Vehicle Registration Tax Process | Full Guide & Helpful Resources (2024)

Car Registration Services in Ireland

VRT Ireland provides professional car registration services for clients across Ireland. When it comes toVehicle Registration Tax Processour highly skilled team is ready to assist from start to finish.

Registering a car in Ireland from the UK is a complex process due to the Brexit coming into effect on 1 January 2021. Consequently, it is vital to entrust the process of importing cars from the UK to a trusted partner such asVRTIreland who have assisted hundreds of clients with the complexVehicle Registration Tax Process.

We assist with vehicle registration as well as providing many other valuable services for our clients.

This article will walk you through the vehicle registration tax process in Ireland.

When is VRT charged?

Vehicle Registration Tax is a tax charged when one registers a new or imported used vehicle in Ireland. All vehicles in the state must be registered with the exception of vehicle brought in temporarily by visitors.

When must I Register?

If you bring a vehicle into Ireland from abroad you must register it and pay VRT. An appointment to have your vehicle inspected at an NCT centre must be made within 7 days of the vehicle entering the State in order to register and pay the VRT (and any other tax liabilities due on the vehicle). You must then complete the registration process within 30 days of arriving in the State.
Please be advised that if you do not complete your registration process within the 30 day period the revenue commissioners may make an additional VRT charge. In this regard, you are advised to retain possession of the documentation relating to the shipping or storage of the vehicle where the date of the invoice is more than 30 days earlier than the date of registration. It should be noted that an unregistered vehicle may be detained or seized by Revenue Officials or by An Garda Siochana.

How and where do I Register?

An appointment to have your vehicle inspected at an NCT centre must be made within 7 days of the vehicle entering the State in order to register and pay the VRT (and any other tax liabilities due on the vehicle). You must then complete the registration process within 30 days of arriving in the State.

An appointment for one of the designated NCT centres can be made through one of the following methods:
– On-line… Click Here!
– Phone: 01-4135975
– Post: Vehicle Registration Tax Inspection, 3026 Lakedrive, Citywest Business Campus, Naas Road, Dublin 24

Confirmation of your appointment will then be sent to you either by SMS, e-mail or by post. Please ensure you have carry proof of your confirmed appointment with you when using your vehicle until the registration process is completed and the registration number is displayed on the vehicle.

What information do I need when making a booking?

Name
Address
Mobile Number
E-mail address
Type of Vehicle
Chassis Number/VIN number
Registration Number of Vehicle

What happens when I present the vehicle at the NCT centre to register it?

• You will present the vehicle and required documentation at your appointment time.
• The vehicle will then be inspected to insure it matches the description in the associated documentation (Make, Model, VIN etc.) and to insure it is suitable for registration.
• Once this is established, you will be presented with documentation to confirm you wish the register the vehicle. You will be asked to sign this documentation.
• The vehicle registration tax due on the vehicle will be calculated which you will be required to pay.
• Once you have completed payment your vehicle will be given a vehicle registration number.
  
• You will then be required to purchase vehicle registration plates and fit them to the vehicle.
  
• You will also be required to pay motor tax. Once you pay motor tax you will receive the vehicle registration certificate in the post.
  

What documentation do I need when I am registering the vehicle?

Customs Declaration:

If you import a vehicle to Ireland from outside the EU (UK, Japan and other countries), you are required to complete a customs declaration and clear customs. This needs to be completed before you VRT your Vehicle.

Vehicle Identity Documentation of Used Vehicle:

If the vehicle is a used vehicle, a document with evidence of previous registration is required e.g. foreign certificate of registration, a certificate of permanent exportation or a certificate of de-registration, as appropriate (this document will be retained by the NCTS Centre so please ensure you make a copy of it before you go to the test centre).

Vehicle Identity Documentation of New Vehicle:

If the vehicle is a new vehicle, prior to the vehicle being presented for registration, you must you must have uploaded or manually input the details from European Community Whole Vehicle Type-Approval (ECWVTA) Certificate of Conformity (COC), Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or National Small Series Type-Approval (NSSTA). Details of how to complete these can be found here

Vehicle Identity Documentation of Vintage Vehicle:

If the vehicle is vintage (more than 30 years old) and the original documentation is not available, a declaration in respect of the vehicle particulars from an enthusiasts’ organisation or club which provides the data necessary for registration will be accepted at the NCTS. Additional documentation may be requested to satisfy the identity and age of the vehicle.

VRT Vehicle Purchase Declaration Form:

The form can be found here.

Purchase Invoice

Invoice which must have the date of purchase/sale clearly indicated.

Proof of Address

Proof of new registered owner’s name and address (Utility Bill, Bank Statement). Please note that a Television Licence is not acceptable as a Utility Bill.

Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)

Documentary evidence of the PPSN will be required e.g. a P60 or any documentation issued by the Revenue Commissioners which include your PPS number, name and address. Where an authorised trader (TAN Holder) is registering a vehicle on behalf of a customer, they should give their Revenue Customer Number (i.e. VAT or CT number) in place of the PPSN of the person in whose name the vehicle is being registered.

What additional documentation may I need when I am registering the vehicle?

Evidence of the date of entry of a vehicle into the State

This can include shipping details, travel documents, SAD number or evidence of vehicle storage outside the State where the invoice is dated more than 30 days earlier than the date the vehicle is presented for registration.

Exemption notification letter issued by Revenue.

Under certain circ*mstance you may be exempt from VRT such as when you transfer residence to Ireland. For more information go to VRT Exemption on Transfer of Residence
Where an exemption from VRT is claimed, you’ll be issued an exemption notification letter issued by Revenue.

CO2 emission documentation

Documentation (as approved by the Revenue Commissioners) confirming the level of CO2 emissions of the vehicle at the time of manufacture. Where evidence of the level of CO2 emissions of the vehicle at the time of manufacture is not available at registration – VRT will be charged at the highest rate applicable.

How much VRT will I have to pay when I register?

Full details of the VRT rates can be found here

How do I pay the VRT charge?

You can pay by:
Cash (Up to €200)
Debit Card (Up to €2,500)
Bank Draft (payable to Applus Car Testing Service)
Credit Card (1.5% administration charge)

Our Services

Why Work with Us?

Reliability	Customer Service	Vast Experience
VRT Ireland is a reputable and reliable provider of bespoke services for car registration in Ireland on imported vehicles from abroad, such as Northern Ireland and Great Britain. You can depend on the quality of services to expedite your import and to avoid unnecessary delays with customs authorities.	We put our customers’ needs at the forefront of all that we do. Customers can rely on our top-notch customer service to ensure that the entire import process and customs declaration process is smooth and hassle-free. We can also negotiate with Revenue and customs authorities should there be any issues that arise.	Importing vehicles from the UK prior to Brexit was a relatively straightforward affair, but everything has since changed and become far more complex. Our team has accumulated a vast wealth of experience in this specific sector to provide you with efficient and professional customs and importing assistance.

Vehicle Registration Tax Process – FAQs

Vehicle Registration Tax Process was last modified: December 14th, 2023 by vrtmanager