What Does It Mean to Put a Car on SORN?
Putting a car on SORN, which stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, is a formal declaration to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your vehicle is not being used or kept on public roads. This is a legal requirement if you intend to stop taxing your vehicle, for instance, if it's being stored in a garage, on private land, or undergoing extensive repairs. When a vehicle is SORN, you are exempt from paying vehicle tax, but crucially, it must not be driven or parked on any public highway.
- Declare your vehicle off-road to DVLA.
- Avoid paying vehicle tax.
- Must not be used on public roads.
- Legal requirement if not taxed.
The primary purpose of SORN is to ensure that all vehicles kept within the UK are either taxed for use on public roads or legally declared as off-road. Failing to do either can result in penalties, including fines and backdated tax charges. Understanding this process is vital for any car owner planning to take their vehicle out of active service, even for a short period.
Why Declare Your Vehicle SORN?
There are several common reasons why an owner would choose to put a car on SORN. Perhaps the most frequent is when a vehicle is not currently being used and is stored securely off the public highway. This could be an older car being kept as a project, a vehicle undergoing restoration, or simply a second car that isn't needed daily. Another significant reason is when a vehicle has been sold privately, and the seller wants to ensure they are no longer liable for its tax or insurance until the new keeper officially registers it. If you're planning a long period of absence from driving, or if your vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company and you're keeping the chassis, SORN is the correct procedure.
It's also important to distinguish SORN from simply not taxing a vehicle. If a vehicle is not taxed and has not been declared SORN, the DVLA will assume it is being used on public roads, and you could face penalties. Therefore, proactively making a SORN declaration is the responsible and legally compliant approach when your vehicle is off the road.
When Should You Declare Your Vehicle Off-Road (SORN)?
The decision to put a car on SORN should be made precisely when you know your vehicle will not be used on public roads for an extended period. This means that from the moment the SORN declaration becomes active, the vehicle must be kept off public land. Common scenarios include:
- The vehicle is stored in a private garage, driveway, or on private land.
- The vehicle is undergoing significant repairs or restoration and will not be roadworthy for some time.
- You have sold the vehicle but the new keeper has not yet registered it in their name.
- You are planning to export the vehicle permanently.
- The vehicle has been declared a write-off by your insurance company, and you intend to keep it.
It is crucial to make the SORN declaration before your current vehicle tax expires. If your tax has already run out, you must still make the SORN declaration as soon as possible to avoid penalties. The SORN declaration is not a one-time event; it remains valid until it expires (usually 12 months) or until you choose to tax the vehicle again. If you sell a vehicle, the SORN status does not automatically transfer to the new owner; they will need to tax or SORN it themselves.
Timing Your SORN Declaration
The timing of your SORN declaration is critical. If you plan to stop taxing your vehicle, you must do so at the earliest opportunity. The most common and advisable time to put a car on SORN is immediately after your current vehicle tax has expired. However, you can make a SORN declaration at any time if your vehicle is off the road. If you are selling your vehicle, it is best to make the SORN declaration as soon as the sale is complete and you no longer have possession of the vehicle, ensuring you are not liable for any period it might be used by the new keeper before they register it.
If you have failed to tax your vehicle and it is not declared SORN, you risk receiving an automatic fine. Therefore, if your vehicle is not taxed and is not in use on public roads, it should be declared SORN. Remember, a SORN declaration is only valid for 12 months, so you will need to renew it annually if the vehicle remains off-road. Alternatively, if you decide to start using the vehicle on public roads again, you will need to tax it, which automatically cancels the SORN status.
How to Put a Car on SORN: Step-by-Step
Making a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is a straightforward process, and you have three main methods to choose from. The DVLA aims to make declaring your vehicle off-road as accessible as possible.
