What Does It Mean to Put Your Car on SORN?
Putting your car on SORN means you are legally declaring to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your vehicle is not being used or kept on a public road. This is formally known as a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). By making this declaration, you are exempt from the requirement to pay vehicle tax (VED) and, critically, you do not need to maintain continuous insurance cover for the vehicle.
This process is intended for situations where a vehicle is stored securely, such as in a private garage, driveway, or on private land, and will not be driven on public highways for a period. It's a vital administrative step to ensure compliance with road traffic laws and to avoid penalties associated with untaxed or uninsured vehicles. Failing to tax your vehicle or declare it SORN when it's off the road can lead to fines and enforcement action.
- SORN declares your vehicle is off public roads.
- Exempts you from paying vehicle tax (VED).
- Removes the need for continuous insurance.
- Applies only when stored on private land.
- Prevents fines for untaxed vehicles.
The decision to put a vehicle on SORN is typically made when a car is being stored for an extended period, undergoing significant repairs, is a classic car kept off the road, or has been sold but not yet transferred to a new owner, though this last scenario requires careful handling to avoid liability. It's important to understand that if your vehicle is SORN, you cannot legally drive it on any public road under any circumstances without first taxing and insuring it again.
When Should You Consider Declaring Your Car SORN?
Several scenarios commonly lead vehicle owners to declare their car SORN. The most frequent reason is storing a vehicle for a significant duration when it's not in use. This could be due to seasonal usage patterns, such as with convertibles or campervans, or if the vehicle is undergoing extensive restoration or repairs that will take it off the road for months.
Another common situation is when a vehicle is kept as a 'project car' or a classic car that is only used for occasional shows or events and is stored away when not in use. If you have multiple vehicles and only use one or two regularly, putting the others on SORN can save you money on tax and insurance. Additionally, if you are waiting for a buyer or planning to export the vehicle, declaring it SORN can manage your responsibilities until the transaction is complete or the vehicle leaves the country. It's an essential administrative tool for managing vehicle ownership costs and legal obligations when a vehicle is not actively on the road.
How to Put a Vehicle on SORN with the DVLA
You can put your car on SORN online, by post, or by phone, but the online and postal methods are the most common and accessible for most owners. The DVLA requires specific information to process your request accurately, ensuring your vehicle is correctly registered as off the road. It's a straightforward process, but attention to detail is important to avoid any misunderstandings or potential penalties.
The primary requirement is that you must be the registered keeper of the vehicle and you must have the vehicle insured and taxed up until the date you want the SORN to be effective. If your vehicle is not currently taxed, you must do this first before you can declare it SORN. The system only allows you to make a SORN declaration if the vehicle's tax has expired, or if it is within the last month of its current tax period. You cannot make a SORN declaration for a vehicle that is currently taxed and in use.
Online SORN Declaration Process
The quickest and most convenient way to put your car on SORN is through the official GOV.UK website. You will need your 16-character vehicle identification number (VIN) and your 11-digit vehicle registration number. If you have a V5C registration certificate, the VIN can be found on it. The online system is available 24/7 and provides instant confirmation that your SORN declaration has been received.
To initiate the process online, navigate to the 'Declare your vehicle is off the road (SORN)' service on GOV.UK. You’ll be asked to confirm the vehicle details. Once you submit the information, you will receive an automated confirmation. It's advisable to keep a record of this confirmation for your personal files. The online service is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through each step to ensure a smooth declaration.
SORN Declaration by Post and Phone
If you prefer not to use the online service, you can also declare your vehicle SORN by post or, in some cases, by phone. For postal declarations, you'll need to download and complete a V147 form from the GOV.UK website and mail it to the DVLA. This method is slower, and you will receive confirmation through the post.
For phone declarations, you can contact the DVLA's general enquiries line. However, phone services are generally for specific circumstances or if you encounter issues with the online or postal methods. The DVLA's website will specify the exact contact details and eligibility for phone declarations. Regardless of the method chosen, ensure you have all necessary vehicle documentation to hand, including your V5C, and that the vehicle's tax has expired or is about to expire.
