If you’ve misplaced your log book or need to replace a damaged, stolen or never-received one, the process in Ireland is straightforward once you know the steps. Although you can download the form online, replacing a log book isn’t fully online yet, a Garda must witness the application before you submit it to your local Motor Tax Office.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to apply, fees, timelines, online options, pre-2004 documents, and answers to the most common questions Irish drivers ask.
What the Log Book Is Called Today (VRC vs Log Book)
In Ireland, the “log book” is officially called the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC). This is the modern document issued for all post-2004 registered vehicles. Depending on the age of your car, you may also come across:
- Vehicle Licensing Certificate (VLC): the older brown log book, used before 2004
- Registration Book: informal term often used interchangeably
- Car log book / Irish log book: everyday names most motorists still use
Regardless of the terminology on your document, the replacement process is the same.
How to Replace a Lost Log Book in Ireland (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve lost, damaged or never received your log book, here’s exactly how to get a new Vehicle Registration Certificate.
Step 1: Download or Pick Up Form RF134
To start the process, you need Form RF134: Application for Replacement Documents.
You can get it:
- Online: download RF134 from the Motor Tax website
- In person: collect it from your local Motor Tax Office
This form covers replacement of:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC / log book)
- Old brown Vehicle Licensing Certificate (VLC)
- Tax disc
- Trailer licence card
- Other motor documents
Step 2: Fill Out the RF134 Form
Provide:
- Your name and address
- Vehicle registration number
- The document you are replacing (select Vehicle Registration Certificate)
- The reason (lost, stolen, damaged, never received, etc.)
Check your details carefully as incorrect information can delay your replacement.
Step 3: Get the Form Witnessed by a Garda
You must bring the completed form to your local Garda station for signing and stamping.
Bring:
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address
- Any evidence of ownership (if available)
- Your PPS number if requested
A Garda will witness your signature and may ask for confirmation that you are the registered owner.
Step 4: Submit the Form With the €12 Fee
Once the form is witnessed, submit RF134 to your local Motor Tax Office:
- Fee: €12
- Payment: usually cheque, postal order or bank draft (cash often not accepted)
- Submission: by post or in person (varies by county)
Offices do not issue the certificate directly, they process your request and pass it on to the Department of Transport for printing.
Step 5: Receive Your New Log Book by Post
Your replacement Vehicle Registration Certificate will be printed and posted to you.
Typical timeline:
5–10 working days from when the Motor Tax Office processes your application.
If it doesn’t arrive, contact your Motor Tax Office with the date you applied.
Can I Apply for a Replacement Log Book Online?
Many people search for “replacement log book Ireland online”, and here’s the clear answer:
- Yes, you can download Form RF134 online
- No, the replacement process is not fully online
- You must still:
- Print the form
- Sign it in front of a Garda
- Submit it physically to your Motor Tax Office with the €12 fee
In summary, the process is a part-online, part-offline process.
Replacing an Old Brown Log Book (Pre-2004 Vehicles)
If your car is older and still has the pre-2004 brown registration book (Vehicle Licensing Certificate), the replacement process is exactly the same:
- Complete RF134
- Garda stamp
- Send to the Motor Tax Office with €12
The old document will be automatically replaced with a modern Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC).
Why You Should Replace a Lost Log Book Early
If you’re planning to sell your car, replacing a lost log book as soon as possible is essential because:
- You cannot officially transfer ownership without a VRC
- Buyers may become suspicious if no log book is available
- Missing paperwork often delays insurance, tax and NCT processes for the new owner
- It can reduce confidence in the sale especially for private sellers
A simple RF134 application avoids hassle later.
Buying a Car and the Seller Has No Log Book? Be Careful.
If a seller cannot provide a valid log book:
- The sale cannot be completed
- The car may have outstanding finance, incorrect ownership, mileage issues or worse
- Always insist that the seller applies for a replacement before you hand over money
And before buying any car, run a proper background check.
Thinking of Buying a Used Car? Do a MotorCheck Report First
A MotorCheck history report can reveal issues that won’t appear on a missing or newly issued log book, including:
- Outstanding finance agreements
- Write-off or crash history
- Mileage discrepancies
- Previous imports
- Potential fraud or cloned vehicles
It’s a quick step that can prevent expensive mistakes especially when a log book is missing or newly issued.
FAQs About Replacement Log Books in Ireland
How do I replace a lost log book in Ireland?
To replace a lost log book in Ireland, you must complete Form RF134, have it witnessed and stamped by a Garda, and send it with the €12 fee to your local Motor Tax Office. Once processed, a new Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) will be printed and posted to you by the Department of Transport.
Can I apply for a replacement log book online in Ireland?
You cannot fully apply for a replacement log book online in Ireland. You can download Form RF134 online, but the form must be printed, signed in front of a Garda, and physically submitted to your Motor Tax Office with the €12 fee. The Garda witnessing requirement prevents the process from being fully online.
How much does it cost to replace a log book in Ireland?
Replacing a log book in Ireland costs €12. This fee applies to the replacement of a Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) or the older Vehicle Licensing Certificate. Payment is usually made by cheque, postal order, or bank draft, depending on your local council’s accepted methods.
How long does it take to get a replacement log book in Ireland?
A replacement log book in Ireland typically takes 5–10 working days to arrive after your Motor Tax Office processes your RF134 application. The document is printed centrally by the Department of Transport and then posted to you.
What form do I need to replace a lost log book in Ireland?
You must use Form RF134 to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or never-received log book in Ireland. RF134 is the official “Application for Replacement Documents” and is available to download online or collect from your local Motor Tax Office. The form must be witnessed by a Garda before submission.
What should I do if I never received my log book?
If you never received your log book in Ireland, you still need to complete Form RF134, have it witnessed by a Garda, and submit it with the €12 fee to your Motor Tax Office. On the form, select the option indicating that the original document was never received so the Department of Transport can issue a new Vehicle Registration Certificate.
What if my log book was stolen or damaged?
If your log book was stolen or damaged in Ireland, you must apply for a replacement using Form RF134. The form must be signed and witnessed by a Garda, confirming your identity and ownership of the vehicle, and then submitted with the €12 fee to your Motor Tax Office. A new Vehicle Registration Certificate will be posted to you once processed.
Can someone else apply for a replacement log book on my behalf?
No. Only the registered owner of the vehicle can apply for a replacement log book in Ireland. The Garda witnessing requirement on Form RF134 ensures the applicant is the registered owner, so applications cannot be made by other individuals or representatives.
How do I replace an old brown log book in Ireland?
If your car was registered before 2004, you might still have the old Vehicle Licensing Certificate. When you apply for a replacement, it will automatically be updated to the new Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC).
Can I sell my car in Ireland without a log book?
You cannot legally complete a private sale in Ireland without a valid Vehicle Registration Certificate (log book). The VRC is required to transfer ownership, and most buyers will refuse to proceed without it due to concerns about ownership, finance issues, or the vehicle’s history. If the log book is missing, you must apply for a replacement using Form RF134 before selling the car.
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