Originally published January 2010 — Updated for 2025
When MotorCheck first introduced its VRT Calculator in 2010, our goal was simple: make Vehicle Registration Tax calculations faster, easier and more accurate for anyone importing a car into Ireland. Over the years, the VRT system has changed significantly from new CO₂ emissions rules to NOx charges, electric vehicle reliefs and updated OMSP processes and our calculator has evolved with it.
Today, the MotorCheck VRT Calculator remains one of Ireland’s fastest ways to estimate the Vehicle Registration Tax payable when importing a used car from the UK or Northern Ireland. By simply entering a registration number and mileage, users receive an instant VRT estimate based on the latest Revenue rules.
What the MotorCheck VRT Calculator Does Today
The modern MotorCheck VRT Calculator uses available vehicle data such as make, model, first registration date, CO₂ emissions and NOx information to provide:
- An estimated Open Market Selling Price (OMSP)
- The applicable VRT percentage rate based on WLTP CO₂ emissions
- Any NOx levy that may apply
- Whether the vehicle qualifies for VRT relief, such as for electric cars
- A full breakdown of VRT components and calculation logic
The calculation is instant, free, and based on the most up-to-date rules published by Revenue.
How VRT Works in 2025
VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is a once-off tax payable when a vehicle is registered in Ireland for the first time. Today’s calculation is based on:
1. WLTP CO₂ Emissions
The VRT percentage is determined by the WLTP-rated CO₂ emissions of the car.
2. OMSP (Open Market Selling Price)
Revenue estimates what the vehicle would sell for on the Irish market.
3. NOx Levy
An additional charge applies to nitrogen oxide emissions. This is more relevant to older petrol cars and most diesels.
4. Vehicle Type
Different rules apply to passenger vehicles, vans, motorcycles and others.
5. VRT Relief (where applicable)
Some vehicles especially EVsmay qualify for reliefs under current government schemes. MotorCheck incorporates all of these factors into your estimate.
Why MotorCheck Introduced the Calculator
Even today, entering data manually into official systems can be time-consuming. The MotorCheck calculator removes that friction by using the registration number to automatically identify:
- Make, model and variant
- Engine type
- First registration date
- CO₂ emissions
- NOx emissions (where available)
- Other key identifiers required for VRT
This allows users to skip lengthy data entry and get a result in seconds.
What Vehicles Are Included?
The MotorCheck VRT Calculator covers:
-
Most Category A passenger vehicles
-
Many Category B car-derived vans and crew cabs
-
Most vehicles commonly imported from the UK and NI
The calculator does not cover vehicles requiring special Revenue assessment, such as:
- Classic collectables
- Kit cars
- Motor caravans
- Some commercial vehicles assessed individually
These must be evaluated directly by Revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions: VRT Calculator
What is Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)?
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a once-off tax charged when a vehicle is registered in Ireland for the first time. VRT is calculated by Revenue based on the vehicle’s Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), its WLTP-rated CO₂ emissions band and any applicable NOx levy. Every vehicle imported into Ireland must be registered and have VRT paid before it can be taxed or driven on Irish roads.
Can the MotorCheck VRT Calculator tell me the exact VRT I will pay?
No, the MotorCheck VRT Calculator cannot provide the exact VRT amount you will pay. It offers an estimate based on the vehicle’s registration details, WLTP CO₂ emissions, NOx information (where available) and typical Revenue calculation rules. The final VRT amount is always determined by Revenue when the vehicle is inspected at an NCTS registration centre.
Does the MotorCheck VRT Calculator work for cars imported from the UK or Northern Ireland?
Yes, the MotorCheck VRT Calculator works for vehicles imported from the UK or Northern Ireland. When you enter a UK or NI registration number, the calculator automatically identifies the vehicle details and provides a VRT estimate using the most recent Revenue rules. The final VRT charge will still be confirmed by Revenue during the registration process.
Is the MotorCheck VRT Calculator free to use?
Yes, the MotorCheck VRT Calculator is completely free to use. You can enter a registration number and mileage to receive an instant VRT estimate without any cost, login requirement or commitment.
What vehicle types are included in the MotorCheck VRT Calculator?
The MotorCheck VRT Calculator includes most Category A passenger vehicles and many Category B car-derived vans and crew cabs. Vehicles that require individual assessment such as classic or collectable cars, motor caravans, kit cars or certain commercial vehicles are not included. These vehicles must be reviewed directly by Revenue for an official VRT determination.
What is a VRT Statistical Code?
A VRT Statistical Code is a unique identifier assigned by Revenue to represent a vehicle’s make, model and version for VRT assessment. This code helps Revenue determine the correct OMSP and VRT rate. The MotorCheck VRT Calculator provides the relevant Statistical Code automatically once a calculation is completed.
How do I get a VRT Statistical Code?
You can obtain a VRT Statistical Code by completing a calculation using the MotorCheck VRT Calculator. Once you enter a registration number and mileage, the calculator automatically identifies the vehicle and provides the correct code for use during the VRT registration process.
Why do VRT estimates sometimes differ from the final Revenue amount?
VRT estimates may differ from the final Revenue amount because Revenue calculates VRT using the current OMSP and official emissions data at the time of inspection. If Revenue updates the OMSP, applies a different CO₂ value or determines that additional NOx or VRT charges apply, the final payable amount may be higher or lower than the estimated figure.
Try the MotorCheck VRT Calculator
If you're importing a used car into Ireland and want to understand the likely tax payable, try the latest version of the MotorCheck VRT Calculator. It’s fast, free and uses the most up-to-date VRT rules available.