How To SORN a Car in the UK? We Answer 6 SORN Questions
Are you wondering how to SORN a car in the UK? You’re not alone. Many drivers don’t realise you must declare your car off the road officially. Even if it’s just sitting on a driveway or in a garage. Skipping this step can lead to fines or unwanted tax charges.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain what SORN means, when you need it, and how to do it online, by post, or by phone.
So, without any delay, let’s walk you through the process step by step.
What is SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It tells the DVLA that your car is not being driven or kept on a public road. You make a SORN when your vehicle is off the road and you don’t want to tax or insure it. Once it’s SORNed, you can’t drive or park the car on any public street.
You can only keep the car on private land, like a driveway or garage. If you ignore the rules, you could face fines or even prosecution. A SORN is free to apply for and lasts until you tax, sell, scrap, or export the vehicle. It’s a legal way to avoid paying car tax when you’re not using your vehicle.
How to SORN a Car? – Step-by-Step Guide
Declaring your car off the road with a SORN is simple and free. You can do it online, by phone, or by post. Here’s how to do it, based on the official GOV.UK process:
Gather the Right Info
Make sure the car is registered in your name. You’ll need one of your registration numbers, the 11-digit number from your V5C (log book), or the 16-digit number from your V11 (tax reminder). Also, check that your address is up to date with the DVLA before starting.
Choose How You Want to Apply
There are three ways to apply for SORN. Choose the one that works best for you.
a. Online (Quickest)
The easiest way is online. Head to the official government website and enter your vehicle details, and follow the steps. If you’re using the number from your V5C log book, your SORN starts right away. If you’re using the number from your V11 tax reminder, it starts when your current tax runs out.
b. By Phone
You can also SORN your car by phone. You will need to have details in your hand and simply call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. And explain that you wish to SORN your vehicle.
c. By Post
Prefer to do things the old-fashioned way? Fill out a V890 form. You can download it here or pick one up at a Post Office. Send the completed form to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
If you want the SORN to start on a future date, include a cover letter explaining when.
What Documents Do You Need to SORN a Vehicle?
Before applying for a SORN, make sure you’ve got the right documents to hand. It’ll save you time and help avoid any issues with the DVLA.
First, you’ll need your V5C logbook. This is your proof of vehicle ownership. If you don’t have it yet but you’re the new keeper, you can use the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the V5C instead.
Next, check if you have a V11 tax reminder letter. This isn’t essential, but you can use the 16-digit reference on it to apply if it’s available.
Still unsure or need help? You can contact DVLA customer services directly with any questions.
Planning to apply by post? You’ll need to fill in a V890 form.
When Do You Need to SORN a Car?
You need to SORN your car when you’re taking it off the road. This means it won’t be driven, parked, or used on public roads. You must apply for a SORN if your vehicle is uninsured or untaxed.
You’ll also need a SORN if you’re storing the car in a garage, on a driveway, or on private land. If you plan to break the car for parts or if it’s declared a total loss by insurance, a SORN is required too. Lastly, SORN is needed if you buy any car and don’t tax it immediately.
It’s your legal responsibility to inform the DVLA. Failing to do so can lead to fines.
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What Happens After You SORN Your Car?
Once your SORN is processed, you’ll get a confirmation letter from the DVLA. This usually arrives within four weeks. Keep it somewhere safe.
If there’s any full month left on your vehicle tax, the DVLA will automatically refund it. The refund goes to the name and address on the V5C logbook.
From this point, your car must not be driven or parked on public roads. It’s legally considered off the road.
There’s no need to renew your SORN. It stays active until you tax the vehicle again, sell it, scrap it, or export it.
How to Cancel or Reverse a SORN (Un-SORN)
To cancel a SORN, you don’t need to contact the DVLA directly. All you need to do is tax the vehicle again. Once taxed, your car is legally back on the road, and the SORN ends automatically.
You can tax your car online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax, by phone, or at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.
And make sure your vehicle has a valid MOT (if needed) and is insured before driving. Without both, it’s illegal to be on the road.
Once you pay tax, your car is now officially un-SORNed, and there is no extra step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Keep a SORN Vehicle?
You can only keep a SORN vehicle on private land. That includes your driveway, garage, or a private parking area. It must not be parked on any public road, even if you’re not driving it. Doing so could result in fines or your car being clamped.
Can I SORN my car without a V5 or V11?
Yes, but you’ll need to request a replacement logbook (V5C) from the DVLA first. Without a V5 or V11, you can’t apply online or by phone. Once you have the document, you can then SORN your car using the 11-digit reference number on the V5C.
What happens if I drive a SORN car?
You can drive a SORN car only on private land, like your driveway or a farm. But taking it onto a public road is illegal unless you’re heading to or from a pre-booked MOT test.
If you’re caught driving a SORN vehicle without a valid reason, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 or even prosecution. It’s not worth the risk. Make sure your MOT is booked and the route is direct if you need to move the car.
Do I need insurance during SORN?
No, you don’t need insurance once the car is officially SORN. But it’s worth keeping it insured for fire, theft, or vandalism if the vehicle still holds value. Some insurers offer laid-up policies during the SORN period.
Can I SORN a leased or financed car?
You can only SORN the vehicle if you’re the registered keeper on the V5C. Most leased or financed cars remain in the name of the finance company. You’ll need to contact them first and get written permission before applying for a SORN.
Final Thoughts: How To SORN a Car?
SORNing your car is simple, but skipping it can cost you. If your vehicle isn’t being driven or kept on public roads, making a Statutory Off Road Notification saves you from paying tax or risking fines.
Follow the steps online, by post, or by phone, whichever works best for you. Keep your documents handy and wait for DVLA confirmation. And remember, your car must stay off public roads while SORN is in place.
For more tips on car tax, MOTs, and selling your vehicle the smart way, browse the rest of our blog.
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