What is the Vehicle Registration Certificate or Logbook?

The Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) commonly called the logbook is the official document that records the registered owner and legal registration details of a vehicle in Ireland. It is issued by the Department of Transport and is required for taxing a vehicle, transferring ownership, updating personal details, and keeping registration records accurate.

Older vehicles may instead have a Vehicle Licensing Certificate (VLC), also known as the old brown logbook, but it serves the same purpose.

VRC vs VLC: What’s the Difference?

Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC): the modern document

• Issued for vehicles registered from 2004 onwards
• Printed on secure, modern paper with updated layout
• Required for all ownership changes and registration updates
• Includes a unique certificate number

Vehicle Licensing Certificate (VLC): older brown logbook

• Used for vehicles registered before 2004
• Brown, booklet-style document
• Contains vehicle and registered owner information
• When replaced, it is updated to a modern VRC

Both are commonly referred to as the logbook, and both serve as official proof of registration, not proof of ownership.

What Information the Logbook Contains

Your VRC or VLC will typically include:

• Vehicle registration number
• VIN/chassis number
• Make, model, and colour
• Vehicle class and taxation details
• Registered owner’s name and address
• Date of registration
• Unique certificate number

This information verifies the vehicle’s identity and the accuracy of registration records.

Where to Find the VRC or Logbook Certificate Number

Every logbook includes a unique certificate number, which may be needed for:

• Motor tax
• Online change of ownership
• Insurance updates
• Registration amendments
• Garda queries

On a Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)

The certificate number is typically located on the top-right section of the front page.
It is a short alphanumeric code labelled “Certificate Number”.

On a Vehicle Licensing Certificate (VLC)

On the older brown logbook, the certificate number appears on the front page, usually near the top or upper-right corner.

How to Get a Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)

The process depends on whether the vehicle is:

• Already registered in Ireland (e.g., buying a used Irish car), or
• New to Ireland and being imported for the first time.

1. Getting a VRC for a Car Already Registered in Ireland

If you’ve bought a used Irish car, you’ll receive a new VRC after completing the change of ownership.

A. Complete the Change of Ownership

Ownership can be transferred in two ways:

Online (most common and fastest)

• Use the online change-of-ownership service with the certificate number from the seller’s logbook.

Paper method

• The seller completes and signs the back of the existing VRC.
• The seller must then post the VRC to the Department of Transport.

B. Receive Your New VRC

Once processed, the Department of Transport will issue a new VRC in your name and post it to your address.
Processing typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the time of year.

2. Getting a VRC for an Imported Vehicle

If the vehicle is new to Ireland, you must go through registration and VRT before receiving a VRC.

Step 1: Book an NCTS Inspection

Imported vehicles must be inspected at an NCTS centre to confirm their identity and details.

Step 2: Pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)

Following inspection, you’ll receive a VRT assessment and must pay the amount due.
VAT may also apply in certain circumstances.

Step 3: Complete Registration

Once the VRT is paid, the vehicle will be registered and assigned an Irish registration number.

Step 4: Receive Your VRC

The Department of Transport will post your VRC a few weeks after registration is finalised.

How to Update or Replace a VRC

If you lose your logbook

You must apply for a replacement using Form RF134, have it witnessed by a Garda, and submit it with the €12 fee to your local Motor Tax Office.

If your address or personal details change

You must notify the Department of Transport so a new VRC can be issued with updated information.

If you buy or sell a car

A new VRC is issued automatically once the change-of-ownership process is completed online or through the paper VRC.

FAQs About the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)

What is the Vehicle Registration Certificate in Ireland?

The Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) is the official Irish document that records the registered owner and details of a vehicle. It is commonly called the logbook and is required for ownership transfer, motor tax, updating details, and proving vehicle registration.

Is the logbook proof of ownership in Ireland?

No. The logbook is not proof of ownership. It shows who is recorded as the registered owner, which is different from the legal owner. Proof of ownership is typically a bill of sale or purchase receipt.

Where can I find the VRC certificate number?

The VRC certificate number is located at the top-right corner of the modern Vehicle Registration Certificate. On the older brown Vehicle Licensing Certificate, it also appears near the top of the first page. This number is needed for online ownership transfers and official updates.

How do I transfer the Vehicle Registration Certificate to a new owner?

To transfer a VRC to a new owner in Ireland, the seller provides the certificate number for the online transfer or completes the paper VRC and sends it to the Department of Transport. Once processed, a new VRC is posted directly to the buyer.

How do I get a Vehicle Registration Certificate for an imported vehicle?

To obtain a VRC for an imported car, you must complete an NCTS inspection, pay the VRT, complete the registration, and wait for the Department of Transport to post the VRC once registration is finalised.

Do I need the Vehicle Registration Certificate to tax my car?

Yes. A valid VRC is required to tax your car for the first time, as the registration details must match those held by the Department of Transport. Without the VRC, the vehicle cannot be taxed.

What should I do if I lose my Vehicle Registration Certificate?

If your VRC is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must complete Form RF134, have it witnessed by a Garda, and submit it with a €12 fee to your Motor Tax Office. A replacement VRC will then be posted to you.

What is the difference between a VRC and the old brown logbook (VLC)?

The VRC is the modern, post-2004 registration document, while the VLC is the older brown logbook used before 2004. Both contain registration details, but if you apply for a replacement for a VLC, it will be updated to a modern VRC.

Do I need a VRC to sell my car?

Yes. You cannot complete the sale of a vehicle in Ireland without a valid logbook. The VRC is required for the online or paper-based transfer of ownership, and buyers may refuse to proceed if the logbook is missing.