Ensure your vehicle's MOT is valid for the period you intend to keep it SORN, as a valid MOT is required for a vehicle to be taxed and insured, even if it's not being driven. A SORN declaration does not exempt you from MOT requirements if the vehicle is kept on private land where it might still be subject to regulations, though typically MOTs are only mandatory for vehicles used on public roads.
What You Need to Make a SORN Declaration
To successfully put your car on SORN, you'll need specific pieces of information and to meet certain conditions. The DVLA requires these details to identify your vehicle accurately and to ensure you are the legitimate registered keeper. Having these ready before you start the process will make it significantly smoother and quicker.
The most critical pieces of information are the vehicle's registration number and its VIN. The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. It's usually found on your V5C registration certificate (logbook), and also on the vehicle itself, often visible through the windscreen or on a plate in the engine bay. Without these two details, you won't be able to complete the SORN declaration.
Essential Vehicle Information
Your vehicle's full registration number is what you see on the number plates, for example, 'AB12 CDE'. The VIN is a more detailed identifier. If you're using the online service, you'll typically be asked for the 16-character VIN (the last 16 digits are usually sufficient if prompted for that specific length). Always check your V5C certificate or the vehicle itself for the correct VIN.
You will also need to provide your driving licence number if you are declaring your car SORN online. If you are not the registered keeper, or if the vehicle is registered to a company, you may need to use alternative methods or have specific company details available. The DVLA's online service is geared towards individual keepers for ease of use.
Conditions for SORN Declaration
Crucially, you must be the registered keeper of the vehicle. You can only declare a vehicle SORN if you have a V5C registration certificate in your name and address. If you've recently bought a vehicle and are waiting for your V5C, you cannot declare it SORN until you receive it and it's registered to you. It is also vital that the vehicle is not currently taxed. You must have a valid reason for not taxing it, which is that it is being kept off the road.
The vehicle's current tax must have expired, or it must be within the last month of its current tax period. You cannot SORN a vehicle that is currently taxed and in use on public roads. If you need to make a SORN declaration outside of these periods, for example, if you've just bought a car that isn't taxed, you will need to tax it first, even if you plan to SORN it immediately afterwards. This ensures a continuous record of the vehicle's status.
Can You Drive a Car on SORN?
No, you cannot legally drive a car on SORN on public roads. The very definition of a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is that the vehicle is declared off the road and is not being used or kept on public highways. Driving a vehicle on public roads while it is declared SORN is a serious offence and carries significant penalties.
These penalties typically include substantial fines, and the DVLA may also issue a fixed penalty notice. The authorities can check if a vehicle is declared SORN through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and other enforcement methods. If a vehicle is caught being driven on a public road while SORN, it will be treated as untaxed and uninsured, even if you have valid insurance for non-driving purposes.
The Legal Implications of Driving a SORN Vehicle
Driving a SORN vehicle on a public road is treated as if the vehicle is untaxed. This means you are liable for a backdated vehicle tax bill, potentially from the date the SORN declaration began or when the tax last expired, whichever is more recent. In addition to the tax, you will likely face a penalty fine, which can be significant.
Furthermore, driving an untaxed vehicle on a public road is also a breach of the requirement to have continuous motor insurance. Even if you have a separate insurance policy for off-road use or storage, it will not cover you for driving on a public road. This means you could be prosecuted for driving without insurance, which can lead to further fines, penalty points on your licence, and even disqualification from driving. The DVLA works closely with the police and the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) to enforce these regulations.
The strict rule is clear: if your vehicle is declared SORN, it must remain off public roads. Any deviation will attract penalties for untaxed and uninsured driving.
When is it Permitted to Move a SORN Vehicle?
There are very specific, limited circumstances under which you are permitted to move a vehicle that is declared SORN. These exceptions are primarily for taking the vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test appointment or to a pre-booked vehicle repair appointment. In both cases, the vehicle must be driven directly to the test centre or repair garage and cannot be used for any other purpose.
You must also have evidence of the pre-booked appointment. Simply driving the car to a garage for a diagnosis without a prior booking, or to a place for servicing, would still be an offence. If you need to move a SORN vehicle for any other reason, such as to a new storage location on private land, you must arrange for it to be transported by trailer, recovery vehicle, or other non-driven means. This ensures you comply with the SORN regulations and avoid illegal use on public roads.
