Calculate your Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland instantly with our free VRT calculator. Whether you're importing a car from the UK, Northern Ireland, or Europe, our VRT calculator by reg number provides accurate tax estimates based on 2026 Irish Revenue guidelines. Get instant VRT calculations, NOX tax rates, and customs duty estimates for any vehicle.
VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) in Ireland costs between 7% and 37% of your vehicle's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). Electric vehicles pay the lowest rate at 7%, while high-emission diesel and petrol cars can pay up to 37%. For a typical €20,000 car with 120g/km CO₂ emissions, you'd pay approximately €3,600-€4,000 in VRT. Diesel vehicles also pay an additional NOx levy ranging from €200 to €4,850.
Specialized VRT calculators for every vehicle category
Trusted by thousands of Irish car buyers and importers
No hidden fees, no registration required. We don't store your personal data.
All rates, bands, and formulas are aligned with the latest Revenue.ie guidelines.
Get a detailed split of VRT, NOx levy, and potential reliefs in seconds.
Based on official Revenue.ie VRT rates and valuation methods. • Revenue VRT Tables • Vehicle Valuation Guide
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a tax due when a vehicle is registered in the State. If you import a car, van or motorcycle, you must register it within the prescribed time limits after arrival and pay any VRT due. The amount depends on factors such as the vehicle category, OMSP, CO₂ emissions, and applicable reliefs.
Read our comprehensive guide to understanding What is VRT in Ireland →
*Subject to OMSP limits
Note: These are illustrative examples. Use the calculator above for your specific vehicle details.
OMSP is Revenue's assessment of what your vehicle would sell for in the Irish market on the date of registration. Your VRT is calculated as a percentage of this value (for most passenger cars), with percentage set by the CO₂ band.
Vehicles are grouped into CO₂ bands. Each band corresponds to a VRT percentage. Lower CO₂ typically means a lower VRT rate; higher CO₂ leads to higher rates.
Revenue's depreciation tables adjust the OMSP for vehicle age and condition. High mileage, wear/tear or market changes can reduce OMSP, and thus reduce VRT.
Vans, motorcycles and certain commercial vehicles may follow different categories and bases (e.g., specific rates or formulas). Always consult category-specific rules in the VRT manual.
Reliefs or reduced rates may apply within defined thresholds and timelines—check the latest Revenue notices.
Qualifying vehicles/users can claim reliefs or repayment subject to strict criteria and documentation.
When moving to Ireland, certain reliefs may apply if you meet residency and ownership conditions.
Different rules can apply to very old or classic cars. VRT export repayment and specific schemes exist—verify eligibility and submission windows.
Current Vehicle Registration Tax rates for Ireland, updated February 2026. VRT is calculated as a percentage of your vehicle's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) based on CO₂ emissions.
| CO₂ Emissions (g/km) | VRT Rate (%) | Example Tax (€20,000 OMSP) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 g/km (Electric) | 7% | €1,400 |
| 1-50 g/km | 7% | €1,400 |
| 51-80 g/km | 9% | €1,800 |
| 81-100 g/km | 12% | €2,400 |
| 101-120 g/km | 16% | €3,200 |
| 121-140 g/km | 20% | €4,000 |
| 141-155 g/km | 27% | €5,400 |
| 156-170 g/km | 31% | €6,200 |
| 171-190 g/km | 35% | €7,000 |
| 191+ g/km | 37% | €7,400 |
Note: These are 2026 VRT rates for Category A vehicles (cars). Additional NOX charges apply to diesel vehicles registered from January 2020 onwards. Electric vehicles may qualify for VRT relief up to €5,000.
Follow these simple steps to calculate and check VRT for any vehicle being registered in Ireland
Use our VRT calculator above and enter your vehicle registration number or VIN. The calculator works for UK, Northern Ireland, and EU registrations.
Check your V5C document (UK) or Certificate of Conformity for CO₂ emissions in g/km. This determines your VRT rate band (7% to 37%).
The OMSP is what your vehicle would sell for in Ireland. Check similar vehicles on DoneDeal.ie or Carzone.ie, or use Revenue's online valuation system.
VRT = OMSP × CO₂ Rate Percentage. For example: €20,000 OMSP × 16% (120g/km CO₂) = €3,200 VRT.
If your diesel vehicle was registered after January 2020, add NOX charges (€0 to €600+) based on nitrogen oxide emissions.
