If you own a vehicle in the UK that you wish to drive on the roads, it needs to be taxed and insured. However, if you have a vehicle that you are not using and you intend to keep off the roads, you could save yourself some money.
This is where SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) comes in. This guide will walk you through what SORN means, why you might need it and how to SORN a car, ensuring you remain compliant with UK regulations.
What does SORN mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s an official declaration to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that your vehicle is not being used on public roads. By making a SORN, you inform the DVLA that your vehicle is off the road and you do not intend to drive it or park it on public roads. This notification to the DVLA makes you exempt from paying vehicle tax and insurance for the period of time the vehicle is declared off-road.
What is a SORN?
SORN is a legal requirement for any vehicle that is not being used on public roads. By choosing to SORN your vehicle, you no longer need to tax or insure your car. Once your car has a SORN, it cannot be driven or parked on public roads. Instead, it must be kept on private property such as a garage, driveway or private land.
Declaring a SORN is necessary if you plan to keep your vehicle off the road for an extended period of time, ensuring you avoid penalties associated with untaxed and uninsured vehicles. When you want to use your vehicle again, or bring it back on to public roads, you must ensure to tax and insure it.
Why SORN my car?
There are a number of reasons why you might choose to SORN your car, including:
- Avoiding tax and insurance costs: If you’re not using your vehicle, declaring it off the road allows you to stop paying for tax and insurance, leading to potential savings.
- Vehicle repairs or restoration: When undertaking significant repairs or restoring a vehicle, especially classic cars, you might not use the car for an extended period of time.
- Seasonal use: For vehicles used seasonally, such as motorhomes or convertibles, declaring a SORN during off-season months could be beneficial.
- Unroadworthy vehicles: If your vehicle is not in a condition to be driven but you’re planning on getting it fixed at a later date, applying for a SORN is advisable.
- Temporary relocation: If you’re relocating temporarily and won’t be using your vehicle in this time, declaring it off the road can save on unnecessary expenses.
It is important to note that if your vehicle isn’t taxed or insured, you are legally required to declare it off the road by obtaining a SORN.
How do I SORN my car?
Applying for a SORN is straightforward, and there are several methods available to do so. You can get a SORN for your car over the phone, by post, or online.
Online through gov.uk
The quickest way to apply for a SORN is through the official government website. To do this, you’ll need either:
- The 11 digit number from your vehicle log book (V5C) to start the SORN immediately.
- The 16 digit reference number from your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) to start the SORN on the first day of the next month.
By post
To apply for a SORN by post, you’ll need to complete a V890 form, which you can download from the official government website, or collect from a post office. Once you’ve filled this form in, you’ll need to post it to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR
Over the phone
To apply for a SORN over the phone, you can simply ring the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 and explain that you wish to SORN your car. You’ll need some details to hand, including either:
- V5C reference number – this is a 12 digit number that can be found on your vehicle’s logbook
- V11 tax reminder number – this is a 16 digit number that can be found at the top of your V11
How long does it take to SORN a car?
The time frame to SORN a car depends on your application method.
- Online or phone applications: If you use the 11 digit number from your V5C, the SORN starts immediately. If you use the 16 digit number from your V11 the SORN will start on the first day of the next month.
- Postal applications: The SORN will begin on the date you specify on the form, provided the post reaches the DVLA in time for this date.
Processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to apply in advance if you have a specific date in mind.
Do you have to pay to SORN a car?
You do not need to pay to SORN a car, you don’t have to worry about any fees or charges. Additionally, if you have remaining full months of vehicle tax on your vehicle, the government will issue you with a refund for these months. For example, if you have six months left of your vehicle tax, you will be refunded for those six months as you are no longer using the car.
How long does a SORN last?
There is no fixed duration for a SORN. It can last as long as you want it to and there’s no need to renew it annually. It is automatically cancelled when you tax the vehicle, sell it, permanently export it, or scrap it.
What happens if I don’t SORN my car?
If you aren’t paying road tax or insurance and don’t SORN your car, you risk being fined, and could potentially face further penalties like vehicle impoundment or even prosecution in court with further fines.
To avoid these penalties, ensure you either tax your vehicle or declare it off the road with a SORN.
Can I drive a SORN car?
Once you have a SORN for your car, you cannot drive it on public roads, unless you are travelling to or from a pre-booked MOT appointment, or driving on private land.
How to unSORN a car?
You can easily unSORN a car. To remove a SORN from a vehicle, simply tax it via the official government website or at a Post Office. Once taxed, the SORN is automatically cancelled and the vehicle is deemed as being in use again.
Once you’ve unSORNed your car, you will also need to insure your car again to be able to drive it legally. Short-term car insurance allows you to get your car back on the road in minutes, giving you the flexibility to decide on longer term car insurance in the meantime.
Other SORN a car FAQs
Can you MOT a SORN car?
Yes, you can take a SORN car for a pre-booked MOT, as long as you have valid insurance for the duration of the journey to and from your appointment.
What’s the easiest way to SORN my car?
The fastest and simplest way to SORN a car is to SORN a car online through the official government website. This takes just a few minutes and requires your V5C logbook or vehicle tax reminder.
Does a SORN car have to be insured?
A SORN car doesn’t have to be insured; however, it won’t be covered for theft, fire and accidentally damage if you don’t have some sort of insurance policy in place.
Do you need to tax a SORN car?
No, a SORN car is exempt from road tax whilst it is declared off-road.
Where can I keep a SORN car?
You can keep a SORN car on private property, such as a garage or driveway. It cannot be parked on a public road.
Can I sell my car with a SORN?
You can sell your SORN car, but the new owner must tax the vehicle before driving it.
Can I get tax back if I’ve taken my car off the road?
Yes, any unused road tax will be refunded automatically when you SORN your vehicle.
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