How to SORN a car
Key takeaways:
- SORN is an official declaration that a car is no longer being driven or parked on public roads.
- You can SORN your car online, by phone, or by post.
- Car insurance is no longer a legal requirement when you SORN your car because the vehicle is no longer in use.
- The SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax the vehicle. To ensure the car is roadworthy, it must be taxed, have a valid MOT, and car insurance in place.
What is SORN?
The Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN), is an official declaration to the DVLA that states a car is no longer being driven or parked on public roads. It allows the owner to stop paying vehicle tax and, in most cases, car insurance.
SORN was introduced in 1998, and is a measure designed to stop Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) evasion. Once you declare that a car is SORN, it means that you are confirming your vehicle will be kept off the road. This way, you'll avoid paying any fines for not paying road tax.
When do I need to SORN my car?
There are two main requirements when applying for SORN:
- The vehicle is no longer taxed.
- The vehicle is uninsured.
You might choose to SORN your car because:
- The car is in long-term storage (parked on private land, in a garage, or on a driveway).
- The car is being repaired because it's failed its MOT or is currently being repaired.
- The car is a new purchase and you intend to keep it off the road, as SORN cannot be transferred from its previous owner.
- The car is being broken down for parts before it's scrapped.
How to SORN your car in three easy steps
Making a SORN declaration is free and can be completed by following three simple steps online, by phone, or by post.
1 - Gather your documents
You'll need to find the 11-digit reference number from your Vehicle Logbook (V5C) to start the SORN immediately.
Or the 16-digit reference number from your Vehicle Tax Reminder (V11). This will allow the SORN to start on the first day of the next month.
2 - Choose your application method
The quickest way to SORN your car is to apply online or by phone.
To apply online, go to the GOV.UK SORN page and follow the instructions. If you're applying by phone, you can call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321
If you're applying by post, fill in a V890 form and send it to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
3 - Confirm and store your vehicle
If you've applied online or by phone, you should receive a confirmation immediately.
You'll then need to make sure your vehicle is stored on private land and not on a public road. This might be a garage or a driveway.
If you paid for your tax with direct debit, it will be cancelled automatically, and you will receive a refund for any full, unused months.
Something to note: If you're the car's new owner, you must complete a new SORN immediately, as SORN is not transferable.
How long does it take?
A SORN generally takes place immediately when you apply online or by phone using a V5C logbook, or from the first day of the following month if using a V11 tax reminder.
Postal applications take longer, and you may be waiting up to four weeks for the SORN to process.
What about my car insurance when I SORN my car?
Car insurance is no longer a legal requirement when you SORN your car because the vehicle is no longer in use.
Declaring SORN does not automatically cancel or suspend your car insurance policy. To do this, you should contact your insurer - otherwise, you could be spending money on insurance you don't need.
Though it's not required, you may want to consider keeping fire and theft cover in place because the vehicle is still an asset. You can find specialised, cheaper 'laid-up' or SORN insurance to provide cover for theft, fire, or damage while it's parked on private land.
Whether your car is on the road or not, getting the right insurance is a great way to protect yourself financially in the event of damages or theft.
Where can I keep a SORN car?
You must keep a SORN vehicle on private land. This might be a garage, a driveway, or a private field. But it cannot be kept on any public road, which includes on-street parking or public car parks. You can also park the car in a friend's garage or on their driveway as long as you get permission.
According to GOV.UK, the penalties for keeping a SORN car on a public road are severe, including fines of up to £2,500 and court prosecution if your car is found.
Can I drive a SORN car?
You can't drive a SORN car on a public road, but there is one exception: driving to or from a pre-booked MOT or testing appointment.
If you're stopped, you must be able to show proof of the pre-booked appointment; otherwise, you could be at risk of fines and prosecution.
How to unSORN a car
There's no 'un-SORN' process, as the SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax the vehicle.
To get the car road legal, you'll need to do the following:
- Tax it
- Ensure it has a valid MOT
- Insure it.
Your car is only roadworthy once all of these have been fulfilled. If you're looking to insure your car, you can compare a range of providers with us to find the deal that's right for you.
How to tax a SORN car
It's crucial that you tax your car before driving it again. To tax the car, visit GOV.UK and use your V11, V5C, or new keeper slip. You can also tax by phone or at your local Post Office.
The SORN ends automatically once the car is taxed, but make sure your MOT and insurance are both valid before you take it on the road.
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