Introduction
If you’re a car owner in the UK and you’re not planning to use your vehicle for an extended period, you’ll want to consider applying for a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN). SORN is a declaration to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your car will not be driven or parked on public roads. This can save you money on road tax and insurance during the time your vehicle remains off the road.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to SORN a car in the UK, including step-by-step instructions, myths, and key details about how this process can benefit you. Whether you’re managing a classic car, a project car, or simply taking a vehicle off the road, we’ve got you covered.
What Does SORN Mean and Why Would You SORN a Car?
What is a SORN?
A Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) is a legal notification you send to the DVLA stating that your vehicle is not being used on public roads. When you SORN a car, it means the vehicle cannot be driven or parked on any public road. Instead, it must be stored on private property, such as a garage, driveway, or privately-owned land. By declaring your vehicle off the road, you’ll no longer need to pay vehicle tax or insurance.
Why SORN a Car?
There are several reasons why you might want to declare your vehicle off-road:
- Cost Savings: If you’re not driving the vehicle, you can avoid paying for car road tax and possibly reduce your insurance payments.
- Vehicle Restoration: Many car owners who are restoring classic or project cars SORN them while they work on repairs.
- Seasonal Use: For those who own seasonal vehicles like motorcycles, it makes sense to SORN them during the off-season to save money.
- Temporary Inactivity: Perhaps you’re going abroad, or your car is no longer roadworthy. SORNing it ensures you stay compliant with UK vehicle regulations.
Important: Once you SORN a vehicle, you must keep it off public roads until you choose to re-tax it
How to Check if Your Car is SORNed
How to Check Vehicle Status Online
It’s easy to check the SORN status of your car. Simply head to the Gov.uk website, where you can verify your vehicle’s current registration and tax status using the vehicle logbook reference (V5C). Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Go to the Gov.uk SORN Status Checker.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and details from your V5C document.
- Instantly view the tax and SORN status of your vehicle.
Checking the legal vehicle status ensures that your car is properly declared off-road or, if necessary, still taxed for public road use. This is particularly useful if you’ve recently bought or transferred ownership of a vehicle.
How to SORN a Car: Step-by-Step Instructions
Online SORN Submission
The easiest way to SORN a car is by using the online SORN submission process on the government website. Here’s how:
- Visit the SORN page on Gov.uk.
- Enter your car’s registration number and details from the V5C document.
- Confirm your declaration, and you’ll receive an instant confirmation of SORN.
Key Fact: It’s essential to have your V5C document ready when applying for SORN online, as it contains the vehicle’s registration details needed for the application.
Phone Registration Process
If you prefer to apply by phone, you can contact the DVLA SORN hotline at 0300 123 4321. Be prepared to provide your vehicle’s registration number and the details from your V5C document.
Postal Submission
For those who prefer to SORN their car by post, the process is just as simple:
- Complete a V890 form (downloadable from the Gov.uk website).
- Send the completed form to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
Once processed, you’ll receive a written confirmation that your vehicle is SORNed.
What You Need for the SORN Application
- Vehicle logbook (V5C) or V11 tax reminder letter.
- Vehicle registration number.
- The car’s off-road location (private property, driveway, etc.).
How Much Does it Cost to SORN a Car?
There is no charge for declaring your vehicle off-road (SORN). However, if you’ve lost your V5C document, you may need to pay a £25 fee to request a new one. Otherwise, the entire SORN process is free of charge.
| Cost Description | Price |
|---|---|
| SORN Application Fee | Free |
| Replacement V5C Document | £25 |
How Long Does a SORN Last?
Duration of a SORN
Once you SORN your car, it remains in effect until you re-tax it, sell it, or scrap the vehicle. You don’t need to renew the SORN annually; it lasts as long as you keep the vehicle off the road. This makes it a convenient option for vehicles that are out of use for long periods.
When Does a SORN End?
A SORN ends in the following situations:
- Re-taxing the vehicle: If you wish to drive your car again, you must re-tax it via the Gov.uk website, and the SORN status will be removed automatically.
- Selling or transferring ownership: The new owner must submit their own SORN application if they want to keep the car off-road.
- Scrapping the vehicle: Once a vehicle is scrapped, the SORN status becomes irrelevant.
Can I Drive a SORNed Car?
Legal Exceptions for Driving a SORNed Car
In most cases, driving a car that has been declared off-road is illegal. However, there’s one significant exception: MOT appointments. You are allowed to drive a SORNed car to a pre-booked MOT or service appointment, but it must go directly to and from the location without any detours.
Failing to comply with this can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.
Common Myths About SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification)
Myth 1: You Can Keep a SORNed Car on the Road
A common misconception is that you can park a SORNed vehicle on a public road as long as you don’t drive it. This is false. Once a vehicle is SORNed, it must be kept on private property.
Myth 2: SORN Transfers with the Vehicle
If you sell your SORNed car, the SORN does not automatically transfer to the new owner. The new owner will need to declare the vehicle as off-road themselves.
Myth 3: You Need to Renew SORN Every Year
A SORN declaration remains in place until you take specific action, such as re-taxing the vehicle or selling it. There is no need to renew the SORN annually.
How to Cancel or Un-SORN a Car
Steps to Re-Tax and Un-SORN Your Vehicle
If you’re ready to put your car back on the road, the process is simple:
- Visit the Gov.uk website and follow the steps to re-tax your car.
- Enter your car’s registration number and details from your V5C document.
- Pay any due road tax, and your car will be legally allowed on public roads again.
Re-taxing a car also removes the SORN automatically, meaning you don’t need to notify the DVLA separately.
FAQs About SORNing a Car in the UK
Can I Get a Refund for Unused Tax After SORNing?
Yes, when you declare your car off-road, you may be eligible for a refund of unused road tax for any full months remaining.
Do I Need Insurance for a SORNed Car?
Legally, you are not required to keep insurance for a SORNed vehicle, but it’s a good idea to maintain some insurance if the vehicle is valuable and stored in an area where damage might occur (e.g., fire or theft).
Can I SORN a Car in Advance?
Yes, you can submit a SORN application up to two months in advance if you know the car will be off-road in the near future.
Conclusion
Soring a car in the UK is a simple process that can save you both money and stress if your vehicle is no longer in use. Whether you’re working on a project car, taking a break from driving, or storing a seasonal vehicle, applying for a Statutory Off-Road Notice ensures you comply with UK vehicle regulations while avoiding unnecessary tax and insurance costs.
For more information, always consult the Gov.uk SORN page or contact the DVLA directly to ensure your vehicle remains compliant with all UK car regulations.
