VRT Booking Guide Ireland

Bringing a car into Ireland from the UK or EU? You'll need to register it with Revenue and pay Vehicle Registration Tax. That means booking a VRT appointment — and honestly, the whole process can feel a bit overwhelming if you've never done it before. This guide walks you through every step, from booking online to what actually happens on the day.

How to Book a VRT Appointment

Booking a VRT appointment in Ireland isn't complicated, but there are a few things you need to have ready before you start. You can't just walk in — Revenue requires you to book online through their MyServices portal. Here's the process broken down into manageable steps:

1. Get your Revenue MyServices account set up. If you don't already have one, head to myservices.revenue.ie and register. You'll need your PPS number, a verified email address, and a mobile phone for two-factor authentication. This takes about 10 minutes.
2. Gather your vehicle details first. Before you even log in, have your vehicle registration number (if you have it), make and model, engine size, fuel type, CO2 emissions, year of first registration, and the country you're importing from. Without these, you can't complete the booking.
3. Log in and navigate to VRT services. Once you're in MyServices, look for "Vehicle Registration Tax" under the "Motor Tax and Vehicles" section. Click on it and select "Book a VRT appointment."
4. Choose your nearest VRT office. Revenue has offices across Ireland. Pick the one closest to you. Availability varies — Dublin offices tend to book up faster, so if you're flexible on location, checking a nearby town can sometimes get you an earlier slot.
5. Select a date and time. The calendar shows available slots. Morning appointments tend to move faster. Pick a date that gives you enough time to get your documents in order.
6. Confirm your booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with your VRT booking number. Save this — you'll need it on the day.

That's it. The whole booking process takes about 5 minutes if you have your details ready. The tricky part is usually waiting for an available slot, especially during busy periods like summer when everyone's importing cars.

VRT Booking Online — The MyServices Portal

The Revenue MyServices portal is the only way to book a VRT appointment. There's no phone booking, no walk-in option. It's all online. Here's what you need to know about using the system:

Creating Your MyServices Account

First-time users need to register for Revenue's Online Service (ROS) or MyServices. You'll need:

• Your Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
• A valid Irish address
• A mobile phone for verification codes
• An email address you check regularly

The registration process asks you to verify your identity through a combination of personal details and one-time codes sent to your phone. It's straightforward, but make sure you use an email you actually check — you'll get your booking confirmation there.

Navigating to VRT Booking

Once logged in, you'll see a dashboard with various tax services. Click on "Motor Tax and Vehicles," then "Vehicle Registration Tax," and finally "Schedule an Appointment." The interface is clean enough, though Revenue has redesigned it a few times in recent years.

Changing or Cancelling a Booking

Life happens. If you need to reschedule, you can do so through the same portal up to 24 hours before your appointment. Cancel within 24 hours and you might face a waiting period before you can rebook. If you miss your appointment entirely without cancelling, you'll need to contact Revenue directly to get another slot.

What Happens at a VRT Appointment

Knowing what to expect on the day takes a lot of the stress out of the process. Here's a realistic rundown of what happens when you arrive at a VRT office:

1. Check-in at reception. Bring your booking confirmation (digital or printed). The staff will verify your appointment and ask for your documents.
2. Vehicle inspection. A Revenue official will examine your vehicle. They check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), engine number, mileage, and general condition. They'll also verify that the vehicle matches the details you provided during booking.
3. Photographs. The official will take photos of the vehicle, including the VIN plate and odometer reading. This is standard procedure.
4. VRT calculation. Based on the vehicle's CO2 emissions, market value, and age, the official calculates your VRT. If you've already estimated it using our calculator, there shouldn't be many surprises.
5. Payment. You pay the VRT amount on the spot. Payment methods vary by office but typically include card and bank transfer. Some offices no longer accept cash.
6. Registration and number plates. Once payment is processed, you'll get your Irish registration number. You can then order your plates from an authorised supplier.

The whole process is orderly and professional. The officials are there to do a job, not to catch you out. If your documents are in order and your vehicle details are accurate, it's a smooth experience.

