What paperwork do I need to import a car from the North?

What forms do I need to fill before going to Northern Ireland to buy a car from a private owner? And how to reg in the south?

Joe Mcredmond (Kilcormac, Birr)

Feb 2025 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Joe,

You don’t have to fill in any forms before going to Northern Ireland to buy a car, but you will need to ensure you sort out the paperwork before bringing it south. You’ll need proof of purchase, the V5C document and of course proof of your own identity and address.

If the car was previously brought into the North from Great Britain, as a used car, then you’ll also need to check that it was imported properly and used by a private motorist. So long as it wasn’t just imported by the dealer and sold on - and you will need to prove that - then you shouldn’t have to pay any VAT or import duty.

You will of course be liable for VRT and the NOx levy.

Book an appointment with the NCTS for within 30 days of its arrival. There the car will be assessed for the VRT liability, so you’ll need to present all your paperwork then.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor