What does SORN mean?

What is SORN?

A SORN is a Statutory Off-Road Notification. This tells the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you won’t be driving your vehicle and are declaring it off the road. This information will be registered on the DVLA’s Motor Insurance Database (MID) – a national database of every insured vehicle in the UK.

Once a car is declared as SORN, it must not be driven or even parked on a public road. You must keep it on private property, such as a driveway, garage or plot of land.

When do I need to make a SORN?

You’ll need to make a SORN declaration if:

• Your vehicle isn’t taxed or insured, even for a short time

• You buy a car, but intend to work on it before putting it on the road

• Your car has been damaged or isn’t operational and needs to be off the road for a while

• You want to break down a vehicle for parts, then scrap it.

You won’t need to tax or insure your car until you use it again, so a SORN can save you money. This could be useful if:

• You have a classic car you like to put away for the winter

• Your car needs repairs you’re not quite ready to carry out

• You’re a student driver who’s heading off to university but leaving the car at home

Can I drive my car if it has a SORN?

The only time you can drive a SORN-declared car on public roads is if you’re taking it to and from a pre-booked MOT. If you drive on public roads for any other reason, you may be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £2,500.

Where can I keep a SORN vehicle?

Once you’ve declared a SORN, you must only park your car on private land. This could be a driveway, garage or private plot of land.

You must not park the car on a public road. You’re forbidden from parking it on your street, even if you have a permit or there are no parking restrictions.

If you have no choice but to park in the street, you can’t make a SORN and will need to keep the car taxed, MOT’d and insured.

How to SORN a car

To apply for a SORN, you need to contact the DVLA. You can do this:

• Online via the DVLA website

• By phone on 0300 123 4321 (24-hour service)

• By post using a V890 form and sending it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.

You’ll need a reference number, which you can find on your V5C or V11 reminder letter.

How much does a SORN cost?

It doesn’t cost anything to declare a SORN unless you need a new log book, which costs £25.

Can I SORN my car if I don’t have a log book?

No, you’ll need to apply for a new log book (V5C) to SORN your car. If your logbook has been damaged, destroyed, lost or stolen, you’ll need to send a V62 application form to the DVLA to get a replacement.

You can download the forms from the DVLA.

How long before the SORN starts after applying?

The SORN will start straight away if either:

• Your car tax has expired

• You’re not applying in the month your car tax is due to expire.

If you’re applying in the same month your car tax is due to expire, it will start on the first day of the next month.

How long is SORN valid for?

SORN stays valid until you tax your vehicle, have it scrapped or permanently export it from the UK.

How to un-SORN a car

You don’t have to do anything to un-SORN your car. As soon as you apply for car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty – VED), sell your car, scrap it or send it to be permanently exported, the DVLA will automatically cancel the SORN.

As long as you have car insurance and a valid MOT, you can drive your car on the road again.

How do I get my car back on the road after SORN?

To get your car back on the road, you’ll need to make sure it’s taxed, insured and has an up-to-date MOT. Once you have all that in place, you’re free to drive.

What happens if I don’t apply for a SORN?

If your car isn’t registered as insured on the MID, and you haven’t declared a SORN, you’ll be sent an Insurance Advisory Letter. This will confirm that your car is uninsured and you may be fined unless you arrange insurance immediately. You’ll also need to make sure your car is taxed.

If you don’t have a SORN, the penalties for having an uninsured and untaxed car can be severe – even if you don’t drive it. You could face:

• An automatic £80 fine for not having a SORN

• A fixed penalty fine of £100

• Having your vehicle clamped, impounded or even destroyed

• Prosecution and a possible fine of up to £1,000.

If you’re not sure whether your car is insured, you can check online at ask MID.

Will I get a car tax refund?

Yes, the DVLA will cancel your car tax once you file a SORN with them. You’ll receive a cheque for your car tax refund covering any full months of remaining tax. If you don’t receive your refund cheque after eight weeks, contact the DVLA.

Do I need car insurance if I SORN my car?

No. But while you’re not legally required to insure your car if it’s declared SORN, you might want to do so. That way you could be covered in the event of fire, vandalism or theft.

If you do cancel your insurance policy, you might be charged a cancellation fee. You can check this in your policy documents – or you may be able to suspend your policy while your car is SORN. Talk to your insurance provider as they might be willing to refund part of your car insurance.

Can I check if a vehicle is declared SORN?

Yes. If you’re not sure whether a vehicle is declared SORN, you can check on the DVLA website. All you need is the vehicle registration number.