How Long is a SORN Valid For?
A SORN declaration is valid until it is cancelled or until the vehicle is next taxed. It does not expire automatically at the end of a tax period or after a set number of months. If you declare your vehicle SORN, it remains SORN until you take action to change its status.
This means if you declared your car SORN last year and it’s still in storage, it remains SORN. You don't need to re-declare it each year unless you intend to tax it and use it on public roads again. This continuity is designed to simplify the process for owners storing vehicles long-term.
When a SORN Declaration Ends
The SORN status for your vehicle ends automatically the moment you tax it. When you decide to use your vehicle on public roads again, you must tax it first. The act of taxing the vehicle effectively cancels the SORN declaration. You will need to provide a valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance at the time of taxing, even if you are only taxing it for a single month.
If you sell a vehicle that is on SORN, you must inform the DVLA. The new keeper will be responsible for taxing the vehicle if they intend to use it on public roads, or they must make their own SORN declaration if they are storing it. It is important to notify the DVLA of a change of ownership using the V5C/2 'new keeper's supplement' or by submitting the relevant section of the V5C. If you are the seller and you do not notify the DVLA of the sale, you could remain liable for the vehicle.
What Happens if You Don't Update Your SORN Status?
If you have declared your vehicle SORN and subsequently decide to use it on public roads without first taxing and insuring it, you will face penalties. The DVLA actively monitors vehicles, and if a vehicle declared SORN is detected on a public road by ANPR systems or other checks, it will be flagged. As mentioned, this can result in fines for untaxed and uninsured driving, potentially including backdated tax and penalty notices.
If you sell a vehicle that is on SORN, and the new keeper does not tax it immediately or declare it SORN themselves, you, as the registered keeper, could still be held liable. This highlights the importance of properly notifying the DVLA of any change of ownership by completing and submitting the relevant part of the V5C. The 'new keeper's supplement' is crucial here for the buyer, and the seller retaining their portion of the V5C is their proof of sale. The DVLA's system relies on these notifications to track vehicle status accurately.
Taking Your Car Off SORN
To take your car off SORN, you need to tax it. The process of taxing a vehicle automatically cancels its SORN status. This means if you intend to drive your vehicle on public roads again, your first and most important step is to ensure it is taxed and insured.
You cannot simply remove the SORN status without taxing the vehicle. The DVLA requires a valid tax disc (or electronic equivalent) to signify that the vehicle is legally on the road. This also implies that you must have valid insurance and an MOT certificate (where applicable) before you can tax the vehicle.
Steps to Tax a SORN Vehicle
The process of taxing a vehicle that has been declared SORN is the same as taxing any other vehicle, with the added prerequisite of ensuring you meet the insurance and MOT requirements. You can tax your vehicle online via the GOV.UK website, by phone, or at a Post Office branch. For online and phone taxing, you will need your vehicle's registration number and a valid 16-digit VIN or 11-digit registration number (from your V5C). If taxing at a Post Office, you will need your V5C registration certificate.
Before you can complete the tax, you will need to confirm that you have valid motor insurance for the vehicle. This insurance must cover its use on public roads. If your vehicle is over three years old, you will also need a valid MOT certificate. You can choose to tax your vehicle for different periods: 6 months or 12 months. Once the tax is successfully processed, your vehicle is no longer SORN and is legally able to be driven on public roads.
What if Your Vehicle is Not Roadworthy?
If your vehicle has been SORN for a long time and is not currently roadworthy – for instance, it needs significant repairs or has an expired MOT – you cannot simply tax it and drive it. You must first ensure it passes an MOT test if it is due or required. If the MOT has expired, you cannot drive it on public roads to get to an MOT appointment unless it's a pre-booked appointment for that specific purpose. Similarly, you must have valid insurance that covers driving on public roads.
If the vehicle requires repairs to become roadworthy, you will need to transport it to a garage for the work to be carried out. This is typically done using a trailer or a recovery vehicle. Once the necessary repairs are complete and the vehicle passes its MOT, you can then proceed with taxing it and arranging for appropriate insurance to drive it on public roads again. Ensure you have all documentation, including the MOT certificate and insurance details, ready for the taxing process.
What if I Sell My Car While It's on SORN?
