How to SORN your car

If you think you won’t be using your car for a while, then you might want to look into a SORN. It lets the DVLA know your car won’t be on the road, which can be good news for your finances. You will get a road tax refund on anything you have paid on the remaining months of the year.

What does SORN mean?

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification and it’s the official way of declaring your car off-road. That means you won’t be driving your car on any public roads. You can still drive it on private land, for example for farming, but generally people register a SORN when they plan to keep a vehicle sat unused on the drive or in the garage. Remember that a SORN car can’t be parked up on the road outside your house, even if you don’t plan to drive it. An off-road notification means your car is quite literally off the road, moving or not. A SORN car, therefore, needs to be stored either on private land or off the road in a garage.

Why should I SORN my car? 

There are different reasons people may make a SORN. Making a SORN is free and takes just a few minutes, so there’s no cost to taking your car off the road. Some people may apply for SORN if their commute changes, for example. Maybe it’s easier or, in the case of the ULEZ, cheaper to travel by public transport than drive. That narrows down car use massively and maybe the driver decides it’s not worth paying car tax on a vehicle that is rarely used. Others may have recently bought a car but want to fix it up before driving it, in which case, there is no point taxing it if it’s due to be sat in a workshop for some time. Other reasons include:

• Your car isn’t taxed (and you don’t plan to drive it)
• Your car isn’t insured (and you don’t plan to drive it)
• You plan to break your car down for parts
• You buy a new car but don’t intend to drive it just yet
• Your car won’t be used for a while

How to apply for a SORN

It’s easy to apply for a SORN online through the DVLA website, and you can also apply over the phone or by post. To apply, you’ll need the 11-digit number from your V5C log book, or the 16-digit reference from your V11 tax reminder. You will need the V5C to apply for a SORN if you’re a new owner of a car that you want to keep it off-road.

What if I don’t tell the DVLA my car is SORN?

If you don’t notify the DVLA that you have taken your car off-road, they will assume it’s still being used and therefore due to pay road tax. According to GOV.UK, if your car isn’t taxed and you haven’t declared a SORN, you’ll automatically be fined £80. Not paying your road tax can also lead to further fines.

Using a SORN car

An off-road notification is precisely what it sounds like. You can’t use your car for a quick drive to the shops, even once every six months. A SORN restricts any use on public roads, no matter how infrequent or how long in duration. According to GOV.UK, if you are found driving a car that has a SORN, you can be fined up to £2,500.

When does a SORN start?

A SORN starts immediately if you applied using your V5C reference. Otherwise, it will start on the first day of the following month if you used your V11. If you applied by post, you may be able to pick the precise start date you want.

When does a SORN end?

GOV.UK confirms a SORN does not need to be renewed and lasts indefinitely. If you want to end a SORN, simply apply to tax your car again. Your SORN will end automatically if you take your vehicle out of the UK.

Does SORN transfer with car ownership?

No. GOV.UK confirms a SORN can’t be transferred between owners, so if you have bought a SORN car you’ll need to reinform the DVLA that the car is SORN under your name.

Can I drive a SORN car at all?

Almost never on public roads. You can keep driving a SORN car on private land, but you cannot drive it on public roads. According to GOV.UK, the one exception is driving directly to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. You’ll still need insurance in place to make that trip legally.

Do I need insurance if my car is SORN?

No. GOV.UK confirms you don’t have to insure a car while it’s SORN and kept off the road. Taking it off the road is one of the main reasons people make a SORN in the first place. Before you drive again, though, you’ll need to arrange insurance, along with valid tax and a current MOT.

My car is SORN, can I keep it parked on the road?

No, if your car is SORN it must not be on the road at all, even if it’s parked up and not being used. You should make sure you have a suitable place to store your car before you register for a SORN.

Is it safe to SORN your car?

SORN is the name given to officially registering your car off the road. It’s not something you physically do to your car. If your period of SORN looks like it won’t involve any movement of your car at all (and any driving should only be on private land) then you may want to take a few extra steps. Car batteries can quickly die if unused, so you may want to look into purchasing a trickle battery charger. Electric car batteries are a little different, so you’re best to check in your vehicle handbook for any specific guidance. You should make sure you have suitable storage for your car, a place that protects it from extreme weather conditions.

How do I take my car off a SORN?

You don’t cancel a SORN separately. To take your car off a SORN, you simply tax it again, which you can do online, by phone, or at a Post Office. Once you tax the car, the SORN ends automatically, so there’s nothing extra to fill in. Before you drive again, make sure the car has valid tax, a current MOT, and insurance in place. If you’re buying a car and want to know where it stands, you can check a vehicle’s SORN status on GOV.UK before you drive it.

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