to the specified factors, and the domain holder verifies their identity with a single click or by entering a code. Two-factor authentication provides greater security, as the domain cannot be taken over even if someone only has access to the email account.

When is factorisation mandatory?

According to the Terms and Conditions, for a domain protected by a certificate, two-factor authentication must be enabled before the following changes can be made:

• Requesting an authorisation code (EPP code), for example, if you are transferring the domain to another registrar. The old registrar cannot request a code for a domain protected by a certificate; in such cases, you will often encounter the error message ‘Domain is not certificate-based’.
• Transfer, i.e. changing the domain holder (excluding document-based transfers).
• Changes to key details of the domain holder: for companies, this includes the company name, tax registration number, and any legal succession or reorganisation; for private individuals, it includes the registered personal details. No authorisation is required to change the postal address.

Domain renewals and changes to name servers can be carried out without factorisation.

Transferring your registration to aWh

If you transfer a document-protected .hu domain to us from another registrar, you do not need to request an authorisation code: the domain is transferred with the supporting documents, and during the transfer process we will ask you to switch to two-factor authentication. To this end, once the transfer has been initiated, we will send you a declaration form to complete. The process of transfer is described in the article on domain transfers.

The factorisation process at aWh

1. We will send you a declaration. You will receive an email entitled ‘Declaration for factorisation’ containing your domain name and a pre-filled declaration based on the registry’s template. The template provided is for legal entities in the case of companies and associations, and for natural persons in the case of private individuals and sole traders.
2. Please complete and sign it. Check the details and correct them if necessary, fill in any missing fields, and sign the declaration using one of the methods described below.
3. Please return it. Send us the signed declaration in a reply email or attached to a ticket. Our colleagues will check it and submit it to the registry.
4. Confirm your details. The registry will send a confirmation email to the email address provided in the declaration (and, if two-factor authentication is enabled, a code to your telephone number as well). Click on the link in the email and confirm your details.
5. Review. A member of the registry’s staff checks the declaration. If everything is in order, the domain will be activated, and a summary email containing the domain’s details will be sent to the domain holder’s notification email address. If any information is missing, we will notify you of what needs to be provided.

The process must be completed within 30 days of commencement; otherwise, the registry will cancel the application and you will have to start again from the beginning. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam folder and contact us: we can resend it.

What should you bear in mind when filling in the form?

We usually have to request the declaration again because a required field has been left blank:

• The applicant’s identification number: for private individuals, the number of a personal identification document (identity card, passport or driving licence); for companies, the tax registration number.
• The email address for the verification process: this is where you will receive the verification email from the registry, so please provide an address that you check regularly. If you are using two-factor authentication, please also enter your telephone number.
• Domain holder details: the name and address must correspond to current, accurate details. If the company name or registered office has changed, please enter the new details.

How can you sign up?

The declaration must be a private document with full probative force. In practice, the following methods may be used:

• Digital Citizenship (DÁP) mobile app: you can authenticate the PDF using the app’s document authentication service, and the app will send the authenticated file back to you. This is the quickest method for private individuals and sole traders. The DÁP has now replaced the AVDH authentication previously used by many people.
• Qualified electronic signature: if you have one, you can sign the PDF electronically.
• Manual signature with two witnesses: print it out, sign it by hand, and have two witnesses sign it as well, clearly stating their names and addresses. Please send us a scanned copy.
• Corporate signature: in the case of a company or association, the person authorised to represent the organisation must sign on its behalf and attach a specimen signature or a signature sample countersigned by a solicitor. In such cases, witnesses are not required. The person authorised to sign on behalf of the organisation may also sign digitally (using a DÁP or a qualified digital signature); if the organisation is represented jointly by several people, each of them must sign.

The declaration may also be accepted if countersigned by a solicitor or certified by a notary. You can also find a guide on how to use Ügyfélkapu+ and DÁP on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to factorise now if I don’t want to change anything? No. The domain protected by a certificate works without factorisation and can be renewed. The switch is only necessary if you wish to carry out any of the changes listed above.

How long does it take? Provided the declaration is complete and you confirm the details promptly in the confirmation email, the registry’s assessment usually takes a few working days. Incomplete declarations are the most common cause of delays.

How do I know if my domain is protected by a certificate? If the domain was registered using the old application form and has not been updated since then, it is protected by a certificate. If you are unsure, please email us with the domain name and we will check it for you.

What should be done if the domain holder has ceased trading, or if the individual has passed away? In such cases, the legal successor or heir may handle the matter, provided they submit documents proving legal succession or inheritance. We deal with these cases on a case-by-case basis, so please open a ticket on the client portal and we will let you know which documents are required.

The general rules governing .hu domains are summarised in the article on the rules for .hu domain registration, whilst the roles of the various parties are explained in the article ‘The Registry, Registrar and Registrant: who’s who?’.