Converting a van to a car

corradoman · 24-01-2026 08:24PM #1

I’ve a vw golf 1996 it’s currently registered as a van but I want to convert it back to a car.
it still has the mounting holes for the seat belts and seats. It has tinted rear windows ( not solid metal panels ) now that is it 2026 that makes the car 30 years old aka vintage. So the tax is the same for a car or van. How do I legally get the log book changed to become a car, do I have vrt or vat or anything else to pay to change it or because it’s 30 years old is it just a few forms and a NCT ?

Dex Dexta · 25-01-2026 12:24AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058431616/converting-a-van-to-a-car

As you mention; converting back to a car, I presume it was originally a car and therefore VRT and VAT have already been paid. If not they would be technically due, but based on current value, so revenue might not be bothered - self-declaration. Fit the seats and belts, then SQI Cert, then send reclassification form and Cert to Shannon - might need a two pronged attack; first to M1 (car), tax for 3 months, then reclassify to Vintage.

Tread cautiously: Road tax has little to do with the vehicle and everything to do with use. If it’s going to be your daily, then it should be taxed as normal car. If used for an occasional spin, then Vintage (concession to collectors).

JabbaTheHut · 31-01-2026 11:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124177620#Comment_124177620

That's not quiet correct regarding road tax. Regardless how often you use it, road tax at 56 doesn't affect how often you use it. However, insurance is a different matter.

w124man · 01-02-2026 06:41PM

"Tread cautiously: Road tax has little to do with the vehicle and everything to do with use. If it’s going to be your daily, then it should be taxed as normal car. If used for an occasional spin, then Vintage (concession to collectors)."

This has been put about on a few Facebook pages and it really isn't the case. Once a vehicle has reached the required age it qualifies for €56 regardless of what its used for. Insurance, however, is a completely different matter.

Dex Dexta · 01-02-2026 08:36PM

(I studiously avoid Facebook)

It’s all about use.

Picture 2 identical full-fat supercharged petrol Range Rovers side by side. One is on 'I shudder to think' private tax and the other on zero - disabled driver/passenger use.

Picture 2 identical V12 S class Mercs side by side. One in on shudder and the other on €95 - chauffeured Limo/Taxi [like the genius I met outside Dunnes Stores who confided he had only client, and that she was inside doing the weekly shop😁].

Picture 2 identical Land Cruiser Vans - one on 333 and the other on €105 - used by an undertaker for collecting stiffs.

2 identical Transit Vans - one on 333 (used by a registered self-employed carpenter) and the other on full-fat Private Tax (used by a PAYE carpenter). Low rate commercial tax is a sop to business use.

The fear is that our ‘collectors' concession' risks being taken away (by all means do as you see fit, but keep it off the interweb).

w124man · 01-02-2026 09:24PM

Its all about the particulars as registered in the Log Book not how you use it. Undertakers vehicles, disabled vehicles and Limos are registered as such - in the particulars!

What pictures are you referring to?

JabbaTheHut · 01-02-2026 11:27PM

I think what they mean is picture in your mind the scenario of two identical vehicles taxed differently. Either way, there is no restriction on vintage tax use. Not for private vehicles anyway.

Dex Dexta · 02-02-2026 06:27PM

The Log Book classification is about use.

Anyhow, we'll agree to disagree 😁

But, the fear in me is big - that we’ll lose Vintage Tax, now that most 30 year olds can be used daily. When Vintage Tax was introduced there weren’t many 30 y/o left, never mind usable daily.

w124man · 03-02-2026 06:06PM

"The Log Book classification is about use"

post the relevant info please but if you are referring to the J2 section, its got nothing to do with use. The RSA and Revenue sites mention nothing about log book classification referring to 'use'

corradoman · 10-02-2026 02:15AM

thank you Dex for you long rambling reply’s picture this … the first post … what do I have to do to turn a VINTAGE van back into a ViNTAGE car. So I can bring more than one person with me on Sunday drives .

W124man thank for keeping up with the comments. I’m still lost as to who to go to, I think maybe I’ll message the local VRT office and ask them ? I just want to put some back seats in the car bring a third person , and I think it will help with rattles and noise etc , plus I don’t need a massive cargo hold

con747 · 10-02-2026 02:19AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124222269#Comment_124222269

Bar stool talk there, just do it, it can be done.

Dex Dexta · 10-02-2026 03:47AM

Corradoma - insurance is another issue. Modified vehicles can be refused cover or 'it’s grease me up time'. I’d advise you check this aspect.

johndaman66 · 28-02-2026 01:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124198755#Comment_124198755

This I read as pointless dribble. The vintage tax is because the vehicle is 30 years + old. When you say "It's all about use" there are no restrictions on how often you use the vehicle for that "use" from a motor tax point of view. Classic insurance on the other hand is a whole different story as a few other have mentioned.

User1998 · 14-03-2026 07:08PM

Step 1: Install the rear seats yourself or get someone qualified to do it

Step 2: Have an engineer sign off on the work carried out

Step 3: Submit the relevant forms & certificates to Revenue

Step 4: Pay the additional VRT (There is none, since it's vintage)

Step 5: NCT & Tax

Converting a van to a car

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