Method 1: Online SORN Declaration
This is the quickest and most common way to put a car on SORN. You'll need your vehicle's 11-digit registration number and your 12-digit Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) notice number or your 11-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can usually be found on your vehicle's V5C log book or on a plate inside the car. You can submit your SORN declaration via the official GOV.UK website. The process is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through each step.
Method 2: Phone SORN Declaration
If you prefer to speak to someone or do not have internet access, you can declare your vehicle SORN by phone. You will need to call the DVLA and have your vehicle registration number, VIN, and potentially other identifying details ready. The DVLA contact centre can guide you through the process and confirm your SORN declaration over the phone. This method is useful for those who find online forms challenging or need immediate assistance.
Method 3: Post SORN Declaration
For those who prefer traditional methods, you can also declare your vehicle SORN by post. You will need to download and complete the V85/1 'Application for a SORN' form from the GOV.UK website, or request it by post. This form requires you to provide all the necessary vehicle and keeper details. Once completed, you should mail it to the DVLA. This method is the slowest and carries a higher risk of delays, so it's generally recommended only if the other options are not feasible.
Regardless of the method chosen, ensure you receive confirmation of your SORN declaration. This might be an email, a letter, or a confirmation screen if done online. Keep this confirmation safe as proof of your declaration. If you are SORNing a vehicle because you have sold it, make sure you have already completed the relevant section of your V5C log book and sent it to the DVLA to inform them of the change of keeper.
What You Need to SORN Your Car
To successfully put a car on SORN, you will need specific information to identify both you and the vehicle. Having these details to hand will make the process much smoother and quicker, whether you're completing it online, by phone, or by post.
Essential Information for SORN
The key pieces of information required are:
- Vehicle Registration Number: This is the 7-character plate number displayed on your vehicle.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This is an 11-character unique identifier for your vehicle. You can typically find this on your V5C (log book), your insurance certificate, or on a plate located on the vehicle itself (often in the engine bay, on the dashboard near the windscreen, or on a door pillar).
- Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) Notice Number: If you have received a letter from the DVLA regarding the insurance status of your vehicle, this notice number is usually found on it. You can use this number or the VIN.
If you are making the declaration by post, you will need to fill out the V85/1 form, which explicitly lists all required fields. If you are unsure about any of these details, it's best to consult your vehicle's V5C log book, as this document contains most of the official information about your car.
It is also worth noting that you must be the registered keeper of the vehicle to make a SORN declaration. If you have recently purchased a vehicle and are awaiting your new V5C, you might need to wait until you receive it, or ensure the previous keeper has correctly notified the DVLA of the change of keeper. Having all these details ready is the most practical way to ensure a swift and successful SORN process.
SORN Rules and What Happens Next
Once you have successfully put a car on SORN, there are several important rules and implications to be aware of. Understanding these will help you remain compliant and avoid potential issues.
Key SORN Rules to Follow
The most critical rule is that a SORN vehicle must not be used on public roads. This includes driving it, parking it on a street, or even leaving it on a public roadside. It must be kept on private land, such as a driveway, garage, or private yard. If you need to move the vehicle on a public road, for example, to a different private location or to the MOT test centre, you must arrange for it to be transported by trailer or breakdown truck, or you must tax and insure it for that specific journey. You also need to keep your vehicle insured, unless it is kept in a locked garage and is not being used. However, many people opt to keep their SORN vehicle insured for theft or damage protection, even when off-road.
A SORN declaration is valid for 12 months. If you intend to keep the vehicle off the road beyond this period, you must renew your SORN declaration before the current one expires. The DVLA usually sends a reminder, but it is your responsibility to ensure it is renewed. If you do not renew your SORN and the vehicle remains off-road, it will be treated as untaxed, leading to potential penalties.
Taking Your Car Off SORN
When you are ready to use your vehicle on public roads again, you must first tax it. The act of taxing the vehicle automatically cancels your SORN status. You can tax your vehicle online, by phone, or at a Post Office. You will need your vehicle registration number and your 11-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the 16-digit MOT expiry date if your vehicle requires an MOT. You will also need valid insurance for the vehicle before you can tax it for road use.
