The Simple Guide To Importing A Car From UK To Ireland

Importing a car from UK to Ireland slightly differs from the method one would follow when bringing their vehicle in from an EU member country.

Vehicle registration is an important part of the importation process as it is necessary to drive your car freely in Ireland.

One similarity between the UK and Ireland is that in both countries, car owners drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is unlike most other countries in Europe, which tend to favour the right-hand side.

Below, you will learn everything there is to know about the procedure for importation and how to successfully register your vehicle and obtain Irish license plates.

How Do You Import A Vehicle From The UK To Ireland?

If you are bringing in your car from the UK rather than purchasing it in Ireland, making a customs declaration is the first part of the importation process.

Here, it would be determined if your vehicle is liable to customs charges or tariffs. The trade agreement between the UK and the European Union exempts cars of UK origin from being charged customs duties.

This means that imported new cars from the UK which were originally manufactured in another country still have to pay the necessary charges.

Asides from the customs charge, here are other payments you will make when importing a car from England to Ireland:

• VAT

The VAT when importing a car from UK to Ireland is 23% and it is charged on all used and new cars. You will be exempt from this payment if you claimed relief from customs duty and VAT.

• VRT

You have to pay Vehicle Registration Tax on the vehicle unless it is exempt. VRT exemption when importing a car from UK to Ireland may apply, depending on your vehicle’s age and the distance it has covered. Calculate the VRT on commercial vehicles from UK according to the VRT Category B rate.

How To Register A Car Imported From The UK to Ireland

In Ireland, vehicle registration for your imported UK car is done at a National Car Test (NCT) Centre after you have booked an appointment within a week of the car’s arrival.

Here is a list of documents to go with to the NCT centre for vehicle registration:

• VRTVPD2 form

This is a “Vehicle Purchase Details” form that you must complete as long as the car is not intended for commercial use. Fill it out here before your allocated registration date.

• Vehicle log book

This is also called the V5C and would be given to you in the UK. Ensure you bring this document along with you to Ireland until the registration is complete. You will not be allowed to register the vehicle without this foreign registration certificate.

• PPS number

Your Personal Public Service Number which you can apply for here.

• Proof of identity

Your foreign passport, driving licence, or any other valid document carrying your name would suffice here.

• Certificate of Conformity

Your EU Certificate of Conformity is a document that proves your vehicle complies with traffic regulations. Get your COC here in a few days if you do not have it already.

An electronic COC is what is required for registration in Ireland so if you have only the paper version, you will have to input the details manually.

• Proof of address

This document should clearly show your Ireland address.

• Exemption certificate

You would need to show the exemption certificate collected from Revenue if you claimed an exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax.

• Invoice

Present an invoice showing the vehicle’s purchase date.

• NCT certificate

If you took the test, bring the issued certificate along. You can get a replacement certificate by completing this form if you have lost your NCT certificate.

• Proof of motor insurance

All vehicles to be driven on Irish roads must have motor insurance. Bring your certificate of insurance as issued by the insurance company.

• Motor tax payment

You will receive a motor tax disc after payment and you can bring this as proof. Replacing a lost disc is also possible.

An Irish license number will be assigned to your car after completing registration and vehicle plates can be gotten from any motor dealer or the NCTS centre.

Driving A UK Car In Ireland

You can drive your imported UK vehicle in Ireland for up to 30 days, after which you must register the car.

So long as your driver’s licence was issued in the UK, exchanging it for an Irish licence is allowed. Swapping your driver’s permit online or physically is done at the National Driving Licencing Service (NDLS) centre.

You can also drive in Ireland on your UK license if you are in the country temporarily.