Is there a flat VRT rate for vintage vehicles?

Yes. Qualifying vintage vehicles fall under VRT Category C and pay a fixed €200 at registration.

Can modifications affect eligibility for the vintage rate?

Significant alterations or conversions can change the vehicle’s VRT category. The correct category is determined at registration based on how the vehicle is presented.

Do I still have to pay customs duty or VAT when importing a classic car?

Customs duty and VAT are separate from VRT. If you import from outside the EU (e.g., Great Britain), customs/VAT may apply depending on origin and circumstances. Keep your customs declaration to present at NCTS.

Does this calculator cover motor tax or insurance?

No. The tool focuses on VRT only. Motor tax and insurance are separate processes with their own rules.

How is the vehicle’s age calculated for vintage status?

Age is typically based on the vehicle’s original date of first registration. A vehicle qualifies when it is more than 30 years old on the day it is registered in Ireland.

Classic Car VRT Calculator Ireland

Q: What age qualifies a vehicle as a classic/vintage for VRT?

For VRT purposes, a vehicle is generally treated as vintage when it is more than 30 years old at the time of registration. Eligibility is confirmed at registration based on proof of age.

Q: Are CO₂ bands or OMSP used for classic cars?

No. CO₂/OMSP valuation applies to other categories. Vintage vehicles (Category C) use the fixed €200 rate instead.

Q: What documents are required for classic car VRT registration?

Bring proof of age and ownership (e.g., foreign registration or de-registration certificate; manufacturer or club dating letter if applicable), personal ID, address evidence, PPSN if required, and proof of customs clearance for non-EU imports. Follow NCTS guidance for any additional paperwork.

Classic Car VRT Calculator helps private owners, restorers, and dealers estimate Vehicle Registration Tax on vintage vehicles (typically 30+ years from first registration). It first checks vintage eligibility and explains the proof-of-age documents NCTS/Revenue accept; if the car qualifies, the vintage flat-rate pathway is applied (no CO₂ banding). If it isn’t yet vintage, the tool switches to the standard used-car method—OMSP, WLTP CO₂ bands and any NOx levy—plus clear guidance on how customs/VAT interact with VRT for UK versus EU imports.

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VRT Calculator

Enter your vehicle details for an instant VRT calculation

Rates Version: 2025 Updated

Vehicle Category

Year of First Registration

Vehicle must be >30 years old at registration.

OMSP - Open Market Selling Price (€)

This is the Irish market value Revenue uses for VRT calculation

What Qualifies as a Classic Car in Ireland?

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.

How VRT Is Calculated for Classic Cars

Classic cars are not charged VRT using Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and CO2 bands like Category A or B passenger vehicles. Instead, where the vehicle qualifies as a vintage vehicle, Category C’s fixed **€200** applies at registration.

**Scenario:** You import a 1985 Mercedes-Benz SL from the UK. At NCTS, you provide proof the car is more than 30 years old. Revenue categorises it as a vintage vehicle (Category C).
**VRT:** Fixed charge of **€200** (Category C), assuming vintage criteria are met.
**Customs & VAT (separate from VRT):** Because the vehicle is imported from outside the EU, customs duty and VAT may apply at import unless a specific relief or preferential rate applies (proof may be required). Keep the customs declaration as NCTS will require proof of payment when registering.

Additional Considerations

Actual charges can vary depending on origin, route (GB vs NI), and documentation. Always check the latest Revenue guidance before purchasing.

**Post-Brexit UK imports:** Customs duty and VAT considerations may apply on vehicles arriving from Great Britain. Keep import paperwork for NCTS/Revenue review.
**Booking & timelines:** Make an NCTS booking within **7 days** of the vehicle entering the State and complete registration within **30 days**.
**Documents to bring:** Proof of age/ownership (foreign registration or de-registration certificate); other items requested by NCTS.
**If not eligible as classic:** Estimate using the **Used Car VRT Calculator Ireland** instead (CO2/OMSP rules typically apply).

Classic Car VRT — FAQs

What age qualifies a car as “classic” for VRT purposes?

Revenue treats a vehicle as “vintage” when it is more than 30 years old at the time of registration, subject to proof of age.

Is there a flat VRT rate for vintage cars?

Yes. Qualifying vintage vehicles are in VRT Category C and pay a fixed €200 at registration.

Are CO₂ bands or OMSP used for classic cars?

No. CO₂/OMSP methods apply to other categories (e.g., Category A/B). Vintage cars (Category C) use the fixed rate instead.

Can modified or converted vehicles still use the vintage rate?

Significant alterations (e.g., conversions to motor caravans) may place the vehicle in a different VRT category, so the vintage flat rate may not apply. Category is determined at registration based on how the vehicle is presented.

Do classic cars pay customs duty or VAT on import?

Customs duty and VAT are separate from VRT. When importing from outside the EU (e.g., Great Britain), you may have customs and VAT liabilities at import; keep the customs declaration for NCTS. Rules can vary by origin and circumstances.

What documents are required for classic car VRT registration?

Bring proof of age/ownership (such as a foreign registration or de-registration certificate) and any documents NCTS requests for registration.

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