Motor Tax / NDLS letter explained in English
Motor tax and driving licences. Motor tax is paid online or at your council’s motor tax office. Driving licences are issued by the NDLS.
Letters you may get
- Motor tax reminder — your tax runs out soon
- Driving licence renewal reminder
- NCT reminder — your car test is due
What to do
- Use only motortax.ie and ndls.ie. Other websites may charge extra.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“review”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “objection”). See the template.
Words you may see
- NCT
- National Car Test. A regular safety test for cars older than 4 years.
- motor tax
- Tax you must pay to use a car on public roads. Pay at motortax.ie.
Questions
What is the Motor Tax / NDLS?
Motor tax and driving licences. Motor tax is paid online or at your council’s motor tax office. Driving licences are issued by the NDLS.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Motor Tax / NDLS?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In Ireland, many deadlines count from the date printed on the letter. When a deadline counts from when you received it, Briefly adds about 2 days for post — check the envelope or postmark if you are close to the deadline. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“review”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “objection”).
Can I read a Motor Tax / NDLS letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Ireland
Revenue (Revenue Commissioners) · Department of Social Protection (Intreo) · County or City Council · Courts Service (District / Circuit Court) · Sheriff / Revenue Sheriff · Debt collection agency · An Garda Síochána · TV Licence (An Post)