Vehicle Registrations / VRT

New vehicles and vehicles imported as new or used must pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and VAT and are then allocated an Irish registration number.
-New Vehicles: When buying a new vehicle from your car dealer they will register your vehicle on your behalf.
-New and Used Vehicles Imported by owner: You must present the vehicle to your local NCTS Centre who will calculate and collect the V.R.T. and VAT and allocate a vehicle registration number to you. Appointments in this regard are made by contacting (01) 4135975.
-New and Used Vehicles Imported by Dealer: Dealer will register your vehicle on your behalf.

A New or Imported vehicle can be taxed online 24 hours after the issue of the registration number by using the last 6 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN / Chassis No.) as the Online Renewal PIN.

Cars registered outside of Ireland
A private car first registered abroad prior to 1 January 2008 will always be taxed on engine size (c.c.). The CO2 based motor tax system does not apply to second-hand imports that were registered abroad prior to 2008.
A private car first registered abroad between 1 January 2008 and 30 June 2008 inclusive and subsequently registered in Ireland will be taxed on whichever is the lesser of the motor tax rates based on engine size (c.c.) or CO2 emissions. The comparison is based on the motor tax rates as of 1 December 2011.

A private car first registered abroad after 1 July 2008 and subsequently registered in Ireland will be taxed on CO2 emissions. -

For more information on the importing of vehicles into the State please see www.revenue.ie