Selling a SORN Car Privately: Rules, Test drives & Transfer

Selling a SORN car privately can feel complicated. You may be unsure about DVLA rules, test drives, insurance, or whether the buyer can legally drive it away. One wrong step could cause delays or fines.

The good news is that selling a SORN car privately is completely legal, provided you follow the correct rules on tax, insurance, test drives and DVLA transfer.

Key Takeaways: Selling a SORN Car Privately

• Yes, you can sell a SORN car privately in the UK. It’s completely legal.
• The car cannot be driven on public roads until it is taxed, insured and (usually) has a valid MOT.
• Road tax does not transfer to the new owner. The buyer must tax it before driving.
• Without an MOT, it can only be driven to a pre-booked MOT test.
• A private sale may achieve £300–£800 more, but expect 2–4 weeks and fewer enquiries.
• Dealers and online car buyers are usually faster and simpler, especially for untaxed vehicles.
• You must notify the DVLA immediately using the V5C to avoid liability.

What Does SORN Actually Mean?

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It means the vehicle has been officially declared off the road with the DVLA and is not currently taxed. When a car is registered as SORN, it must be kept off public roads and cannot be driven.

Owners usually declare SORN when they are not using the vehicle for a period of time. This might be because the car has no MOT, is being repaired, is stored on private land, or simply isn’t needed. 

Declaring SORN allows you to stop paying vehicle tax legally. However, the ownership remains in your name until you transfer ownership using the V5C logbook and notify the DVLA.

Can the Buyer Drive a SORN Car Home?

No, a buyer cannot legally drive a SORN car home unless it has been taxed and insured first. Because the vehicle is registered as off the road, it cannot be used on public roads until the correct steps are taken.

Since 2014, road tax no longer transfers between owners. This means when you sell the vehicle and notify the DVLA, any remaining tax is cancelled automatically.

To tax the vehicle, it must usually have a valid MOT. If there is no MOT, the only legal exception is driving it to a pre-booked MOT test.

If a buyer wants to test drive a SORN car on public roads, the vehicle must be insured in their own name. It must also be temporarily taxed and have a valid MOT. Otherwise, driving without insurance can result in a £2,500 fine and 6 penalty points.

How to Sell a SORN Car Privately (Step-by-Step)

Selling a SORN car privately in the UK is straightforward once you follow the correct DVLA process.

Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Confirm the Vehicle Is Correctly Registered as SORN

Before advertising, check the car’s SORN status on the DVLA website. The vehicle must be kept off public roads while it remains untaxed. Make sure it is stored on private property, such as a driveway or garage.

2. Get a Valuation for Your SORN Car

Before advertising, it’s important to understand the car’s current market value. A SORN vehicle can sometimes attract slightly lower offers. In reality, many private buyers will immediately negotiate £200–£500 off simply because the car is SORN.

Getting an online car valuation gives you a realistic price guide and clarity on whether a private sale is worthwhile or not. 

3. Decide Whether to Tax the Car Before Selling

You are not legally required to tax a SORN car before selling it. However, taxing it can make viewings and test drives easier and may attract more buyers. Consider whether the potential increase in buyer confidence justifies the upfront cost.

4. Advertise the Car Clearly as SORN

Be transparent in your advert. State that the vehicle is currently SORN and explain whether it has a valid MOT. Clear information reduces buyer hesitation and prevents wasted viewings.

Include details such as:

• MOT status
• Service history
• Reason for SORN
• Overall condition

5. Arrange Insured Viewings and Test Drives

A SORN car cannot be driven on public roads unless it is taxed and insured. If you allow a test drive, the vehicle must have valid insurance in place. 

However, some buyers arrange temporary cover, while others may prefer to inspect the car without driving it.

If the vehicle has no MOT, it can only legally be driven to a pre-booked MOT test.

6. Notify the DVLA Immediately

You must notify the DVLA as soon as the vehicle is sold. This removes you from legal responsibility. Any remaining vehicle tax is cancelled automatically, and a refund is issued for the full unused months.

Complete the transfer online using the 11-digit reference on the V5C. You’ll receive confirmation by email instantly. A DVLA letter usually arrives within five working days.

Do not rely on the buyer to complete this step.

Do You Need Insurance to Sell a SORN Car?

No, you do not legally need insurance simply to sell a SORN car. A vehicle declared SORN is registered as off the road with the DVLA, which means it does not need to be taxed or insured while it remains on private property.