Selling a car while it's on SORN requires careful attention to ensure you are no longer liable for the vehicle. The key is to properly notify the DVLA of the change of ownership. If you do not, you could still receive fines or penalties related to the vehicle.
The most crucial step is to provide the new keeper with the correct documentation and to inform the DVLA immediately. This prevents any future responsibilities from falling on you, even if the new keeper fails to update their details or insure/tax the vehicle correctly.
The Process of Selling a SORN Vehicle
When you sell a vehicle that is declared SORN, the buyer will be responsible for its future status. If the new owner intends to drive the vehicle on public roads, they must first tax and insure it. If they intend to keep it off the road, they must declare it SORN themselves. Your responsibility as the seller is to ensure the DVLA knows the vehicle has a new keeper.
You must provide the buyer with the V5C registration certificate. The buyer will need to complete and submit the relevant section of the V5C (usually the V5C/2, the 'new keeper's supplement') to the DVLA to officially register the change of ownership. It's often recommended that the seller fills in their details on the V5C to notify the DVLA of the sale and then hands over the rest of the document to the buyer. Alternatively, you can complete the 'sell notification' part of the V5C and send it to the DVLA, or use the online service if available for your vehicle type.
Always get a receipt from the buyer that clearly states the date, time, and your vehicle's registration number. This serves as proof of sale in case of any disputes or issues with the transfer of ownership.
What if the New Keeper Doesn't Tax or SORN It?
If you have correctly notified the DVLA of the sale and change of keeper, you should not be held liable for subsequent events concerning the vehicle, such as it being untaxed or uninsured. The DVLA's system should update to reflect that you are no longer the registered keeper.
However, it is imperative to ensure you have followed the DVLA's procedures precisely. If you use the online service to notify the DVLA of the sale, you will receive immediate confirmation. If you are posting parts of the V5C, keep copies or note down reference numbers. If the new keeper fails to tax or SORN the vehicle, and you have not properly notified the DVLA, you could continue to receive correspondence or penalties. This underscores the importance of accurately completing and submitting the change of keeper details.
What If My Car is Stolen or Scrapped While on SORN?
If your vehicle is stolen or scrapped while it is declared SORN, you still need to inform the DVLA. While SORN exempts you from tax and insurance, it doesn't absolve you of the responsibility to notify the authorities about significant changes to your vehicle's status, such as its disappearance or destruction.
Failing to report these events can lead to ongoing liability or administrative confusion. The DVLA needs accurate records of all vehicles, whether they are in use, off the road, stolen, or scrapped.
Reporting a Stolen Vehicle
If your vehicle is stolen and it was on SORN, you must report it to the police. Once reported, you should then inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been stolen. You will typically need the crime reference number provided by the police.
The DVLA will then be able to update their records. If the vehicle is recovered, you will need to decide whether to tax and insure it to drive it on public roads again, or to re-declare it SORN if you intend to store it. If the vehicle is not recovered, you will need to make arrangements for it to be officially recorded as scrapped or write it off, which involves informing the DVLA using the appropriate process and potentially providing a certificate of destruction from an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
Scrapping a SORN Vehicle
If your vehicle is on SORN and you decide to scrap it, you must take it to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). The ATF will handle the legal process of scrapping the vehicle and will issue you with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This CoD is proof that the vehicle has been properly disposed of and is no longer on the road.
You must then inform the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped. You can usually do this online via the GOV.UK website or by returning the relevant section of your V5C registration certificate along with the CoD to the DVLA. This notification ensures that the DVLA removes the vehicle from their records completely, preventing any further tax or SORN reminders or potential issues. Even though the vehicle is SORN, the CoD process is still the legal way to dispose of it.
Common Mistakes When Declaring a Car SORN
Even with a seemingly straightforward process like declaring a car SORN, there are several common mistakes that vehicle owners make. These errors can lead to unexpected fines, backdated tax bills, or continued insurance requirements, undermining the purpose of making the declaration.
Understanding these pitfalls in advance can help you navigate the process correctly and avoid these unwelcome consequences. It's about ensuring your SORN declaration is valid from the moment you make it and remains so until you decide to use the vehicle on public roads again.
