How do I book a VRT appointment?

Book online at ncts.ie (choose 'Book a VRT inspection') or phone 01-4135975. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), your contact details and the car's registration. Appointments must be booked within 7 days of the vehicle arriving in Ireland.

What documents do I need at the NCTS centre?

The V5C logbook (or foreign registration certificate), the purchase invoice with the date clearly shown, proof of your name, address and PPS number, a completed VRTVPD2 form for private imports, and - for cars from Great Britain - the customs declaration reference (MRN). New vehicles need the certificate of conformity.

What are the deadlines and penalties?

Book within 7 days of arrival, complete registration within 30 days. Registering late incurs a penalty of 0.1% of the VRT due per day, and the vehicle can be seized by customs officers.

How long does the appointment take and what does it cost?

The inspection itself takes around 20–30 minutes. The examination is included in the registration process - you pay the VRT (and any VAT or customs shortfall Revenue identifies) at the centre, then buy your Irish plates there or at any motor factor.

There are no appointments available - what do I do?

Slots free up daily; check ncts.ie early in the morning and consider centres in neighbouring counties. Keep evidence that you tried to book within 7 days (booking confirmation email) - the 30-day registration clock is the one that carries penalties.

VRT booking: registering an imported car at the NCTS

Every imported vehicle must pass a VRT inspection at an NCTS centre. The deadlines are strict - booked within 7 days of arrival, registered within 30 - and missing them costs real money. Here is the whole process, start to finish.

Within 7 days of arrival: book
Go to ncts.ie → VRT inspection, or call 01-4135975. Have the VIN ready. If the ferry ticket shows the arrival date, keep it - it proves your timeline.
Before the appointment: paperwork
V5C logbook, purchase invoice, proof of identity, address and PPS number, VRTVPD2 form, customs declaration (GB imports) or proof of NI status. Missing documents mean a wasted trip - the centre cannot register without them.
Know the VRT before you go
Use the calculator on this site to see the OMSP, CO2 band and NOx levy in advance. Bring the NOx evidence (V5C item V.3 or certificate of conformity) - without it Revenue charges the flat maximum: €600 petrol, €4,850 diesel.
At the centre: inspect, pay, get plates
The inspector confirms the car matches the declared version and mileage. You pay the VRT, get the registration number, and must display Irish plates within 3 days.
After: motor tax and insurance
With the RF100 form from the centre, tax the car at motortax.ie. Update your insurance to the Irish registration.

Before you book: know the number you’ll be asked to pay. Calculate the VRT for your car - free, with Revenue’s live valuation.

VRT booking: registering an imported car at the NCTS

Within 7 days of arrival: book

Before the appointment: paperwork

Know the VRT before you go

At the centre: inspect, pay, get plates

After: motor tax and insurance

VRT booking questions