How long can I drive my UK registered car in Ireland?
You can drive a UK-registered vehicle in Ireland for a maximum of 12 months without registering it locally.
After that year’s up, you’ll need to either register the car in Ireland or ship it out of the country. While visiting, keep your UK licence and insurance certificate handy. Also tuck away a copy of your vehicle registration and proof of ownership—you never know when the gardaí might ask. (And honestly, nobody wants that knock on the door.)
How long can I drive a foreign registered car in Ireland?
You may drive a foreign-registered car in Ireland for no more than 12 months as a visitor.
Once you become an Irish resident, the car must be registered and taxed here within 30 days. And don’t even think about lending or hiring it to an Irish resident during that 12-month window. The Revenue Commissioners have eyes everywhere, and they’re not afraid to use them.
Do I need to register UK car in Ireland?
Yes, if you move to Ireland you must register your UK car in Ireland and pay any applicable VRT and taxes.
That’s handled through the Revenue Commissioners and the National Car Testing Service. Bring proof of ownership, a UK certificate of destruction if the car’s been scrapped, and evidence that the UK V5C has been cancelled. Keep all those documents in one safe place—losing even one could turn your move into a paperwork nightmare.
Can I insure a UK registered car in Ireland?
Yes, your UK car insurance automatically provides at least third-party cover in Ireland as part of the EU Green Card-free zone.
Call your insurer to double-check that your policy covers Ireland. If you become a permanent resident, you’ve got 30 days to switch to an Irish-registered policy. This process can be complex, so it’s worth starting early. (Trust me, nobody enjoys chasing down insurance certificates at the last minute.)
Is it worth importing a car from UK to Ireland?
No, it is usually not worth importing a used car from the UK after post-Brexit VAT and customs changes.
Since January 2021, used cars from Great Britain face Irish VAT at 23% plus customs duty up to 10%, adding roughly €4,000–€6,000 to the sticker price for most models. Honestly, that’s a tough pill to swallow—you’re usually better off buying used in Ireland. The savings just don’t add up anymore.
How much is customs duty from UK to Ireland?
Customs duty is 10% on most cars imported from the UK if the vehicle originated outside the UK.
Cars that are UK-origin—built or first registered in the UK—attract 0% duty. Irish VAT at 23% is then charged on the customs value plus any duty. Always verify the vehicle’s origin before you hand over any cash. (A quick VIN check can save you from nasty surprises.)
Can I buy a car in UK and bring to Ireland?
Yes, you can buy a car in the UK and bring it to Ireland, but you must clear customs and pay Irish VAT and duty if applicable.
You’ll need to file an import customs declaration and might want an agent to handle the paperwork. The car can’t hit Irish roads until it’s registered and taxed here. This process can be lengthy, so it’s essential to keep track of time. (Procrastination is not your friend here.)
How much does it cost to change a car from UK to Ireland?
Expect to pay customs duty (0–10%), Irish VAT (23%), VRT (based on CO₂), registration fee (€12), and motor tax when importing.
First-year costs typically run from €2,500 for a low-CO₂ petrol car to €5,000-plus for a high-CO₂ diesel. Grab a VRT calculator quote from the Revenue Commissioners before you buy—you’ll thank yourself later. (Those numbers add up fast.)
How much is VRT on a car in Ireland?
VRT rates for passenger cars in 2026 start at 14.5% of OMSP for 0–80 g/km CO₂ and rise in bands to 36% for over 250 g/km
| CO₂ band (g/km) | VRT rate | Minimum VRT |
|---|
| 0 – 80 | 14.5% of OMSP | €125 |
| 81 – 100 | 15.25% of OMSP | €130 |
| 101 – 120 | 16.0% of OMSP | €225 |
| 120 – 125 | 15.75% of OMSP | €315 |
| 125 – 130 | 16.5% of OMSP | €330 |
| 130 – 135 | 17.25% of OMSP | €345 |
| 135 – 140 | 18.0% of OMSP | €360 |
| 140+ | up to 36% of OMSP | varies |
Pop over to the Revenue VRT Calculator for an exact figure before you import. (It’s the smartest 5 minutes you’ll spend.)
Can I drive my UK car in Ireland after Brexit?
Yes, you can still drive a UK-registered car in Ireland after Brexit, but only as a visitor for up to 12 months.
If you become an Irish resident, you’ll need to swap your UK licence for an Irish one and register the vehicle here. Brexit didn’t change the visitor rule, but it did end automatic recognition of UK licences for new Irish residents. So plan ahead if you’re making the move permanent.
How long do you have to VRT a car in Ireland?
You must register and pay VRT within 30 days of importing or first using the vehicle in Ireland.
Miss that deadline and you’re looking at penalties plus storage fees. Keep your import paperwork—shipping docs or ferry ticket—somewhere safe so you can prove exactly when the 30 days started. (Set a phone reminder. Really.)
Is VRT in Ireland illegal?
No, VRT is legal; it replaced the pre-1992 excise duty and is explicitly authorised under Irish and EU law.
(Frankly, the only thing illegal here is griping about VRT.) Criticism usually comes from the fact that it’s paid once at registration rather than annually like road tax elsewhere. The European Commission hasn’t raised a legal eyebrow, so it’s on solid ground.
How much is vehicle registration tax in Ireland?
Passenger cars are taxed via VRT based on CO₂; commercial vehicles are taxed at 13.3% of OMSP or €200, whichever is higher.
Motorcycles are taxed by engine size in cc bands from €25 up to €400. A few emergency and agricultural vehicles get a free pass; check Revenue’s latest motor tax bands for 2026 to see where you stand. (Yes, even tractors get a tax break sometimes.)
