Does motor tax transfer with the car?

Does motor tax transfer with the car?

Hi I was curious to know whether if I buy a secondhand vehicle from a private owner or a dealership, and the road tax that the previous owner paid will only expire in say 6 months' time. Will I need to re-register and pay the vehicle tax for 12 months, or will I be able to finish the 6 months that the previous owner had paid for and only thereafter pay the new road tax? Your advice would be greatly appreciated! Kind regards Juan

Our answer:

Hi Juan,

The tax disc stays with the car and is valid to its end date regardless of a change of ownership. When it is then due for renewal you can choose the duration you'd like to tax the car for - it doesn't have to be for 12 months.

Regardless of the tax, the change of ownership paperwork should be processed immediately. 

Shane O'Donoghue

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