Hi Nicole,

No, and a little bit yes. Under the current legislation regarding the importing of cars into Ireland, you must first inform the appropriate official body (in this case NCTS – the National Car Testing Service) of the vehicle’s arrival within the state within seven days of it actually landing here. There’s a 30-day limit to inform the NCTS and then have the vehicle inspected, valued and have its Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) paid and its new number plates fitted. Technically, you could sell the car while this process is ongoing, but strictly legally speaking you have to complete the process as the owner. The rules for registered car traders are a little different but basically the 30-day limit stands to get the new plates on and the VRT paid.