What is SORN? A UK Guide to Statutory Off Road Notification

Summary

• What is SORN?: A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is a legal declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle is not in use and is kept off public roads.
• Why SORN a vehicle?: It legally exempts you from paying vehicle tax and having insurance. It is required if your car is untaxed, uninsured, or being stored long-term.
• Rules: A SORN vehicle must be kept on private property (e.g., driveway, garage) at all times and can only be driven to a pre-booked MOT test.

What is a SORN? A Detailed Explanation

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It's the official process in the UK for telling the DVLA that you are taking a vehicle 'off the road'. This means you will not be driving or parking it on any public road.

The main purpose of a SORN is to ensure that every vehicle registered in the UK is accounted for. Each vehicle must either be taxed and insured for road use or be declared as off the road via a SORN. This system helps the DVLA track uninsured and untaxed vehicles, making the roads safer for everyone.

By declaring a SORN, you are legally exempt from:

• Paying Vehicle Tax (VED): You will stop paying road tax from the date the SORN becomes active.
• Having Insurance: The legal requirement for continuous insurance is lifted.

Why Would I Need to SORN My Car?

You are legally required to make a SORN declaration in several common situations. If any of the following apply to your vehicle, you must either tax it or SORN it:

• Your vehicle isn't taxed: If you don't renew your vehicle tax, you must declare a SORN.
• Your vehicle isn't insured: Even a short gap in insurance cover requires you to SORN your vehicle if it's not taxed.
• You're storing the vehicle: If you're keeping a car in a garage, on a driveway, or on other private land for an extended period (e.g., a classic car over winter, or a project car).
• The vehicle needs major repairs: If your car is not roadworthy and is waiting for repairs or has failed its MOT.
• You're breaking it for parts: If you intend to salvage parts from the vehicle before it is officially scrapped.
• You've just bought a car and won't use it yet: If you purchase a vehicle but don't plan to drive it immediately.
• You want to save money: If you're not using your car for a while, declaring a SORN is a great way to save on tax and insurance costs.

The Key DVLA SORN Rules You Must Follow

When your vehicle has a SORN, you must adhere to strict rules set by the DVLA. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties.

Where to Keep a SORN Vehicle

A vehicle with a SORN must be kept on private land at all times. This can include:

• A private driveway
• A garage
• Private property or land

It cannot be parked on any part of a public road, which includes pavements, grass verges, and public car parks. The DVLA uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce this.

Driving a SORN Vehicle

It is illegal to use a SORN vehicle on a public road for any reason, with one single exception:

• You are permitted to drive the vehicle to and from a pre-booked MOT appointment.

You must have proof of the booked appointment with you. The journey must be direct, and the vehicle must still be insured for the trip. Driving a SORN car for any other purpose, such as to a repair garage or for a test drive, is against the law.

Penalties for Breaking SORN Rules

• No Tax or SORN: If your vehicle is untaxed and you haven't declared a SORN, you will automatically receive an £80 fine. This can increase to £1,000 if it goes to court.
• Driving a SORN Vehicle Illegally: If you are caught driving a SORN vehicle on a public road for any reason other than a pre-booked MOT, you can be prosecuted and face a court fine of up to £2,500.
• Vehicle Clamping: An untaxed vehicle, even one with a SORN that is parked on a public road, can be clamped and impounded.

How to SORN Your Car in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)

Declaring a SORN is a simple and free process. You have three options for notifying the DVLA.

What You'll Need

Before you start, find one of the following documents for your vehicle:

• The 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook.
• The 16-digit reference number from your V11 vehicle tax reminder letter.

Method 1: Online (Recommended)

This is the fastest and easiest way to SORN your vehicle.

1. Go to the official GOV.UK SORN service.
2. Click the 'Start now' button.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, entering your vehicle's registration number and either the 11 or 16-digit reference number.
4. You will get immediate confirmation once completed.

Method 2: By Phone

You can call the DVLA's 24-hour automated vehicle service.

• DVLA Vehicle Service: 0300 123 4321

You will need to have your reference number ready when you call.

Method 3: By Post

You can apply by post using a V890 form.

1. Download a V890 form from the GOV.UK website or get one from a Post Office.
2. Fill out the form and send it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.

This method is necessary if you are not yet the registered keeper. Confirmation by post can take up to four weeks.

When Does the SORN Start?

• Immediately: If you apply using the 11-digit number from your V5C logbook.
• On the 1st of the next month: If you apply using the 16-digit number from your V11 tax reminder.

What Happens After I've Declared a SORN?

Once your SORN is active, a few things will happen automatically, while others require your action.

Action	What Happens
Confirmation	You will receive a letter or email from the DVLA confirming your vehicle is now SORN. Keep this for your records.
Car Tax Refund	The DVLA will automatically issue a car tax refund for any full months of remaining tax you have paid. This is usually sent as a cheque to the address on your V5C.
Insurance	A SORN does not automatically cancel your car insurance. You must contact your insurance provider yourself to inform them. They may offer a "laid-up" policy (fire and theft only) at a reduced cost, which is recommended.
MOT Certificate	Your vehicle no longer needs a valid MOT certificate while it has a SORN.
Duration	The SORN lasts indefinitely. You do not need to renew it. It only ends when you tax the vehicle, sell it, scrap it, or permanently export it.

Getting Your Car Back on the Road

To remove a SORN and start using your car again, you must get it taxed, insured, and have a valid MOT.

1. Get an MOT: If the vehicle's MOT has expired, you must get a new one. Remember, you can only drive it to a pre-booked test. For more details, see our ultimate MOT guide.
2. Get Insured: Arrange a new car insurance policy. You can check if your car is insured using our online tools.
3. Tax Your Vehicle: The final step is to tax your car. You can do this online, and the SORN will be cancelled automatically as soon as the tax is active.

SORN and Buying or Selling a Car

This is a critical point that many people get wrong: A SORN is not transferable between owners.

• If you buy a car with a SORN: The SORN is cancelled the moment you buy it. You must immediately arrange for a new SORN in your name or tax the vehicle before you drive it.
• If you sell a car with a SORN: You must tell the DVLA you have sold the vehicle. The SORN will be cancelled, and the new keeper becomes responsible for taxing it or declaring a new SORN. You can find out more about the documents needed to sell a car in our guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about SORN

Can I backdate a SORN?

No, you cannot backdate a SORN. It becomes active either immediately or on the first day of the next month, depending on how you apply.

Is it free to SORN my car?

Yes, declaring a SORN is completely free of charge.

Can I drive my SORN car to a garage for repairs?

No. The only legal journey you can make is to a pre-booked MOT test. The vehicle would need to be transported or towed to a garage for repairs.

Does a SORN cancel my insurance automatically?

No, you must contact your insurance provider to cancel your policy or change it to a laid-up cover.

How do I check if a car is SORN?

You can check the tax and SORN status of any UK vehicle for free on the GOV.UK website using its vehicle tax check service, which you can also access via our tax check tool.

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