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.

WLTP VRT Calculator Ireland

Vehicle Registration Tax is now calculated using WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) CO₂ emissions for all new cars.

NEDC vs WLTP: The Shift

WLTP values are typically 20-30% higher than old NEDC figures. Revenue uses the WLTP figure (Field V.7) to calculate your VRT band.

"If only an NEDC figure is available, Revenue applies a mathematical conversion to estimate the WLTP equivalent."

The Importance of the CoC

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the "birth certificate" of your car. It contains the definitive WLTP CO₂ figure used for VRT calculation.

• Check Item 47 for WLTP Combined values.
• Ensure the CoC matches your VIN exactly.

Calculate Your Tax

Our VRT Calculator is fully updated with the 2026 WLTP tax bands. Enter your WLTP CO₂ figure to get an exact tax estimate.

Other Special VRT Calculators

VRT Export Repayment Calculator

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

Open calculator →

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.

Open calculator →

Customs Duty, VAT & VRT Calculator

Estimate total import costs including Customs and VAT.

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VRT Calculator by Registration

Learn how to estimate VRT using a vehicle registration number.

Open calculator →

VRT Calculator by Model

Calculate VRT based on specific vehicle makes and models.

Open calculator →

NOx Levy Calculator

Calculate the specific NOx emissions tax for your import.

Open calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WLTP mean?

WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It is the new, more accurate method for testing car emissions and fuel consumption, replacing the old NEDC system.

How does WLTP affect my VRT?

Cars typically have higher CO2 values under WLTP than NEDC. To balance this, the VRT tax bands were adjusted. However, high-emission vehicles generally pay more VRT under the new system.

Do used cars use WLTP or NEDC?

Newer used cars (post-2020/2021) generally have a WLTP value. Older cars use the NEDC figure. Revenue will use the WLTP figure if available; otherwise, they may convert an NEDC figure to a WLTP equivalent.

What is the highest VRT rate?

The highest VRT rate for Category A vehicles (passenger cars) is 41%, which applies to vehicles with WLTP CO2 emissions of 191g/km or higher.

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WLTP VRT Calculator Ireland

NEDC vs WLTP: The Shift

The Importance of the CoC

Calculate Your Tax

Other Special VRT Calculators

VRT Export Repayment Calculator

Exempt Vehicle VRT Calculator

VRT Refund Calculator

Customs Duty, VAT & VRT Calculator

VRT Calculator by Registration

VRT Calculator by Model

NOx Levy Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WLTP mean?

How does WLTP affect my VRT?

Do used cars use WLTP or NEDC?

What is the highest VRT rate?

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