OMSP stands for Open Market Selling Price. It is the price Revenue estimates your vehicle would sell for in the Irish market. VRT is calculated as a percentage of this OMSP.

Does my car's condition affect the valuation?

Revenue initially assumes the vehicle is in "good condition". If your car has significant damage or wear, you still pay the VRT based on the standard OMSP first, but you can appeal the valuation afterwards with evidence (e.g., photos, engineer's report).

Why is the Revenue valuation higher than what I paid?

Revenue's OMSP reflects the retail price in Ireland, which includes dealer margins and taxes. It is often higher than the UK purchase price or private sale prices.

Can I get a valuation before buying a car?

Yes, you can use our calculator or the ROS Enquiry System to get an estimate. However, the final legal valuation is only determined when you present the vehicle at the NCT centre.

Does mileage affect the VRT valuation?

Yes, higher mileage typically reduces the market value of the car, which can lower the OMSP and therefore the VRT payable. Ensure you declare the correct mileage during registration.

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.

Vehicle Valuation Calculator Ireland 2026

What Determines Your Car's Value?

✓Make & Model: Base market value for the spec.
✓Age / Year: Depreciation applied based on registration date.
✓Mileage: High mileage can reduce OMSP.
✓Condition: Only excellent condition is assumed by Revenue initially.

Revenue Valuation: The final OMSP is determined by Revenue at the time of inspection.

Use VRT Calculator to Estimate Tax

OMSP Fluctuation & Seasonal Impact

Monthly Revenue Adjustments

Revenue's OMSP database is not static. Valuations are typically adjusted on the 1st of every month. If the used car market in Ireland sees a price surge (common in Spring), your vehicle's OMSP—and therefore your VRT—could increase even if the car is a month older.

The "30-Day Rule" Benefit

Once you receive a VRT quote during your appointment, it is typically valid for 30 days. However, if a new month starts before you pay, you may be subject to the updated (higher or lower) OMSP. Always aim to register in the same month you bring the car into the State.

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