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How to buy a car in Ireland as a foreigner: US guide
If you live outside of Dublin or want to travel to Ireland's more rural areas, it's important to have your own vehicle — especially as a foreigner.
As an American living or planning to stay in Ireland, you might be weighing whether to buy a car and wondering how the process works. For example, are there any taxes you have to pay?
Overall, buying a car in Ireland as a foreigner is relatively straightforward compared to many countries, but there are still registration rules, insurance requirements, and other important things that you need to navigate.
Here's everything you need to know about how to buy a car in Ireland.
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Can Americans buy a car in Ireland?
Yes, Americans can buy a car in Ireland without any nationality restrictions. Irish law doesn't prevent foreigners from purchasing vehicles.
That said, it can be complicated or impossible to register and insure the car if you don't have established residency in Ireland, such as a long-term visa or a permit.
You'll typically need an Irish address, a valid driver's license, a local tax number (PPSN), and other documents that only long-term residents in Ireland have.
What are the requirements to buy a car in Ireland as a foreigner?
You'll need a few different documents to complete the sale and get your vehicle on the road, including:
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Proof of identity: Your passport usually serves as an official ID for the purchase and registration process
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Proof of address in Ireland: You'll need a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement showing your Irish address for insurance and registration
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PPSN number: This Personal Public Service Number is required for most official transactions in Ireland, including vehicle registration and insurance applications
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Valid driver’s license: You can drive in Ireland with your US license for up to 12 months, but you'll likely need an International Driving Permit to accompany it, or you can apply for an Irish license¹
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Motor tax payment: You must pay motor tax before driving the vehicle, with rates based on the car's CO2 emissions
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Vehicle insurance: Irish law requires at least third-party insurance coverage before you can drive, and you'll need proof of this for registration²
If you plan to stay in Ireland beyond 12 months, you'll eventually need to get an Irish driver’s license.
Unfortunately, the US isn't one of Ireland's recognized states for license exchanges, which means that you'll have to go through the licensing process.³
This involves applying for a learner's permit, taking driving lessons, and passing driving tests — essentially starting from scratch despite your driving experience back home.
Types of cars to buy in Ireland
New car
New cars are more expensive up front and depreciate quickly in the first few years of ownership, but some people prefer to get a newer model with a manufacturer's warranty and no previous owners.
Ireland's focus on reducing emissions also means that some new cars may qualify for lower motor tax rates based on CO2 output, which can save you money annually.
Used car
Used cars offer better value and are often the more popular choice for foreigners who are staying in Ireland just temporarily or for a couple of years.
You'll see much lower prices on used cars than on new cars, and Ireland's NCT (National Car Test) system ensures that used cars meet safety and emissions standards.
Where to buy a car in Ireland
Depending on whether you're buying a new or used car in Ireland, you can search in the following places:
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Authorized dealerships: Brand showrooms sell new cars with warranties and often handle all registration paperwork for you
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Used car dealers: Independent dealers offer pre-owned vehicles, often with some warranty coverage and assistance with the ownership transfer process
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Online marketplaces: Websites like DoneDeal and CarZone list vehicles from sellers across Ireland
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Private sellers: You can buy a car in Ireland from another person in your town or community, but you'll need to handle all paperwork and vehicle checks yourself
You can also always try different methods to find your car.
For example, you can visit authorized Ireland car dealerships, but also browse online marketplaces and Facebook groups to see if there are better offers from private sellers.
How much is a car in Ireland?
When buying a car in Ireland, you'll need to pay the car price along with a few different fees for registration and insurance. You'll also need to start paying an annual motor tax for as long as you own your vehicle.
Here's what to expect:
| Expense | Cost⁴ ⁵ ⁶ |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (new compact car) | 41,424 USD |
| Toyota Corolla sedan 1.6 (new mid-size car) | 40,170 USD |
| Motor tax (annual, based on emissions) | 110 USD to 1,100 USD |
| Vehicle registration (private sale) | 120 USD to 180 USD |
| Car insurance (annual) | 588 USD to 1,760+ USD |
If you buy a battery electric vehicle that meets certain standards, you may qualify for a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
Since July 2023, grants of up to 3,500 EUR (about 4,100 USD) are available for electric vehicles priced between 14,000 EUR and 60,000 EUR.⁷
Your dealer usually applies for the grant and deducts it from your purchase price.