However, many private sellers ask the buyer to arrange temporary insurance in their own name. Others choose not to allow test drives at all and let the buyer inspect the vehicle while stationary.

Key Considerations When Selling a SORN Car

• A SORN status may make some buyers cautious, as they might question the car’s condition or why it has been off the road. This can affect the final sale price.
• You cannot legally drive or park a SORN vehicle on public roads. It must remain on private property.
• If the car is not roadworthy or does not have a valid MOT, you must clearly disclose this to the buyer. Failing to do so could result in legal issues later.
• Without a valid MOT, the buyer will need to arrange tax, insurance and transport before using the vehicle, which can add extra cost and complexity.
• After the sale, you must notify the DVLA immediately using the V5C logbook. Completing the transfer online is the quickest and safest option.
• If you purchase another vehicle, you must tax it straight away. Road tax does not transfer from your old car to a new one.

Does Selling a SORN Car Affect Its Value?

It can, but SORN itself isn’t always the problem.

What really affects the price is why the car is SORN. If it’s simply been stored and still has a recent MOT, a good service history and runs well, the impact on value is usually small.

However, if the car has been off the road for a long time, has no MOT, or hasn’t been maintained, buyers may assume repairs are needed. That often leads to lower offers.

Some private buyers also see SORN as an inconvenience. They know they’ll need to arrange tax, insurance or transport before driving it. That extra effort can give them room to negotiate.

Being honest about the reason for SORN and showing clear maintenance records helps protect your car’s value.

Selling a SORN Car Privately vs Selling to a Dealer

When selling a SORN car, you generally have two options: sell it privately or sell it to a dealer or car buying service. The right choice depends on how much time, effort and risk you’re willing to take on.

Selling privately can sometimes achieve a higher price. You’ll need to manage enquiries, explain the SORN status, handle viewings, and ensure the buyer arranges tax and insurance before driving it away. 

In reality, most private buyers will try to negotiate £300–£800 off simply because the car is SORN.

Selling to a dealer is usually simpler. Most dealers are familiar with SORN vehicles and understand the DVLA process. Many will arrange collection, handle the paperwork and deal with tax and insurance logistics themselves.

However, the offer may be slightly lower than a successful private sale. The process is typically faster and more straightforward. 

Selling through online car buying services is often more convenient, as many car buyers actively purchase SORN vehicles and can offer competitive prices with less hassle.

Private Sale	Dealer / Online Car Buyer
May achieve £300–£800 more than trade value.	Usually priced at trade value, slightly lower but realistic.
Typically takes 2–4 weeks to find a buyer.	Often completed within 24–72 hours.
SORN can reduce enquiries by 20–30%.	SORN rarely affects dealer interest.
More negotiation. Buyers use SORN to push price down.	Price usually fixed after inspection.
You manage tax, insurance and viewings.	Dealer handles collection and paperwork.
Risk of no-shows and payment delays.	Faster payment and fewer risks.
You complete DVLA transfer.	Dealer completes DVLA transfer.
Best for maximising price.	Best for speed and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scrap a SORN car?

Yes, you can scrap a SORN car. In fact, many cars are declared SORN before being scrapped. The vehicle must be collected from private property if it isn’t taxed or insured. Make sure you use an authorised treatment facility (ATF) and inform the DVLA once it has been scrapped.

Does SORN automatically cancel when I sell the car?

No, SORN does not cancel on its own. When you notify the DVLA of the change of keeper using the V5C logbook, responsibility passes to the new owner. The buyer must then tax the vehicle before driving it on public roads.

Should I SORN my car before selling it?

If you’re not using the car and it’s kept off the road, declaring SORN can save you from paying unnecessary road tax. However, a taxed and insured car can be easier to sell, as buyers can test drive it more easily. It depends on how quickly you plan to sell.

Can I sell a SORN car with outstanding finance?

Yes, but the finance must be settled before ownership can legally transfer. You’ll need to contact your lender for a settlement figure. In most cases, the balance is cleared as part of the sale process.

Can you remove SORN immediately?

Yes. SORN is removed automatically when the vehicle is taxed again. However, the vehicle must also have valid insurance and a valid MOT before it can be legally driven.

Final Verdict: Selling a SORN Car Privately

Selling a SORN car privately is legal and usually straightforward once you understand the rules. The car can’t be driven without tax and insurance, and you must notify the DVLA after the sale.

If you’re happy handling viewings and paperwork, a private sale can work well. If you’d rather avoid the hassle, comparing your options first can help you decide the easiest route.