What does SORN mean?
Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) means that you have informed the DVLA that your car is no longer being used on the road. It's a way to officially declare that your vehicle is no longer on the road, allowing you to avoid paying taxes or insurance while it's parked; you can
tax a vehicle online when you're ready to get it back on the road.
When Should You Make a SORN Declaration?
You should make a SORN when your car isn't being used and kept off the road—like in your garage or driveway. It's also required if your car isn't insured, your road tax has expired, or you're waiting to renew your insurance. If you've purchased a vehicle for parts or plan to repair a classic, SORN is the way to go. It also helps if your logbook is missing and you haven't had a tax reminder. It's the DVLA's way of knowing your car isn't in use. You can also use the
SORN notification service as an easy way to inform the DVLA.
What If You Don't Complete a SORN Declaration?
If you don't declare your vehicle as SORN while it’s off the road and without insurance or valid tax, you could face fines. The DVLA may charge you £80 for no tax and £100 if your car is not insured. If you are found driving a SORN car on the road, you may be fined up to £2,500 and receive penalty points on your driving licence. The sole exception is when driving to a pre-booked MOT test. So it's advisable to sort the SORN on time to avoid problems and save money. You can also
complete the V890 DVLA SORN application form to make sure your vehicle is officially off the road.
Do You Need to Renew Your SORN?
Once you've made a SORN, you don't need to renew it. It stays in place until you re-tax the vehicle, sell, scrap it, or transport it outside of the United Kingdom. A SORN is automatically cancelled when the vehicle is re-taxed, sold, or scrapped; just keep the vehicle off the road and within the country for the SORN to remain valid. To check whether your vehicle is taxed, you can
MOT check and tax through the DVLA website.
SORN Exemptions for Motor Traders
To check a vehicle's SORN status, simply enter the number plate into the box above; it's quick and simple. If the car is listed as SORN, the DVLA is aware that it is no longer on the road. You will not need to tax or insure it, and you will automatically receive a refund for any unused road tax. This is useful when your car is in storage, being repaired, or not being driven. Always check vehicle SORN to see where you stand. You can also perform a
VIN check or
car reg check to verify the vehicle’s identity and ensure its details are correct.
How to Check If a Vehicle Is SORN Registered?
To check a vehicle's SORN status, simply enter the number plate into the box above; it's quick and simple. If the car is listed as SORN, the DVLA is aware that it is no longer on the road. You will not need to tax or insure it, and you will automatically receive a refund for any unused road tax. This is useful when your car is in storage, being repaired, or not being driven. Always check vehicle SORN to see where you stand. You can also perform a VIN check to verify the vehicle’s identity and ensure its details are correct.
How to Declare SORN on Your Vehicle?
You can declare your vehicle as SORN in a few easy steps. The quickest is online or by phone using the 11-digit number from your V5C logbook—this makes it active right away. If you have a V11 tax reminder letter, you can still SORN the car, but it will start on the first day of the following month. Prefer a post? Simply fill out the form and select your start date. Keep in mind that you cannot backdate it, so don't wait too long to send it.
Methods for Making a SORN Declaration
SORN via the DVLA Website (Online Method)
To make a SORN online through the DVLA website, here's what you need to do:
- Go to the official DVLA website.
- Use the online SORN service.
- Use your 11-digit number from the V5C logbook to start the SORN straight away.
- Or, use the 16-digit number from your V11 tax reminder to start the SORN from the first day of the next month.
Declare SORN Using a V5C Logbook (Postal Method)
You can apply for a SORN by post if you have your V5C logbook. But first, make sure all of the facts, such as your name and address, are correct. If something is wrong, get it corrected before submitting your SORN form. If you do not have the logbook, you must first apply for a replacement. This method takes a bit longer than doing it online, but it's a good option if your vehicle isn't registered in your name yet. Send your completed application to Swansea SA99 1AR.
Make a SORN Over the Phone
You can also submit a SORN by calling the DVLA directly at 0300 123 4321. It's a quick way to notify them that your vehicle is off the road, especially if you don't wish to do it online or by mail.
What Happens After a SORN Declaration?
Reactivating a Vehicle After SORN
To get your car back on the road following a SORN, make sure it's taxed and has a valid MOT. Once that's done, the SORN ends automatically. You can sort the tax form online, which makes the process quick and easy.
Driving Abroad After Declaring SORN
If your vehicle is SORN, you can't drive it back into the UK—it has to be transported; you must submit the SORN as soon as the vehicle is off the road. Planning to take your car abroad? The rules differ based on where you're travelling and how long you'll be gone. To avoid tax or insurance issues, double-check the data before you travel.
Vehicle Tax Refunds After Making a SORN
When you SORN your car, you will receive a refund for any full months of road tax that you have not used. There's no need to ask—it happens automatically, just like when you sell a vehicle. If you re-tax the car, sell, scrap, or export it, your SORN will expire; it's a simple way to make sure that you're not paying for a car that is no longer roadworthy.
Understanding SORN and the askMID Insurance Database
The motor insurance database, known as the askMID database, is used by the DVLA and police to determine whether a vehicle is insured. Every car in the UK must be insured and listed on askMID or officially declared off the road with a SORN. If it's not on either, it's classed as uninsured—which is illegal to drive. So, it's important to make sure your vehicle is either covered or correctly declared to avoid fines or trouble.
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