Our calculator provides an immediate VRT estimate with full breakdown including CO₂ component, NOX levy, and total registration costs.
Common questions about VRT calculation in Ireland
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a tax charged when you register a vehicle in Ireland for the first time. The cost ranges from 7% to 37% of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), depending on your vehicle's CO₂ emissions. Electric vehicles pay the lowest rate (7%), while high-emission petrol and diesel cars can pay up to 37%. Additional charges like the NOx levy may apply to diesel vehicles.
To calculate VRT, you need your vehicle's OMSP (Open Market Selling Price), CO₂ emissions rating, fuel type, and age. Our calculator uses the official Revenue formula: VRT = OMSP × CO₂ rate percentage. For used cars, depreciation is applied to the OMSP. Simply enter your vehicle details into our calculator for an instant estimate including VRT, NOx levy (if applicable), and total registration costs.
Electric cars are not fully exempt from VRT, but they benefit from the lowest VRT rate of just 7% of the OMSP. This is significantly lower than petrol or diesel vehicles, which can pay up to 37%. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also avoid the NOx levy that applies to diesel cars. Additionally, electric vehicles may qualify for SEAI grants and lower motor tax rates.
The NOx levy is an additional environmental charge applied to diesel vehicles in Ireland based on their nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It ranges from €0 to €600+ depending on your vehicle's NOx rating in milligrams per kilometer. Only diesel cars registered from January 2020 onwards are subject to this levy. Petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles are exempt.
The OMSP is the price a vehicle would fetch on the open market in Ireland on the date of registration, including all taxes. Revenue determines OMSP using their database of similar vehicles, considering make, model, age, mileage, and condition. For new cars, it's typically the retail price. For used imports, Revenue compares your vehicle to similar Irish-registered vehicles.
Yes, you can claim a VRT refund if you permanently export your vehicle from Ireland within certain timeframes. The refund amount depends on how long you owned the vehicle: vehicles exported within 6 months receive the highest refund, with decreasing amounts up to 10 years. You must provide proof of export, deregister the vehicle with Revenue, and submit a VRT repayment claim.
To register an imported vehicle in Ireland, you need: (1) Original vehicle registration document from the country of origin, (2) Proof of ownership, (3) Valid NCT certificate (if vehicle is over 4 years old), (4) Proof of insurance, (5) Completed VRT declaration form (VRT1), (6) Evidence of OMSP value, and (7) Payment for VRT and registration fees. For UK imports post-Brexit, you may also need customs documentation.
The VRT registration process typically takes 1-3 business days once you submit all required documents to an NCT center. You must register and pay VRT within 30 days of bringing the vehicle into Ireland (7 days for commercial vehicles). Payment can be made online, at NCT centers, or at Revenue offices. After payment, you'll receive your VRT certificate immediately.
Classic and vintage cars over 30 years old may qualify for VRT exemption in Ireland if they meet specific criteria: the vehicle must be unmodified, in original condition, and used only for limited purposes like exhibitions or club events. However, if you plan to use the classic car for regular daily driving, standard VRT rates apply based on the vehicle's OMSP and emissions.
VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is a one-time tax paid when you first register a vehicle in Ireland, calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's value. Motor tax is an annual circulation tax you pay every year to keep your vehicle on the road, based on CO₂ emissions for cars registered after 2008. VRT is typically much higher (thousands of euros) while motor tax ranges from €120 to €2,400+ annually.
Yes, our free VRT calculator provides instant, accurate estimates based on official Revenue.ie rates and formulas. Simply enter your vehicle's details (OMSP, CO₂ emissions, fuel type) and get an immediate breakdown of VRT charges, NOx levy (if applicable), and total registration costs. Our calculator is updated for 2026 rates and uses the same calculation method as Revenue, but always verify final costs with Revenue before registration, as individual circumstances may vary.
While you cannot directly calculate VRT using only a registration number, you can use the reg number to look up your vehicle's specifications on Motorcheck.ie or Cartell.ie, then enter those details into our VRT calculator. You'll need the vehicle's OMSP value, CO₂ emissions (g/km), NOx emissions (for diesel), and registration date. For imported vehicles, the registration number alone won't provide VRT estimates - you must know the vehicle's Irish market value (OMSP) which Revenue determines.
We use cookies to improve your experience and display personalized ads through Google AdSense. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more