SORN Explained: How to Take Your Car Off the Road Legally

Summary

• What it is: A declaration that your vehicle is kept off public roads.
• Cost: Free to apply.
• Benefits: No road tax or (legally required) insurance while SORNed.
• Rules: The vehicle must stay on private property - never on public roads.

Planning to keep a car off the road for a while? A SORN is essential. Without one, you must pay road tax - even if the car is sitting in your garage.

This guide explains how SORN works and how to apply.

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What Is a SORN?

A Statutory Off Road Notification tells the DVLA that your vehicle is not being used or kept on public roads. While SORNed:

• You don't need to pay road tax (VED)
• You don't legally need insurance (though many still insure for fire/theft)
• You don't need a valid MOT (but you can't drive it anyway)

SORN has been required since 1998 for any untaxed vehicle in the UK.

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When Do You Need a SORN?

You must SORN a vehicle if:

• You want to keep it untaxed
• It's not being driven or kept on public roads
• You're storing it while doing repairs or restoration
• You're keeping it off-road for any reason

Without a SORN, an untaxed vehicle on private property is still illegal. ANPR cameras don't know it's in your driveway - they just see an untaxed registration.

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Where Can You Keep a SORNed Car?

A SORNed vehicle must be kept on private property:

• Your driveway
• Your garage
• Private land you own or have permission to use
• Rented storage facilities

Not Allowed

• Public roads (even outside your house)
• Public car parks
• Any land the public has access to

If your car is on a public road without tax, it can be clamped, towed, and crushed - even if you've declared SORN.

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How to Apply for a SORN

Applying is free and easy:

Online (Fastest)

1. Go to gov.uk/sorn
2. Enter your vehicle's registration number
3. Enter the V5C reference number (from your logbook)
4. Confirm the SORN

By Phone

Call DVLA on 0300 123 4321 (automated 24-hour service).

By Post

Send the V890 section of your V11 tax reminder, or use form V890 if you don't have a reminder.

SORN takes effect immediately when done online or by phone.

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How Long Does a SORN Last?

A SORN lasts indefinitely until one of these happens:

• You tax the vehicle
• You sell the vehicle
• You scrap the vehicle
• You export the vehicle

You don't need to renew SORN annually. It continues automatically.

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How to End a SORN

To get your car back on the road:

1. Get a valid MOT (if required)
2. Get insurance
3. Tax the vehicle at gov.uk/vehicle-tax

Taxing the vehicle automatically ends the SORN. You can drive it as soon as it's taxed.

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SORN and Selling a Vehicle

If you sell a SORNed vehicle:

• Complete the V5C new keeper section
• The SORN doesn't transfer to the new owner
• The new owner must tax it or declare their own SORN
• The car cannot be driven on public roads until taxed

You can sell a SORNed car, but it must be collected on a trailer or flatbed - not driven away.

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Do You Need Insurance for a SORNed Car?

Legally, no. A SORNed vehicle is exempt from continuous insurance enforcement.

However, consider:

• Fire and theft cover: If it's stolen or damaged, you won't get any payout without insurance
• Restoration projects: Many specialists offer "laid up" insurance at low cost
• Storage facilities: May require insurance as a condition

Insurance for a SORNed car is typically £50-100/year for fire and theft only.

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Penalties for Breaking SORN Rules

Offence	Penalty
Untaxed vehicle without SORN	£80 late licensing penalty
SORNed car kept on public road	£80+ fine, car clamped/towed
Driving a SORNed vehicle	Up to £1,000 fine

The DVLA uses ANPR cameras that automatically flag untaxed vehicles. Enforcement is strict.

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Getting a Tax Refund When You SORN

If you SORN a currently taxed vehicle, you'll receive a refund for any complete months remaining.

The refund is automatic when you SORN online. It's sent to the account that paid the tax, or by cheque if you paid by cash/cheque.

See our car tax refund guide for more details.

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Common Questions

Can I SORN a car I just bought?

Yes. If you've bought an untaxed car and it's not going on the road immediately, you can SORN it. You'll need the new keeper supplement or V5C.

What if I don't have the V5C?

You can still SORN by post using form V890, but you'll need to explain why you don't have the V5C.

Can I work on a SORNed car in my driveway?

Yes - as long as the driveway is private property and not part of the public road.

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Final Thoughts

SORN is essential if you're keeping a vehicle off the road. It's free, easy to apply for, and saves you money on tax and insurance. Just remember - the car must stay on private property, with no exceptions.

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