Car Shipping to Ireland
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Ireland is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Ireland, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Irish and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Ireland
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Ireland– Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Ireland — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Ireland – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 23%
Cost: $2,000–$7,000+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Dublin, Cork, Waterford
Import duty: 10% (when arriving from outside the EU)
Required inspection: National Car Test (NCT) for vehicles 4+ years old, completed at a National Car Testing Service (NCTS) centre
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Ireland
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Ireland
Our local broker handles all Irish customs paperwork, customs duty, VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).
Delivered & Registered in Ireland
Your vehicle is booked into the NCT (if required), then registered with Revenue/the Motor Tax Office before plating and release.
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Ireland Destination Ports
LogisticsWe can ship your vehicle directly to any of Ireland’s main commercial ports, with onward delivery available across the country.
Ports Served in Ireland
Dublin
Cork
Waterford
Galway
Drogheda
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Irish government. Some of these fees could include:
Ireland Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), including a NOx emissions levy
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
National Car Test (NCT) fees, where applicable
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Car insurance
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Motor tax (annual)
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from outside the EU, you can generally expect to pay a 10% customs duty on the value of the vehicle (purchase price plus delivery costs to the EU’s external border) and 23% VAT on the customs value plus duty. Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is assessed separately on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) in Ireland, with bands driven by CO₂ emissions and an additional NOx emissions levy.
Irish Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 23% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Transfer of Residence (Personal Effects) | When importing a car into Ireland from outside the EU, you may be exempt from customs duty and VAT if all of the following apply:
When claiming this exemption, you must agree to keep the vehicle purely for personal use after importing it into Ireland. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Classic vehicles may attract a reduced flat VRT rate compared to standard cars. Eligibility for classic VRT status (typically based on the vehicle’s age at the time of registration in Ireland) should be confirmed with Revenue before shipping. |
Returning EU Citizen | EU citizens (including returning Irish citizens) who were resident in the USA for over a year, and who have owned the vehicle for over six months, may be granted a one-time opportunity to import the car under the Transfer of Residence rules, free of customs duty and VAT. VRT may still apply. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Ireland.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Ireland, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Ireland.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with Irish and EU emissions and safety standards.
- Vehicles over 4 years old must pass a National Car Test (NCT) at an NCTS centre before they can be used on Irish roads.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it may require modification or individual approval, which will be an additional expense.
- Note that Ireland drives on the left. U.S. left-hand-drive vehicles can be imported and registered, but you should consider visibility and overtaking practicality on Irish roads.
- Your vehicle may be exempt from some requirements if it qualifies for classic/vintage status.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Ireland:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Irish authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Ireland, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs Declaration to Revenue (Irish Tax and Customs)
Certificate of Conformity (COC), where available
Foreign Registration Certificate
Personal Public Service Number (PPS)
Proof of identity (Identity Card or Passport)
VRT assessment from Revenue
NCT certificate (for vehicles 4+ years old)
Proof of valid motor insurance in Ireland
Proof of residence in Ireland
Vehicle Registration in Ireland (Revenue / NDLS / Motor Tax Office)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Ireland must be registered within 30 days of the vehicle’s arrival. If your vehicle is required to undergo an NCT, you must book an appointment with the National Car Testing Service within 7 days of arrival.
The typical sequence is: clear customs and pay duty and VAT → book the NCT appointment (where applicable) → complete the VRT inspection at an NCTS centre → pay the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) → receive your Irish registration number, which must be displayed on the vehicle within 3 days → arrange Irish motor insurance → pay motor tax to the Motor Tax Office.
If your vehicle requires any modifications to meet Irish/EU standards, such as lighting or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before the VRT/NCT inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Ireland, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Ireland Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Ireland.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Ireland?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax)?
VRT is the Irish tax charged on the first registration of a vehicle in Ireland. It’s calculated on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of the vehicle in Ireland, with rates set by CO₂ emissions bands. An additional NOx emissions levy applies. VRT must be paid before the vehicle can be registered and assigned Irish plates.
Do I need to do an NCT before driving in Ireland?
If your vehicle is 4 years old or more, yes — you’ll need to book an NCT appointment within 7 days of the car’s arrival in Ireland and have the inspection completed before driving on Irish roads.
Can I drive a left-hand-drive (LHD) car in Ireland?
Yes. LHD vehicles can be imported, registered and driven in Ireland. Ireland drives on the left, so you should be mindful of visibility when overtaking. Some classic and specialty vehicles remain LHD even when registered in Ireland.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.