Keys handed over, money received — congratulations. But your obligations don't end there. The steps you take in the hours after your sale protect you from parking fines, toll charges, and potentially far more serious liability that could arise if the buyer is involved in an incident before they transfer ownership.
Step 1: Complete the VRC and Notify the Department of Transport
This is the most important step and should be done immediately — ideally before the buyer drives away.
- Sign the change of ownership section on the back of the VRC and hand the document to the buyer.
- Notify the Department of Transport online at motortax.ie. You'll need the buyer's name and address. This officially records you as no longer the registered owner.
- Keep a copy or photograph of the completed VRC for your records before handing it over.
Until you have notified the Department of Transport, you remain the registered owner on record. Any parking tickets, toll violations, or offences associated with the vehicle may be directed to you.
Step 2: Cancel or Transfer Your Insurance
- Contact your insurer immediately to cancel the policy for the sold vehicle.
- You may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of an annual policy — ask your insurer directly.
- If you're buying a replacement car: Many Irish insurers will allow you to transfer an existing policy to a new vehicle, sometimes with minimal additional premium.
- Never leave a sold car insured under your name: You have no insurable interest once you've sold it.
Step 3: Motor Tax
In Ireland, motor tax is linked to the vehicle and passes to the buyer with the remaining registration period. You cannot reclaim unused motor tax when selling privately. The buyer takes on responsibility for renewing tax when it expires. Make sure both parties are clear on this before the sale.
Step 4: Toll Tags and M50 Accounts
- Remove the vehicle from your toll account (eflow, TollPass, or equivalent) immediately after the sale.
- Retrieve your toll tag from the car before the buyer drives away — or ensure it's been deregistered so you're not charged for the new owner's journeys.
Step 5: Keep Your Records
Keep copies of the following for at least two years:
- A signed sale receipt with the date, car details, sale price, and both parties' names and contact information.
- A record of your Department of Transport notification (screenshot or confirmation email).
- Any vehicle history report (Cartell, CarHistory) you provided to the buyer.
