Motor tax is one of those annual tasks that nobody enjoys but everybody needs to get right. Ireland's system has gone through several changes over the years and the rate you pay depends on when your car was first registered and what its CO2 emissions are. Here is a clear breakdown of how it works and how to pay.
Two Systems — Which Applies to Your Car?
Ireland operates two parallel motor tax systems. Which applies depends on when the car was first registered — not when you bought it.
Cars first registered before 1 July 2008 are taxed based on engine size in cubic centimetres. Cars first registered from 1 July 2008 onwards are taxed based on CO2 emissions, incentivising lower-emission vehicles with lower tax rates.
CO2-Based Tax Bands (2008 Onwards)
Band A — 0g/km (electric vehicles): €120/year
Band B — 1–80g/km: €170/year
Band C — 81–100g/km: €180/year
Band D — 101–110g/km: €190/year
Band E — 111–120g/km: €200/year
Band F — 121–140g/km: €280/year
Band G — 141–155g/km: €390/year
Higher bands increase significantly — Band H and above can exceed €1,000 per year.
To find your car's CO2 band, check the vehicle registration certificate or the original certificate of conformity.
How This Affects Common Irish Cars
A VW Golf 1.6 TDI 2013–2016 typically falls into Band C or D at approximately €180–€190 per year. A Toyota Corolla 1.6 petrol 2014–2018 falls into Band F at approximately €280 per year — a notable difference worth factoring into running cost comparisons. Battery electric vehicles pay the minimum Band A rate of €120 per year.
How to Pay Motor Tax Online in Ireland
The fastest way to renew is online at motortax.ie. You will need your vehicle registration number, the PIN from your renewal reminder letter and a valid debit or credit card. The process takes about five minutes and your new disc is posted to you. If you have lost your PIN, attend your local motor tax office in person with your vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance.
"The CO2 band is one of the most overlooked factors when buying a used car in Ireland — a difference of 20g/km can mean an extra €100 per year in tax."
Tax the Car Before You Drive It
A vehicle must be taxed before it is driven on a public road in Ireland. When buying a used car, confirm that motor tax is current before you drive it away. The seller's tax disc does not transfer — motor tax is registered to the vehicle but you are responsible for renewal from the date of purchase.
Declaring a Vehicle Off the Road
If you are not using your vehicle — it is being stored, repaired or taken off the road — you can declare it off the road and avoid paying motor tax for that period via motortax.ie or at your local motor tax office. The declaration must be made before the existing tax expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Renew online at motortax.ie. You need your vehicle registration number, the PIN from your renewal reminder letter and a debit or credit card. The process takes about five minutes.
It depends on your car's CO2 emissions band (for cars registered from July 2008) or engine size (pre-July 2008). Current annual rates range from €120 for electric vehicles to over €2,350 for the highest emission band.
Yes, but at the lowest rate. Battery electric vehicles with zero CO2 emissions are in Band A at €120 per year.
