Calculate car VRT in Ireland with our free 2026 calculator. Get instant, accurate vehicle registration tax estimates using OMSP, WLTP CO₂ bands, and NOx levy for new and used car imports.
Verified by VRT Calculator Ireland Research Team
Irish Tax & Import Experts | Updated Feb 2026
Car VRT in Ireland ranges from 7% to 41% of your vehicle's OMSP (Open Market Selling Price), depending on CO₂ emissions. A typical family car worth €20,000 with 120g/km CO₂ pays approximately €3,400-€3,800 in VRT. Electric vehicles pay just 7%, while high-emission diesel and petrol cars can pay up to 41% plus an additional NOx levy (capped at €600 for petrol, €4,850 for diesel).
| Vehicle Type | Example Model | OMSP | Est. VRT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (BEV) | Tesla Model 3 | €40,000 | €0 (Relief) |
| Hybrid | Toyota Corolla | €32,000 | ~€2,800 |
| Diesel SUV | Hyundai Tucson | €38,000 | ~€7,200+ |
| Petrol Hatch | VW Golf | €28,000 | ~€4,500 |
Based on official Revenue.ie VRT rates and valuation methods.
For passenger cars (Category A), VRT is a percentage of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) that Revenue assigns to the vehicle, adjusted by the WLTP CO₂ band. For used imports, age and depreciation influence the OMSP used. Low-emission vehicles may qualify for reliefs or different treatment.
Scenario: Used 2020 petrol car imported from the UK, WLTP CO₂ = 120 g/km.
Note: Actual rates depend on the official band for your CO₂ value and the OMSP Revenue assigns. EVs/PHEVs may have reliefs.
OMSP is Revenue's assessment of what your vehicle would sell for on the Irish open market at registration time. It reflects age, mileage, condition, trim, and market data. Your VRT % applies to that OMSP.
Yes. VRT (and any NOx levy) is paid to register the car in Ireland. Customs duty and VAT, where applicable (e.g., some UK imports), are import charges handled separately during customs clearance.
EVs are zero-emission and may benefit from VRT reliefs depending on current rules and thresholds. Always check the latest Revenue guidance and use our Electric Car VRT Calculator Ireland for an indicative estimate.
Age and mileage influence the OMSP assigned to your vehicle. A lower OMSP (reflecting depreciation) reduces the base on which the VRT percentage is applied.
The VRT calculation methodology is the same, but UK imports may also involve customs duty/VAT depending on origin and proof of origin. EU imports generally do not incur customs duty, but VRT still applies at registration.
Typically: proof of identity/address, vehicle purchase documentation, foreign registration cert, evidence of date of entry, mileage/CO₂ proof (e.g., CoC), and customs documents where applicable.
You must register your imported vehicle and pay VRT within 30 days of bringing it into Ireland (or 7 days for commercial vehicles). Failure to register on time can result in penalties of up to €5,000 or seizure of the vehicle.
Yes, hybrid cars typically have lower VRT due to reduced CO₂ emissions. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with emissions under 50g/km benefit from significant VRT reliefs. However, hybrid vehicles still pay NOx levy based on their emissions.
Yes. If you disagree with Revenue's OMSP assessment, you can appeal by providing supporting evidence such as independent valuations or comparable vehicle prices. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Revenue within 21 days of your VRT assessment.
WLTP replaced NEDC in 2018 and provides more realistic CO₂ emission figures. Revenue uses WLTP values for VRT calculations. If your vehicle only has NEDC figures (pre-2018 cars), our calculator can estimate the WLTP equivalent using standard conversion formulas.
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