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What to Do After Buying a Car in Ireland: Your Essential Checklist

Author: Published on: Published in: Newsletter

You’ve just bought a new car — happy days! 🚗
But before you hit the road, there are a few important steps to tick off. From sorting paperwork to updating your Easytrip account, knowing what to do after buying a car in Ireland keeps things simple, stress-free, and fully compliant.

This easy checklist covers everything you need to know — whether it’s your first car or you’re just trading up.

1. Transfer Ownership

If you’ve bought from a dealership, the paperwork is usually handled for you. But if it’s a private sale, you’ll need to transfer ownership through the NDLS website or using the V5C logbook.
Make sure the seller and buyer sections are both filled in and signed — without this, you’re technically not the registered owner yet.

Both seller and buyer must complete and sign their parts — without that, you’re not officially the registered owner.
It’s a simple but vital step in what to do after buying a car in Ireland.

2. Sort Out Your Motor Tax and Insurance

You can’t legally drive without both, so get them sorted straight away:

  • Motor tax: Pay through motortax.ie.
  • Insurance: Update your insurer with your new reg and policy details.

Print and display your insurance and tax discs once they’re issued.
Getting this done early avoids delays and fines — a key part of what to do after buying a car in Ireland that drivers often forget.

3. Check the NCT and Roadworthiness

If the car is over four years old, it must have a valid NCT certificate. Check the expiry date at ncts.ie.
If your test is due soon, book early — slots can fill quickly. A quick once-over from your local mechanic before the test can help catch small issues that might cause a fail.

It’s one of those small but crucial items on your checklist for what to do after buying a car in Ireland.

4. Update Your Car Registration on Easytrip

Once your paperwork and insurance are sorted, it’s time to make driving even easier.
Log in to the Easytrip app or online account and update your car registration so your toll tag is linked to your new vehicle.

Doing this right away avoids:

  • Toll charges landing on your old reg
  • eFlow fines or solicitor letters
  • Trips billed to someone else

It only takes a minute, but it saves you a mountain of hassle later on.
👉 Learn how to update your car registration on Easytrip.

5. Add Services to Make Driving Easier

Owning a car doesn’t stop at tax and tolls — it’s about making every journey stress-free.
With Easytrip, you can add handy extras straight to your account:

These extras turn what to do after buying a car in Ireland into a one-stop setup for stress-free driving.

6. Check Your Documents and Keep Them Handy

Make sure you have:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)
  • Insurance certificate and disc
  • NCT certificate (if applicable)
  • Motor tax disc

Keep them safe — ideally in the glove box or a dedicated folder — for easy access if you’re ever stopped by Gardaí or need to renew something quickly.

7. Familiarise Yourself with Your Car

Before you set off, take a few minutes to:

  • Adjust mirrors, seat, and steering wheel
  • Pair your phone for hands-free use
  • Check lights, tyres, and fluid levels
  • Review the manual for dashboard symbols

Small things, but they make a big difference — and every new car checklist in Ireland should include them.

8. Plan Your First Trip (the Easy Way)

Once you’re set up, take your new wheels for a spin — maybe a trip to Dundrum Town Centre for shopping and parking with your tag, or a weekend drive knowing tolls are covered automatically.

With Easytrip, you can skip the queues, avoid fines, and park seamlessly across Ireland — all while keeping everything managed in one app.

Final Word

Buying a new car should be exciting — not stressful.
With this guide on what to do after buying a car in Ireland, you’ll have everything sorted from paperwork to parking in no time.

✅ Transfer ownership
✅ Sort tax and insurance
✅ Update your car registration on Easytrip
✅ Add your Easytrip services

It’s the simple way to make your new car experience completely hassle-free.
👉 Set up or log in to your Easytrip account today and make sure your car is road-ready from day one.

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