You pay VRT at an NCTS (National Car Testing Service) centre. The NCTS collects VRT on behalf of Revenue.

How soon must I book the appointment?

You must book your VRT inspection appointment within 7 days of the vehicle arriving in the State.

How long do I have to complete registration?

You must complete the registration and pay the VRT within 30 days of the vehicle's arrival.

What documents do I need for the VRT inspection?

You need the vehicle's foreign registration document (e.g., V5C for UK), invoice/proof of purchase, proof of address (utility bill), PPS Number, photo ID, and valid insurance details.

Do I need an NCT immediately after importing?

It depends on the age of the car. If the car is over 4 years old, it will need an NCT. The due date is based on the date of its FIRST registration abroad, not the date of import.

Does a UK MOT count in Ireland?

No. A UK MOT is not recognised in Ireland. If the car is due for a test based on its age, you must book an Irish NCT.

Can I pay VRT with cash?

No. NCTS centres generally do not accept cash for VRT payments. You must pay by debit card, credit card, or bank draft payable to 'Applus Car Testing Service Ltd'.

What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?

You may be charged an additional penalty fee for late registration.

Does the NCTS check the car's condition?

Yes. They will verify the VIN, make, model, and check the vehicle's condition and extras specification to confirm the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price).

How do I get my Irish registration plates?

Once you pay the VRT at the NCTS centre, you will be issued a registration number. You must then purchase and fit the plates within 3 days.

What is VRT and how much does it cost 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.

How do I calculate VRT for my car in Ireland?

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.

Are electric cars exempt from VRT in Ireland?

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.

What is the NOx levy and which vehicles have to pay it?

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.

How is the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) determined for VRT?

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.

Can I get a VRT refund if I export my car from Ireland?

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.

What documents do I need to register an imported car in Ireland?

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.

How long does it take to register a car and pay VRT in Ireland?

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.

Do classic or vintage cars pay VRT in Ireland?

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.

What's the difference between VRT and motor tax in Ireland?

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.

Can I use a free VRT calculator online?

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, and total registration costs. Our calculator is updated for 2026 rates.

How can I calculate VRT by registration number in Ireland?

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.

NCT and VRT Ireland 2026 | Booking, Inspection & First Test Due

When importing a car into Ireland, you will encounter the NCTS (National Car Testing Service) at two key stages: first for the VRT inspection to register the car, and later for the NCT (National Car Test) to ensure it is roadworthy.

1. Phases of a VRT Inspection

When you enter an NCTS centre for VRT, you are NOT getting a roadworthiness test. You are undergoing a fiscal audit of your vehicle. The process follows three distinct phases:

Phase A: Paperwork

Checking the V5C, the invoice, and the PPS. Any mismatch here stops the process immediately.

Phase B: Physical

The vehicle is taken to the inspection bay. VIN, engine stamps, and CO2 compliance are verified.

Phase C: Valuation

The OMSP is calculated based on the spec audit, and your VRT bill is presented.

Technical: VIN & Chassis Verification

Inspectors use specialized lighting and scopes to verify the 17-digit VIN. They check for 'ringing' (where a stolen car is given the identity of a scrap car). If the VIN on the dashboard, the door pillar, and the stamped chassis do not match, the car is impounded and Revenue is notified for potential criminal investigation.

2. The Specification Audit

Drivers often complain that their VRT is higher than the online calculator. This is usually due to the 'Spec Audit'. Inspectors scan the car for:

● Upgraded Alloy Wheels
● Panoramic Sunroofs
● Full Leather Upholstery
● Advanced Multi-Media Pro

The "Spec Cliff": Why one feature can cost €1,000+

"If a car is on the edge of a CO2 band (e.g., 108g/km), adding 19-inch alloys can technically increase the simulated CO2 output to 111g/km. This jump from Band 7 to Band 9 increases the VRT rate from 11.75% to 14.25%. On a €40,000 OMSP car, that's a €1,000 tax increase for just a different set of wheels."

// NCTS Booking Hacks:

The NCTS booking system is often backlogged. If you cannot get a slot within 7 days:

✔ Check at 11:45 PM: The system refreshes and cancellations are released at midnight.
✔ Call the Priority List: Contact 01 413 5992 and ask to be placed on the VRT priority queue.
⚠ Proof of Intent: If you can't get a slot, keep a screenshot of the "No Slots Available" page. Revenue accepts this as proof of intent to register.

3. First NCT Requirements

Once registered, your car is entered into the national database. Its first NCT due date is determined by its Original Date of First Registration in the country of origin.

Import Age	NCT Deadline	Technical Rule
New (0-3 Years)	No test needed.	Test due on 4th anniversary of foreign registration.
Adult (4-9 Years)	Test due now.	2-year certificate issued from date of pass.
Senior (10+ Years)	Annual test.	1-year certificate. UK MOT history is ignored.

The "Plate" Rule

Once you receive your number (e.g., 261-D-1234), you must fit BS AU 145e compliant plates. Driving with UK or EU standard plates after receiving an Irish number is a €60 "fixed charge notice" (fine) and can lead to NCT failure immediately.

Recovering from a Failed VRT Check

If NCTS refuses to register your car, it is usually because the vehicle's spec data is not currently in the Revenue CO2 system (common for Rare models or JDM imports).

Step 1: The COC Request

You must contact the manufacturer for a Certificate of Conformity (COC) to prove emissions data.

Step 2: The Revenue Query

NCTS will send a manual valuation request to Revenue. This can take 5-10 working days.

Calculate VRT Before You Book

Know exactly how much you need to pay at the NCTS centre.

Estimate VRT Cost

Inspection floor technical FAQs

Can I drive home after a VRT inspection? +

Yes, but only if you have paid the VRT and been assigned a registration number. You must have your Irish plates fitted within 3 working days. Until then, you are technically driving on foreign plates illegally if you are a resident.

What if my V5C is a duplicate? +

NCTS will often accept a duplicate V5C (marked 'D') provided it is clear and unambiguous. However, a 'Notification of Permanent Export' (the purple slip) is NEVER accepted for registration. You MUST have the full logbook.

Can an NCTS centre refuse my bank draft? +

Yes, if it is made out to 'Revenue' or 'The Collector General'. Bank drafts for VRT must specifically be made payable to the NCTS operator (e.g., 'Applus Car Testing Service Ltd'). Check your booking confirmation carefully.

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NCT and VRT Ireland 2026

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