SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s a formal declaration to the DVLA that your car is not being used on public roads and is being kept off-road on private property. This can be a driveway, garage, or private land.
When a car is registered as SORN, you are no longer legally required to tax or insure it, although you may still want to insure it for fire or theft (and this can be as cheap as £56 a year). SORN is particularly useful if your car is undergoing long-term repairs, you’re not driving temporarily, or you’ve bought a car to store before use.
When Should You SORN Your Car?
You should SORN your car when:
- You're not driving it for a long time (e.g. going abroad).
- It’s being stored or kept off-road.
- The car isn’t insured or taxed anymore.
- You’ve bought a car that you won’t use immediately.
If your car is on a public road, even if it’s just parked and not being driven, it must be taxed and insured. Failure to do so could lead to fines or your car being clamped or towed. It’s also important to note that if you cancel your insurance or tax without SORNing the car, you could face penalties.
How to SORN a Car Online, by Phone or Post
You can declare a car as SORN in three easy ways:
1. Online
The quickest and easiest way is via the official GOV.UK SORN website. You’ll need the car’s V5C (logbook) reference number or the V11 reminder letter.
- If you use your V5C logbook, the SORN will start immediately.
- If you use the V11 reminder letter, it will start on the first day of the next month.
2. By Phone
Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. Lines are open Monday to Friday, and you’ll still need your V5C or V11 reference number.
3. By Post
You can also fill in a V890 form and send it to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
Post can take longer, so it's best used only if you can’t access the internet or phone.
What Documents Do You Need to SORN a Car?
To SORN your vehicle, you’ll need:
- The V5C logbook (you must be the registered keeper).
- OR the V11 tax reminder letter sent by DVLA.
- Your car’s registration number.
If you’ve just bought the car and aren’t using it yet, you’ll need the new keeper slip (V5C/2) from the logbook to complete the process.
What Happens After You SORN a Vehicle?
Once your SORN is in place, you’ll receive a confirmation letter or email from the DVLA. Your vehicle must remain off all public roads, but you can keep it on a driveway, garage, or private land.
If you paid vehicle tax in advance, the DVLA will automatically refund any full remaining months. However, you won’t be able to claim a refund for part-months.
Remember, even while SORNed, your car should still be kept in a roadworthy condition if you plan to use it again. You should also consider keeping fire and theft insurance active if it's valuable.
Can You Drive a SORN Car?
In most cases, no. Driving a car that’s SORNed on a public road is illegal unless:
- You're driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT test.
- The vehicle is fully insured.
Using a SORN car outside of these conditions can result in a £2,500 fine, prosecution, or even having your car seized. Always make sure your MOT appointment is confirmed and bring proof just in case you're stopped.
How to Cancel a SORN
You don’t need to manually cancel a SORN. Once your car is taxed again, the SORN automatically ends. You can re-tax your car online using your V5C or V11 document.
If you sell or scrap the vehicle, the SORN ends when ownership changes. However, if you’re buying a used car, be aware that SORN does not transfer to new owners, you’ll need to apply for your own if needed.
Final Thoughts
Declaring a car as SORN is a smart move if you're planning to take it off the road and want to avoid unnecessary tax or insurance payments. The process is quick, free, and available online 24/7. Just make sure the vehicle remains off public roads, and you're aware of the driving restrictions.
At Ayan Capital, we help drivers not only get on the road with halal car finance, but also understand every part of car ownership in the UK. If you're storing a car while arranging new finance or looking to upgrade in the future, our team can support you with Shariah-compliant solutions and stress-free applications.