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How to buy a car in Ireland: step by step
1. Get your documentation in order
Make sure you have your passport, proof of Irish address, PPSN number, and a valid driver’s license before you start shopping. Without these documents, you may be able to buy a car, but you'll struggle to get insurance and complete registration.
2. Set your budget
Calculate what you can afford for the car purchase, plus ongoing costs like motor tax and insurance.
If you need financing, Irish banks and lenders sometimes lend to foreigners, but you'll need proof of residency, employment contracts, and income documentation.
If you're a temporary visitor, it's virtually impossible to qualify for car loans, but you can still try.
3. Search for vehicles
Browse online marketplaces, visit dealerships, or check private listings to find cars in your price range. Be sure to pay attention to the emissions rating, as it affects your annual costs.
4. Inspect and test-drive
Once you have a few options that you like, arrange to see the car in person and take it for a test-drive.
For used vehicles, consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic to identify any mechanical issues before you commit.
5. Negotiate the price
If you're buying a used car, you can often negotiate the price with the seller. If buying from a dealer, don't forget to ask about the car's warranty status.
6. Arrange insurance
You must have at least third-party coverage in place before you can pay tax and drive the vehicle legally, so get insurance quotes from a few different Irish providers to find the best deal.
7. Complete the sale paperwork
You'll pay for the vehicle and get a receipt showing the sale date, price, and both parties' details. The seller should also provide you with the Vehicle Registration Certificate and any service records or documentation.
8. Register the ownership change
You must register the ownership change with the National Vehicle Driver File within 30 days of purchase.⁵
Dealerships usually handle this process for you, but for private sales, you and the seller must complete Part B of the Vehicle Registration Certificate and submit it to the NVDF with the registration fee.⁵
9. Stay on top of annual taxes
Once your car ownership is registered and you have insurance, you'll need to pay your motor tax online or at a motor tax office. You can't legally drive without a current motor tax, and rates depend on your vehicle's emissions.
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Driving in Ireland: Requirements
Driving in Ireland is a little different from driving in the US, and understanding these differences will help you stay safe and avoid fines:
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Ireland drives on the left side of the road, opposite to the US, which can feel strange when you first start driving
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Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour, like in the US
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Roundabouts are extremely common, and traffic already in the roundabout has right of way, with vehicles entering from the right having priority
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You must carry your driver's license and insurance certificate while driving, and police might do random checks
Ireland's narrow rural roads and stone walls along roadsides will also require you to be a bit more cautious compared to wider American roads. You might also often drive in bad weather, such as rain and fog, and have to adjust your speed.
| 💡 Learn more about driving in Ireland as an American in our full guide. |
|---|
How to import a car from Ireland to the US
Theoretically, it's possible to import your car from Ireland to the US, but it'll have to meet complicated federal safety and emissions standards from the Department of Transportation and EPA.
You may need to make modifications to your vehicle, which can cost hundreds or thousands of USD.
Overall, it'll likely be much easier and less costly to sell your Irish car and get a new vehicle once you're back in the US instead of dealing with the import.
Buying a car in Ireland as a foreigner and registering it usually isn't complicated when you have a residency status or a long-term visa. Just like in the US, you'll have to find a vehicle, arrange for insurance, and complete the registration process.
However, tourists and short-term visitors face more challenges with insurance and registration, so car ownership is typically impractical for brief stays.
Many Americans carefully research car costs, insurance fees, and taxes before buying, but often overlook the expenses that come with transferring money from the US to Ireland or using their US card for the purchase.
Most banks charge high fees and add markups to currency exchange rates. When you're already paying premium prices for cars in Ireland, these additional costs can really add to your expenses.
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Sources
- US Mission Ireland - Driving in Ireland
- Citizens Information - Motor insurance
- National Driver License Service - Exchange My Foreign Driving License
- Numbeo - Cost of Living in Ireland
- Monito - A Quick Guide to Buying a Car in Ireland as a Foreigner
- Bonkers - Compare car insurance
- Citizens Information - Buying a new car
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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