Volkswagen
Audi
Peugeot
Ford
BMW
Mercedes
Renault
Volvo
Skoda
Toyota
Citroen
Are you looking for information about driving a UK registered vehicle in Ireland? Unsure about how to permanently import a car from the UK into Ireland? Or perhaps you want to know more about displaying GB stickers on your vehicle if you are driving in ROI?
This blog post will cover all you need to know about driving a UK registered car in Ireland. You will discover what you need to do if you are importing your vehicle into Ireland from the UK, and what to do if you are driving a UK registered vehicle in Ireland for under 12 months.
Want to know more about importing a vehicle into the UK country? Want to learn more about whether you need a COC for your vehicle when moving to a new country in Europe? Looking for examples of vehicle registration in the EU or in the UK? Click these links to find out more!
Permanently Importing New and Used Vehicles into Ireland from the UK
When moving to Ireland, or visiting Ireland for an extended period of time and bringing a vehicle with you from the UK, you will likely have to register the vehicle in ROI and pay additional taxes and charge
You will also need to pay these additional taxes and charges if you are living in ROI and are buying a new vehicle from the UK, including Northern Ireland.
If you have purchased a new or used car from the UK independently (not through an Irish car dealer) you will be responsible for paying these additional costs yourself.
You must pay:
- A customs duty if the vehicle is arriving from Great Britain, and not Northern Ireland.
- VRT when the vehicle is registered (unless it is exempt.)
- VAT on all new cars, and on used cars imported from Great Britain (including vehicles imported to Northern Ireland from Great Britain.)
If you are buying a vehicle from Northern Ireland which was previously registered in Great Britain, you should make sure that you are in possession of documentation to show that customs duties were paid on the vehicle’s arrival into Northern Ireland.
For more information on VAT, VRT, and where and how to register a new or used vehicle in Ireland, click here.
Temporarily Driving a UK Registered Car in Ireland
When travelling to Ireland with your vehicle, it is important that you carry with you the relevant documentation that allows you to drive your vehicle legally in the ROI.
When driving your vehicle in Ireland, you should always carry your UK driving licence. Although, for many foreign countries, you need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), you do not need one to drive your vehicle in Ireland with a UK drivers licence.
Vehicle registration documents
ROI is a part of the EU. When taking your vehicle to the EU for less than 12 months, carry one of the following documents:
- your vehicle log book (V5C), if you have one
- a VE103 to show you’re allowed to use your hired or leased vehicle abroad.
Click the links above for more information from GOV.UK about vehicle log books and VE103.
UK Stickers and Number Plates
You must display the UK identifier when driving a UK registered vehicle abroad in most countries. However, if your vehicle number plate has a GB identifier on the left hand side of the plate, you do not need to display a UK identifier sticker on your vehicle in Ireland.
Does My Vehicle Insurance Cover Me in Ireland?
All UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third party cover to drive in the EU (including Ireland.) You should check details with your insurance provider about what documentation to carry with you when you travel abroad.
If you are planning on taking your vehicle with you to Ireland for longer than 12 months, you will need to inform the DVLA.
When importing your UK registered vehicle into a new country permanently, you will probably need to get a Certificate of Conformity. EUROCOC are the market leaders in COC mediation, and we make this process very simple. If you need to get a COC for your vehicle, we can help you in a few easy-to-follow steps. Click here to get started!
