Everything you need to know about SORN and your car

What is a SORN?

A SORN tells the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you’re registering a vehicle as off the road. Once a car has been declared as SORN, it cannot be driven on a public road. Neither can you park it on a public road. You need to keep your car on your driveway, in a garage or on private land. 

How to file a SORN

You can apply for a SORN by contacting the DVLA. You can do this online or you can give them a call on 0300 123 4321. You will need to give the reference number that’s on your V5C, V11 or V85/1 reminder form. Alternatively, you can apply by post using a V890 form.

You should receive a notification and an acceptance letter from the DVLA within four weeks. If you don’t, then you should get in touch with them.

Will I get a refund of my car tax?

Yes, the DVLA will cancel your car tax as soon as you file a SORN. You’ll be sent a cheque for any full months left on your car tax, which you can expect to receive within six weeks after making the application.

Do I need to renew a SORN?

No, you don’t need to renew a SORN declaration. It will last until you tax, scrap or permanently export your vehicle.

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

If your car doesn’t have a record of insurance on the Motor Insurance Database (MID) – a database of all insured vehicles in the UK – and you haven’t declared it SORN, you’ll be sent an Insurance Advisory Letter. This will tell you that your car is uninsured and that you may have to pay a fine unless you arrange insurance. You’ll also need to make sure that your car is taxed.

You will automatically be liable to pay a £100 fine and your car could be clamped, seized or even destroyed. You could also end up with a £1,000 fine to pay and a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against you, so the consequences can be serious.

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

Can I drive my car if it has a SORN?

If you’ve filed a SORN, you can only drive your car on public roads if you’re on your way to a pre-booked MOT. If you use the car for any other reason, you could be fined up to £2,500 and you may face prosecution.

How can I cancel a SORN?

When you apply for car tax, 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.