If you have recently sold a vehicle and it was declared SORN by you, the SORN status does not transfer. The new keeper will need to tax or SORN the vehicle themselves. It is vital to ensure all administrative steps are completed correctly when buying or selling a vehicle to avoid any confusion or penalties. Remember to tax your vehicle before driving it on public roads, as driving an untaxed and unsorn vehicle is illegal.
SORN: Common Questions and Misconceptions
The process of putting a car on SORN can sometimes lead to confusion. Addressing common questions helps clarify the requirements and ensure vehicle owners remain compliant.
Is SORN the Same as Not Taxing a Car?
No, they are not the same. If you simply stop paying vehicle tax without making a SORN declaration, the DVLA will assume the vehicle is being used on public roads and you will be liable for penalties. Declaring SORN is a legal notification that the vehicle is off-road, exempting you from tax. Not taxing a vehicle without SORN is an offence.
Do I Need Insurance for a SORN Vehicle?
You are legally required to have motor insurance for your vehicle if it is kept on a public road, even if it is SORN. If your vehicle is kept on private land, such as a locked garage or driveway, and is not on a public road, you do not legally need insurance. However, many owners choose to keep their SORN vehicles insured against theft or damage, which is often a sensible precaution.
How Long is a SORN Declaration Valid?
A SORN declaration is valid for 12 months. You will need to renew it before it expires if the vehicle is still off the road. Failure to renew means the vehicle will be treated as untaxed.
Always check your SORN expiry date and renew it in time if necessary. The DVLA may send a reminder, but the responsibility ultimately lies with the vehicle keeper.
Alternatives to SORN and When to Use Them
While putting a car on SORN is the standard procedure for vehicles kept off public roads, there are other situations and alternatives to consider depending on your circumstances.
Selling or Scrapping a Vehicle
If you are selling your vehicle, the most direct action is to complete the relevant section of your V5C (log book) and send it to the DVLA. This officially notifies them of the change of keeper. If the new keeper does not tax the vehicle immediately, you should still make a SORN declaration. If you are selling the vehicle to a scrapyard, ensure they provide you with a Certificate of Destruction (COD). This document serves as proof that the vehicle has been officially disposed of and you are no longer responsible for it.
Exporting a Vehicle
If you plan to permanently export your vehicle from the UK, you should notify the DVLA by completing and submitting the V85/1 form (Application for a SORN) or by calling them. You will need to state that the vehicle is being exported. You must also remove your vehicle from the UK within 14 days of the SORN notification. Keep proof of export, such as shipping documents, as this can be requested by the DVLA.
Temporary Road Use
If you need to use a SORN vehicle on a public road for a specific purpose, such as to take it for an MOT test or to move it to a new private location, you cannot simply drive it. You must either tax the vehicle for the period of use or arrange for it to be transported on a trailer or by breakdown recovery vehicle. If you intend to tax the vehicle again, you can do so online or by phone, and this will automatically cancel the SORN. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and insured before driving it on public roads.
Summary: Key Steps for SORN
Putting a car on SORN is a vital administrative task for any vehicle owner who intends to keep their car off public roads. By correctly declaring your vehicle as off-road, you comply with legal obligations and avoid unnecessary vehicle tax payments. The process itself is designed to be accessible, with online, phone, and postal options available. Ensuring you have the correct vehicle information, such as the registration number and VIN, is key to a smooth declaration.
Remember that SORN is not a permanent state; it lasts for 12 months and requires renewal if the vehicle remains off-road. When you wish to use your vehicle on public roads again, taxing it is the automatic way to cancel the SORN status. Always keep your SORN confirmation safe. Understanding these procedures helps maintain compliance and peace of mind regarding your vehicle's legal status.
Always verify your SORN status and expiry date through official DVLA channels if you have any doubts.