Nobody told you. That’s the thing. You passed your NCT, you got your windscreen disc, you drove off — and then a mate asked for your VIR and you had no idea what he was on about. Sound familiar?
Your NCT Vehicle Inspection Report now comes by email
Since early 2026, drivers who pass the NCT no longer get a printed Vehicle Inspection Report handed to them at the desk. NCTS emails it to the address on your booking instead. It arrives within minutes of the test finishing — assuming the email address on your account isn’t banjaxed or out of date.
The round green windscreen disc is still physical. You still get it handed to you in person at reception. Nothing changes there — you’re still legally required to display it under the Road Traffic Act and you’d be in bother with the Guards if you didn’t. Only the A4 report sheet has gone digital.
Got your test coming up and want to lock in a slot before the summer rush? The NCT appointment bot scans live cancellation slots across the country and alerts you the moment one opens near you — far quicker than refreshing the NCTS site yourself.
| Document | How you get it now | Changed? |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) | Emailed to your booking address after passing | Yes — used to be printed at the desk |
| Windscreen disc (round sticker) | Still printed and handed over at reception | No change |
| Fail defects sheet | Still printed and given to you at the desk | No change |
| Re-test booking | Arranged at the desk or online | No change |
What changed and what hasn’t
This only affects cars that pass. If she fails, you still walk out with a printed defects list — your mechanic needs something physical to work from. That bit hasn’t changed.
The VIR is the A4 summary of what was tested and what the result was. Under the old system, the desk printed one automatically regardless. NCTS now emails it instead, in line with the NVDF Bill 2026’s push to cut back on paper at public services.
A lot of drivers assumed the email report meant the windscreen disc was going digital too. It’s not. You can’t stick a QR code on your windscreen. The physical disc stays, full stop.
One thing worth sorting before your test: check that the email address on your NCTS account is one you actually read. If your mechanic booked for you, or if you used an old address, the VIR lands somewhere you’ll never find it. Update it through the NCTS portal before you show up.
Trying to find a centre with shorter queues? The NCT locations list covers all active NCTS centres across Ireland with direct links to check slot availability.
NCT fees for 2026
The fees are the same as last year. Full test: €60. If she fails and needs a lane re-test: €40. Visual recheck — where the tester confirms you’ve fixed whatever they flagged — is free. Miss your appointment without 72 hours’ notice: €24, gone.
The NCT free test 28-day rule still applies in 2026. If a car passed for less than 28 days shows up with a related defect, the recheck costs nothing. Grand if you drove away thinking all was fine and then something flagged up.
Meath drivers — if your usual centre has a fierce queue, the Kells test centre is worth checking. Slot availability changes daily.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the NCT re-test fee in 2026?
The lane re-test fee is €40. A visual recheck where you’ve already fixed the flagged item is free. A no-show without 72 hours’ notice costs you €24.
Do they still print the NCT windscreen disc?
Yes, the round NCT disc is still printed and handed to you at reception when you pass. It’s a legal requirement to display it on your windscreen. The change is that the Vehicle Inspection Report — the A4 summary sheet — is now emailed instead of printed. The disc itself hasn’t moved anywhere.
How do I get my NCT results by email?
Make sure you have a valid email address on your NCTS booking — either when booking online yourself, or by confirming the address is up to date in your account. After passing, the VIR is sent automatically, usually within a few minutes of the test finishing.
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