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.

VRT Calculator by Registration Number

Enter your vehicle details or registration to get an instant VRT estimate based on 2026 Revenue rates.

Note: We currently support manual entry for maximum accuracy. Reg lookup coming soon.

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The Value of Registration Discovery

Hidden Vehicle History

A registration number is more than just a label. It reveals the car's original manufacture date, engine displacement, and exact CO₂ output—all critical for VRT. Using the reg allows Revenue to cross-reference the National Vehicle File.

UK & NI Export Checks

For imports, the registration confirms if the vehicle was in Northern Ireland before the Brexit deadline (Dec 31, 2020), which can eliminate Customs Duty and VAT under the "Union Status" rules.

Other Special VRT Calculators

VRT Export Repayment Calculator

Calculate your potential VRT refund when exporting a vehicle from Ireland.

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Exempt Vehicle VRT Calculator

Check VRT exemptions for transfers of residence and disabled drivers.

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VRT Refund Calculator

Calculate potential VRT refunds for eligible vehicles.

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Customs Duty, VAT & VRT Calculator

Estimate total import costs including Customs and VAT.

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VRT Calculator by Model

Calculate VRT based on specific vehicle makes and models.

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WLTP VRT Calculator

Estimate VRT based on the new WLTP CO₂ emission standards.

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NOx Levy Calculator

Calculate the specific NOx emissions tax for your import.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check VRT by UK registration number?

Currently, direct VRT lookup by UK registration is not available to the public for free due to data restrictions. You can use our calculator by manually entering the vehicle details (Make, Model, CO2, NOx) to get an accurate estimate.

How accurate is the registration calculator?

Calculations based on correct vehicle details are highly accurate as we use the official Revenue formulas for 2026. However, the final VRT is always determined by Revenue at the time of inspection.

Do I need the VIN (Chassis Number) to calculate VRT?

No, you do not need the VIN for a VRT estimate. You only need the VIN when you are booking your VRT inspection at an NCT centre.

Does the calculator include the NOx levy?

Yes, our calculator includes an estimation of the NOx levy based on the NOx emissions value you provide (in mg/km).

Where can I find my car's CO2 and NOx values?

You can find these values on the vehicle's V5C (UK Logbook) or the Certificate of Conformity (COC). Look for fields V.7 (CO2) and V.3 (NOx) on the V5C.

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✨ Special Calculators

VRT Calculator by Registration Number

The Value of Registration Discovery

Hidden Vehicle History

UK & NI Export Checks

Other Special VRT Calculators

VRT Export Repayment Calculator

Exempt Vehicle VRT Calculator

VRT Refund Calculator

Customs Duty, VAT & VRT Calculator

VRT Calculator by Model

WLTP VRT Calculator

NOx Levy Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check VRT by UK registration number?

How accurate is the registration calculator?

Do I need the VIN (Chassis Number) to calculate VRT?

Does the calculator include the NOx levy?

Where can I find my car's CO2 and NOx values?

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