VRT Documents You Need

Having the right documents is absolutely critical. Arriving without something can mean your appointment is wasted and you'll have to rebook. Here's what to bring:

• VRT booking confirmation — digital or printed copy
• Valid photo ID — passport or Irish driving licence
• Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months
• Vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin
• Bill of sale or invoice showing the purchase price
• Insurance certificate for the vehicle
• Shipping or transport documentation if applicable
• Customs clearance documentation (especially for UK imports post-Brexit)
• Original vehicle keys

For a full breakdown of every document you might need depending on your specific situation, check our VRT Documents Checklist. It covers edge cases like gift vehicles, leased cars, and vehicles with outstanding finance.

VRT Appointment Duration

How long does a VRT appointment actually take? Most people budget way too much time, which is fine — better early than late. Here's a realistic breakdown:

In some cases, the process can be quicker — 20 minutes if everything's straightforward and the office isn't busy. During peak times (early mornings, Mondays, the first week of the month), you might wait longer. Arriving 10 minutes early is a good habit. Don't show up 45 minutes early though — you'll just be standing around.

VRT Booking Number — What It Is and Where to Find It

Your VRT booking number is a unique reference code assigned to your appointment. You'll need it on the day, so know where to find it.

When you complete your booking through MyServices, you get an email confirmation. The booking number is in that email — it usually starts with "VRT" followed by a string of numbers and letters. You can also find it by logging back into MyServices and checking your appointment history.

If you somehow lose the email, don't panic. Log into MyServices, go to "Motor Tax and Vehicles," and look under "My Appointments." Your booking number and details will be there. You can also screenshot it on your phone as a backup.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the confirmation email and save it to your photos. That way you've got it even if your email acts up on the day.

VRT Offices in Ireland

Revenue operates VRT offices across the country. Here's where you can go:

Availability and opening hours vary by location. The Dublin offices handle the highest volume, so they tend to have more appointment slots but also book up faster. If you're in the Midlands or West, Athlone or Galway might give you a quicker appointment.

VRT Appointment Costs

There's no fee for the VRT appointment itself — the cost is the VRT tax you pay based on your vehicle's details. Here's a quick overview of what affects your VRT amount:

• CO2 emissions — the single biggest factor. Lower emissions mean lower VRT.
• Market value — the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of the vehicle in Ireland.
• Vehicle age — older vehicles may qualify for reduced rates.
• Fuel type — diesel, petrol, hybrid, or electric all have different rate bands.

Use our VRT Calculator to get an estimate before your appointment. This way, there are no surprises on the day. You can also check the current VRT rate tables on Revenue.ie.

As of 2026, VRT rates for private cars range from about 10% to 36% of the vehicle's value, depending on CO2 band. Electric vehicles currently benefit from reduced VRT rates as part of Ireland's push toward greener transport.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping thousands of people through the VRT process, here are the mistakes that trip people up most often:

1. Not bringing all required documents. This is the number one reason appointments get delayed or rescheduled. Double-check the list before you leave home.
2. Arriving late. If you miss your slot, you may not be seen. Revenue offices run on tight schedules. Give yourself a buffer for traffic.
3. Incorrect vehicle details in the booking. If the details you entered online don't match what's on the vehicle, it causes confusion. Triple-check your VIN, engine number, and emissions data.
4. Forgetting to cancel or reschedule. If you can't make it, cancel through MyServices at least 24 hours before. No-shows can result in a waiting period before rebooking.
5. Not estimating VRT beforehand. Show up knowing roughly what you'll owe. It helps you budget and avoids shock if the number is higher than expected.
6. Ignoring customs requirements for UK imports. Post-Brexit, bringing a car from the UK involves customs declarations and potentially customs duty. This is separate from VRT but equally important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Estimate Your VRT?

Now that you know how to book your appointment, get a head start on the numbers. Our free VRT calculator gives you an instant estimate based on your vehicle's details — so you know exactly what to expect on the day.

Calculate Your VRT Now

Got a specific vehicle in mind? Check out our guides for popular imports:

• Find Your Vehicle's Statistical Code
• How Our VRT Calculator Works
• Our Calculation Methodology

Related Guides

• VRT Appointment Guide - What happens at your VRT inspection
• Complete VRT Guide - How VRT works in Ireland

About the Author

Sarah Murphy is an automotive import specialist with over 10 years of experience helping Irish car importers navigate VRT, customs, and vehicle registration. She has assisted thousands of importers with accurate VRT estimates and has been featured in Irish motoring publications.

Questions? Contact the VRT Calculator team for expert advice on vehicle registration tax in Ireland.