Incorrect Timing of Declaration
One of the most frequent mistakes is declaring a vehicle SORN at the wrong time. You can only declare a vehicle SORN if its current vehicle tax has expired or is within the last month of its current expiry date. Many people try to make a SORN declaration too early, before the tax has expired, or too late, after the tax has lapsed and they have already incurred a period of being untaxed.
Trying to SORN a vehicle that is currently taxed and in use is not permitted. If your tax has expired and you haven't taxed or SORNed it, you are already in breach of tax regulations. The correct procedure in such a case is to tax the vehicle first, then immediately SORN it if that's your intention. However, if you've missed the window, you may have to pay the tax and then SORN it. Another issue arises if the vehicle is not insured and taxed when you try to make the SORN declaration.
Failure to Notify DVLA of Sale/Transfer
As highlighted earlier, a significant error is failing to correctly inform the DVLA when you sell a vehicle that is on SORN. If you simply hand over the keys and the V5C without properly notifying the DVLA, you remain the registered keeper. This means any subsequent penalties incurred by the new owner, such as untaxed driving, could still be attributed to you until the DVLA is officially notified of the transfer.
This is particularly critical if the new owner does not make their own SORN declaration or tax the vehicle. You must ensure the 'new keeper' section of the V5C is completed and submitted, or use the online service. Always keep a record of when and how you notified the DVLA of the sale, perhaps with a photo of the completed V5C or a confirmation email from the online service.
Assuming SORN Exempts from All Obligations
Some owners mistakenly believe that declaring a vehicle SORN means they have no further obligations regarding the vehicle until they decide to tax it again. While SORN does exempt you from paying vehicle tax and maintaining continuous insurance, it does not absolve you of all responsibilities. For instance, if the vehicle is stolen or scrapped, you must still report these events to the DVLA. Furthermore, if the vehicle is kept on private land, it must not cause a nuisance, and specific rules may apply regarding its storage.
Additionally, if the vehicle is due an MOT, this requirement generally remains even when the vehicle is SORN, especially if it is kept on private land and might be subject to local authority or police checks. While you cannot drive it for the MOT without taxing and insuring it, the underlying requirement for a valid MOT for vehicles of a certain age on private property can sometimes be overlooked. Always check the latest DVLA guidance for specific obligations related to SORN vehicles.
SORN and Vehicle Insurance
When your car is declared SORN, you are generally not required to have continuous motor insurance for it. This exemption is one of the primary benefits of making a SORN declaration. However, this exemption only applies as long as the vehicle is kept off public roads and is not driven. If you breach the SORN conditions, the insurance exemption is immediately void.
It's crucial to understand the specific conditions under which this exemption applies, as incorrect assumptions can lead to serious legal and financial penalties. The core principle is that if the vehicle is not on a public road, it doesn't need to be insured for road use. However, if you ever plan to use it on a public road, insurance must be in place *before* you tax the vehicle.
When is Insurance Not Needed for a SORN Car?
If your vehicle is properly declared SORN and is kept securely on private land (such as a garage, driveway, or private yard), you do not need to maintain continuous motor insurance cover. The DVLA's system is designed to cross-reference SORN status with insurance records. If a vehicle is flagged as SORN and also shows as continuously insured, there might be an administrative query, but no legal requirement for insurance is usually triggered.
The key is that the vehicle must not be driven on any public road. If you need to move a SORN vehicle for an MOT or pre-booked repair, you can do so without insurance, but only directly to the destination. Any other use on a public road, including driving to a different private location, requires the vehicle to be taxed and insured.
When Do You Need Insurance for a SORN Car?
You will need to arrange valid motor insurance for your vehicle if you intend to drive it on a public road again. This means that before you can tax a SORN vehicle, you must have secured appropriate insurance cover. This insurance must be suitable for driving on public roads and meet the minimum legal requirements set by the UK government.
It is important to note that some owners may opt for specific types of insurance even when a vehicle is SORN, such as 'laid-up' insurance. This type of policy can offer cover for risks like fire or theft while the vehicle is in storage, but it explicitly excludes cover for driving on public roads. If you are considering this, ensure you understand exactly what is covered and what is not. When you are ready to take the vehicle off SORN and drive it, you must arrange a standard road insurance policy.