Wondering about paperwork on importing a car from NI...

Hi,

I was reading your piece on importing a car from Northern Ireland and I had a few questions:

If importing a GB-reg car that has been in use in Northern Ireland for a 'reasonable period of time' and I can show this by V5C and an MOT carried out in NI is that enough for Revenue in Ireland so that I don't have to pay customs or VAT?

In your piece you say that I must show "a copy of an invoice from a transport company identifying the vehicle and delivery date; tax and insurance details indicating use in Northern Ireland."

What if I can't get those documents from the dealer I purchase the car from?

I would be grateful for your advice.

Thanks

Conor

May 2026 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Conor,

Revenue's own advice is vague and so our guide takes a 'belt and braces' approach. We don't believe you'd need all those documents so long as you can indeed prove the car was in use in the North via the V5C and MOTs.

Those should be enough to avoid having to pay import duty/customs and VAT.

Obviously, you must pay VRT and the NOx levy (on cars with an engine) no matter what.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor