1. When is my NCT due?
Open the NCTS due-date tool and enter the registration. The NCTS normally sends an invitation before the due date, but it is the owner's responsibility to book. Testing starts at the 4th anniversary of first registration, then every 2 years until the car is 10, then every year: details in how often you need an NCT.
2. Does this car have a valid NCT?
The NCT Checker confirms whether a vehicle has a current certificate. Before buying a used car, check it, and look up how that model does at the test in pass rates by car: an older car close to its NCT date with a low model pass rate is a cost to factor into the price.
3. If it is due soon
- Book at ncts.ie or on 01 413 5992; you can choose any of the 50 centres.
- Go through the pre-NCT checklist: lights, tyres, wipers and warning lights cause many avoidable fails.
- Know the costs: €60 full test, €40 retest. All fees.
Lost your NCT certificate or disc?
- Get an RF134 form at your local Garda station and have it stamped and signed.
- Post it with the part you still hold (windscreen disc or certificate) and a €15.50 bank draft or postal order payable to Applus Inspection Services Ireland Ltd, to Lakedrive 3026, Citywest Business Campus, Naas Road, Dublin 24. No cash by post.
- For a replacement NCT report, write in with the registration, make, model and owner details and the same €15.50 fee.
Who checks it?
Enforcement is by An Garda Síochána, who have access to NCTS records; every eligible car must display the NCT disc on the windscreen. Driving with a dangerous defect can bring penalty points and a court appearance.
Frequently asked questions
My NCT has expired but I have a booking. Am I covered?
A booking does not make an expired certificate valid. Insurance Ireland has said its members will be pragmatic where customers, through no fault of their own, cannot get an appointment and make every effort to book, but the car must still be roadworthy. Check with your own insurer.
How do I replace a lost NCT certificate or disc?
The registered owner gets an RF134 form at a Garda station, has it stamped and signed, and posts it with whatever part they still hold (disc or certificate) and a €15.50 bank draft or postal order to the NCTS in Citywest. A replacement NCT report costs €15.50 too.
How do I check when my NCT is due?
Use the NCTS "Check NCT due date" tool at ncts.ie, entering the registration number. Cars are tested at 4 years, every 2 years until 10, then every year. See how often you need an NCT.
How can I check if a car has a valid NCT?
Use the NCTS "NCT Checker" (check NCT validity) on ncts.ie with the registration number. It is worth doing before buying a used car.
Does the NCT disc prove the car has a valid NCT?
The windscreen disc shows the expiry date, but the online checker is the reliable source: discs can be old, lost or copied.
My NCT has expired. Can I still drive?
Driving without a valid NCT certificate is an offence that can bring penalty points and a fine. Book the earliest test you can; if dates are scarce, ask for the priority list.
Related guides
How often you need an NCT
At 4 years, every 2, then yearly.
How to book
Once you know your date.
Buying used?
Models that pass and fail most.
Sources: NCTS FAQ · Check NCT due date · Check NCT validity. NCT Centres is independent and not affiliated with the NCTS or the RSA. Fees and rules can change: confirm on ncts.ie before you book.