Quick answer
- Make the NCTS appointment within seven days of bringing the vehicle into Ireland.
- Complete registration within 30 days of arrival to avoid additional VRT.
- A VRT appointment is a registration examination, not an NCT test slot.
- The vehicle and original documents must match; missing foreign registration evidence can stop registration.
- Revenue currently lists debit card, bank draft and qualifying credit cards as payment methods.
Estimate Vehicle Registration Tax
Use the VRT Calculator Ireland page to estimate OMSP-based VRT, CO₂ component, NOx charge, EV relief and category-specific results.
On this page
VRT booking timeline
The seven-day rule is the deadline to make the appointment, not necessarily the day the appointment must occur. Keep the booking confirmation and proof of the date the vehicle entered Ireland. Revenue can charge additional VRT where registration is not completed within 30 days.
How to book a VRT appointment
- Use the official NCTS VRT booking service rather than the normal NCT booking route.
- Have the foreign registration number, VIN/chassis number, make, model and your contact details ready.
- Select an NCTS centre that offers VRT registration appointments.
- Save the booking number and confirmation.
- If the available slot is after the 30-day registration deadline, keep evidence that you made the appointment within seven days and contact NCTS promptly about availability.
The NCTS site labels VRT booking separately because an NCT cannot be carried out in a VRT appointment slot.
Documents for a used vehicle
| Document/evidence | Why it is needed | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Original foreign registration or de-registration certificate | Proves previous registration | Copy it first because NCTS retains the evidence |
| CO₂ and NOx evidence | Supports the VRT calculation | Confirm units and exact VIN/model |
| Passport or driving licence | Identity | Bring the original |
| VRTVPD2 purchase-details form | Vehicle purchase information for a private registrant | Use the current Revenue form |
| Dated purchase invoice | Purchase and ownership facts | Seller, buyer, vehicle and date should be clear |
| Owner name/address evidence | Irish registration details | Hardcopy utility/bank evidence or the permitted online-statement combination |
| PPSN evidence | Identifies the registered owner | Official documentary evidence is required |
| Date-of-entry evidence | Tests the seven- and 30-day deadlines | Ferry, shipping or travel records |
| Customs declaration MRN where required | Proves non-EU customs formalities | Resolve this before the appointment |
| Revenue exemption notification where relevant | Supports approved relief | Do not rely on an undecided application as approval |
A new vehicle needs a hardcopy Certificate of Conformity and the e-CoC must already be on Revenue’s system. Authorised representatives, traders, companies, conversions and UK/NI routes can require additional documents.
What happens at the VRT appointment?
- NCTS examines the vehicle to confirm that its VIN, identity and characteristics match the documents.
- The vehicle details, category, emissions and valuation route are checked for registration.
- If documents are missing or the vehicle does not match them, it will not be registered.
- Revenue’s VRT assessment and any other tax due are applied.
- After payment, the Irish registration number issues.
The VRT appointment does not automatically include an NCT. A used imported vehicle may still need an NCT after registration under the normal testing rules.
How and when VRT is paid
Tax due is paid as part of completing registration at the NCTS centre. Revenue currently lists:
- Debit card.
- Bank draft payable to “Applus Inspection Services Ltd.”
- Credit card, excluding American Express.
Revenue pays for one registration appointment and there is no separate charge for that first registration service. A second appointment caused by incomplete documents or another customer issue can be at the customer’s expense. A tyre Environmental Management Cost also applies when a used vehicle is first registered in the State.
If registration cannot finish that day
An unlisted vehicle may need an individual Revenue valuation. In that situation, NCTS follows up after Revenue completes the valuation, and Revenue says this is not treated as a second appointment. Missing or inconsistent documents are different: they can prevent registration and lead to another appointment at the customer’s cost.
| Reason | Likely next step |
|---|---|
| Model not listed | Revenue researches the value and NCTS follows up |
| Foreign registration certificate missing | Registration refused until valid evidence is produced |
| Vehicle does not match documents | Resolve identity/classification discrepancy |
| Customs or entry evidence missing | Obtain the required declaration or proof |
| Relief application undecided | VRT may need to be paid, subject to the relevant later repayment route |
Final appointment checklist
- Booking confirmation and booking number saved.
- Vehicle present, accessible and VIN readable.
- Original foreign registration evidence plus your own copy.
- CO₂, NOx and Certificate of Conformity evidence checked.
- Purchase invoice, VPD form, identity, address and PPSN documents ready.
- Date-of-entry and customs/NI evidence ready.
- Revenue relief notification included where applicable.
- Enough available funds on an accepted payment method.
- Plan for plates, insurance, motor tax and any required NCT after registration.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for a VRT appointment?
For a used vehicle, bring the original foreign registration evidence, CO₂ and NOx confirmation, identity, the correct VPD form, purchase invoice, owner address and PPSN evidence, date-of-entry proof, and customs or relief documents where relevant.
Can I pay VRT by card at the NCTS centre?
Yes. Revenue currently lists debit card and credit card excluding American Express, as well as a bank draft payable to Applus Inspection Services Ltd.
Do I pay for a second VRT appointment?
Revenue covers one registration appointment. A second appointment caused by missing documents or another customer issue can be chargeable, while follow-up for an individually valued unlisted model is not treated as a second appointment.
Sources & references
Related calculators
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