Ireland Vehicle Registration Process

How To Register An Imported Vehicle In Ireland

There’s a lot to know about registering a vehicle in another country, especially since they all have, at least to some extent, different requirements. Ireland is one of the easier countries to ship a car to from the U.S., but there’s still a process you’ll have to go through to get a car or truck registered locally.

The Registration Process

In order to register an imported vehicle in Ireland, you must take your vehicle to an inspection station within the first 7 days it is in the country and you have a 30 day period in which to complete the registration process. Registration inspection stations can be found throughout the country and you can find a local one using this map.

Upon initial registration of your vehicle in Ireland, you’ll also need to pay a vehicle registration tax (VRT). The VRT is calculated based on the open market selling price (OMSP) of the vehicle and is assessed at 20-30%. There are exemptions from the VRT if you’re a student, moving to Ireland permanently, or if the vehicle will be in the country less than one year. All of the above instances do still require you to contact the revenue office.

After paying the VRT, you will receive your local license plates. You’ll then have to get auto insurance and pay the motor tax before you’re fully registered. (You can find more information about the VRT percentage in the second section below.)

Click here to visit our international auto shipping page for Ireland. Information you’ll find there includes estimated shipping costs to Ireland from the U.S., required import documents, and what sort of transport options are available.

Vehicle Registration Tax & Other Considerations

The VRT (vehicle registration tax) on imported vehicles in Ireland can be rather high, especially since it varies so widely. Unlike many other countries, Ireland assesses the VRT on the basis of CO2 emissions, which means you’ll pay more for vehicles that emit more emissions. The VRT rates ranges from 14% to 36% with several incremental levels in between. In the resources section below you’ll find a tool to help you calculate what you would pay in VRT.

Ireland Vehicle Registration Resources

Vehicle Registration Tax Calculator - A VRT calculation tool to help you estimate what you’ll have to pay. It includes a vehicle and motorcycle database with many different models.

Ireland National Car Testing Service - The website for the National Car Testing Services can tell you when your vehicle is due to be tested, as well as the current status of your registration.

If you’re considering shipping a car to Ireland, call us today to learn about our affordable options! We can be reached by either phone or email and we’re happy to provide cost estimates to all interested parties, 100% FREE OF CHARGE! No strings attached!