🚗 Can I register an imported car and pay VRT in Ireland?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes — and you must register and pay VRT promptly, or driving the car is an offence. You must register an imported vehicle within 30 days of bringing it into the State, and crucially book the NCTS registration appointment within 7 days. You pay VRT at an NCTS centre, bringing the foreign registration document. For cars, VRT is a CO2 charge plus a NOx levy: the CO2 charge runs from 7% (min €140) for the lowest emissions up to 41% (min €820) for the highest, of the car's open-market selling price; the NOx levy is charged per mg/km. Importing from Great Britain may add VAT at 23% and customs duty (~10%), as GB is a third country; Northern Ireland cars are generally exempt. A transfer-of-residence exemption can apply if you move here with the car. In short: yes — register within 30 days, book within 7.

📋 The rules

Register an imported vehicle within 30 days
Book the NCTS appointment within 7 days
VRT = CO2 charge + NOx levy
CO2 charge 7% to 41% of market value
Cars from GB may face VAT + customs duty

🔓 Exceptions

Transfer-of-residence may give full VRT exemption
Vehicles over 30 years old pay a flat €200
Northern Ireland cars are generally exempt

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence — Revenue or the Gardaí can detain and seize it, released only on payment of a penalty. Missing the 30-day deadline triggers additional VRT. The CO2 charge runs 7%–41% of the open-market selling price (minimum €140–€820), and the NOx levy is €5–€25 per mg/km. Missing emissions data means the maximum charges apply (NOx up to €4,850 for diesel). Importing from Great Britain can add VAT at 23% and customs duty. Beware a myth: "I have 30 days, so there's no rush to book" is false — you must book the NCTS appointment within 7 days; the 30 days is only the outer limit, and late registration costs extra VRT. To register: book the NCTS appointment promptly and bring the foreign registration document and proof of import.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

How long do I have to register an imported car?

You must register the vehicle within 30 days of it entering the State. Importantly, you also have to book your appointment at an NCTS centre within seven days of bringing the car in. The 30 days is the outer deadline, and missing it leads to additional VRT being charged, so it's best to act quickly.

How is VRT calculated?

For cars, VRT is made up of a CO2 charge and a NOx levy. The CO2 charge is a percentage of the car's open-market selling price, ranging from 7% for the lowest-emitting cars up to 41% for the highest, with minimum amounts. The NOx levy is charged per milligram per kilometre of nitrogen oxide emissions.

Do I pay extra for a car from Great Britain?

Possibly, yes. Since Great Britain is outside the EU, importing a car from there can attract VAT at 23% and customs duty of around 10%, on top of VRT. Cars from Northern Ireland are generally exempt from these additional charges under the Windsor Framework, provided certain conditions are met.

Can I avoid VRT if I'm moving to Ireland?

You may qualify for a transfer-of-residence exemption from VRT if you're moving your normal residence to Ireland and have owned and used the vehicle abroad for a qualifying period before the move. There are detailed conditions and documentation requirements, so it's worth checking the Revenue rules carefully before importing.

What happens if I don't register in time?

Driving or keeping an unregistered vehicle on the road is an offence. Revenue or the Gardaí can detain and seize the vehicle, releasing it only after a penalty is paid. Registering late also means extra VRT is charged. So it's important to book your NCTS appointment within seven days and register within 30.

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