Your easy checklist for starting the year with a smoother drive.

Buying a car in January is a tradition for many Irish motorists. With new plates, fresh starts and dealership offers, January is the busiest month of the year for new and used car sales. But once the excitement settles and you’ve taken that first spin, there are a few important jobs to tick off — and skipping them can lead to fines, delays or unexpected hassle.

Here’s your simple, practical guide to everything you need to sort after buying a car in January, including the one step most drivers forget (and the one that causes the most headaches): updating your registration details on your Easytrip account.

Your Checklist for Buying a Car in January

Whether you bought from a dealership or through a private sale, here’s what needs to be sorted sooner rather than later.

1. Transfer Your Motor Tax & Insurance

Before you show off the new wheels, make sure your paperwork is up to date:

• Confirm your motor tax is active
• Contact your insurer to transfer or update your policy

Dealers often help with admin for new cars, but private sales require you to handle everything yourself.

2. Double-Check Your Logbook & Ownership Transfer

If it’s a brand-new car, your dealer registers everything.
For used cars:

• The seller must complete the change of ownership online at www.motoreg.ie
• You’ll receive your updated Vehicle Registration Certificate in the post

Never leave a private sale unless the transfer is confirmed.

3. Check Your NCT or Know When It’s Due

If your car is four years or older, the NCT matters — especially in winter when road conditions are unpredictable.
A quick check on ncts.ie ensures you’re not caught out by long waiting lists.

4. Do a Quick Winter Safety Check

Roads in January can be dark, wet and icy. Give your car a once-over:

• Tyre pressure & tread
• Oil and coolant levels
• Wipers
• Lights and indicators
• Washer fluid

A few minutes now can save you a lot of bother later.

5. Update Your Registration in Your Easytrip Account (Don’t Skip This Step!)

This is the one job most people forget after buying a car in January — and it’s the one that causes the most problems.

If your Easytrip tag is still linked to your old reg, the system won’t recognise your new vehicle. This can lead to:

• Missed M50 payments
• Toll penalties
• Parking barriers not lifting
• Charges being applied to the wrong car

Updating your reg takes less than a minute:

1. Log into the Easytrip app or your online account
2. Go to Vehicles
3. Add your new registration
4. Edit or remove the old one
5. Save — and you’re sorted

Once updated, your tolls, parking and services will work seamlessly again.

6. Add Extra Services to Make Your New Car Even Easier to Manage

A new car is a good time to set yourself up for an easier year ahead. With Easytrip, you can add:

• Parking Subscription – cashless, ticketless, automatic entry & exit
• Breakdown Assistance – 24/7 nationwide cover and home start
• Keycare – lost key protection and locksmith support
• 20% Off Maxol Car Wash – keep winter salt, grit and dirt off your new car’s paintwork

These quick add-ons help protect your new investment.

7. Take Time to Get Comfortable in Your New Car

This part isn’t admin — it’s for you.
Try these once you’re settled:

• Adjust seats, mirrors and steering
• Set up Bluetooth or CarPlay
• Test your brakes in a safe area
• Check your lights and visibility
• Take the car on a short motorway spin

The more familiar you are, the more confident you’ll be on winter roads.

Starting the Year Right After Buying a Car in January

Buying a car in January is exciting, but ticking off these simple steps early means you avoid the hidden admin traps that catch out so many drivers.

Updating your Easytrip registration only takes a moment — and it ensures your tolls, parking and services all work from day one with your new car.

New year, new wheels, and a smoother start… made easier with Easytrip.