The NCT disc is the part of your NCT certificate that goes on the windscreen. NCTS says all eligible cars must display it, and Citizens Information says driving a car that is liable for testing without displaying the disc is an offence. If you lose the disc or the certificate, a replacement costs €15.50 and needs form RF134 stamped by the Gardaí.
Displaying the disc
Put the disc on the windscreen as soon as the car passes. Gardaí use it to spot untested cars at a glance, and they can also check NCT records directly. Driving without a current NCT certificate is a €60 fixed charge and 3 penalty points, rising to €90 if not paid within 28 days, and 5 points if it goes to court.
Lost or damaged disc or certificate: how to replace it
- The registered owner gets form RF134 at a local Garda station (it is also on motortax.ie). The Gardaí must stamp and sign it.
- Send the completed form with whichever part you still have, the disc or the certificate.
- Pay €15.50 by bank draft or postal order only, payable to Applus Inspection Services Ireland Ltd. NCTS cannot take cash by post.
- Post it to NCTS, Lakedrive 3026, Citywest Business Campus, Naas Road, Dublin 24.
NCTS says the fee may change. Citizens Information gives the payee as Applus Car Testing Service Ltd and the addressee as the Test Certificate Administrator at the same address; if in doubt, ring NCTS customer service on 01 413 5994 before sending the draft.
Lost the test report (VIR)
For a replacement Vehicle Inspection Report, the registered owner writes to the same address with the registration, make and model and their own details, plus €15.50. No Garda form is needed for the report. If your car passed recently and you chose email, the report is already in your inbox.
Buying a car? Check the disc
NCTS asks buyers of second-hand cars to check the serial number on the disc, because some blank certificates and discs have gone missing. Use Check NCT Validity on ncts.ie, or the free car check on this site, which shows the NCT and motor tax status from the registration.
If the disc is out of date and you need a test soon, nctalerts.ie watches up to five centres and emails you within a minute of an earlier date appearing. €9.99 for 7 days.
Frequently asked
Do I have to display the NCT disc?
Yes. NCTS says all eligible cars must display the disc on the windscreen, and Citizens Information says driving a car liable for testing without displaying it is an offence.
How much is a replacement NCT disc?
€15.50, paid by bank draft or postal order, with form RF134 stamped and signed at a Garda station.
Can I replace a lost NCT cert online?
NCTS does not describe an online option. The process is by post: form RF134, the part you still hold, and a €15.50 bank draft or postal order.
Is my NCT still valid if I lose the disc?
The test result stays on the NCTS record, which Gardaí can check, but the disc still has to be displayed, so replace it straight away.
Sources
Read on 24 September 2026. Fees, deadlines and phone numbers above come from these pages.