What is a statutory off road notification (SORN)?
Key takeaways
A SORN vehicle must be kept off public roads, such as in a garage, on a driveway or on private land
You normally cannot drive a SORN vehicle on a public road, except to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment
If you believe a SORN or untaxed vehicle is being used or kept on a road, you can check its status and report it anonymously to DVLA
What does SORN mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification - you make one when you're taking a vehicle off the road and want to stop taxing and insuring it.
A vehicle counts as off the road if you do not use or keep it on a public road. Once a SORN is in place, you'll automatically receive a refund for any full remaining months of vehicle tax.
When do I need to make a SORN?
You need to make a SORN if you're keeping a vehicle off public roads and it will not be taxed or insured - you must make a SORN if:
Your vehicle is not taxed
Your vehicle is not insured, even temporarily
You want to dismantle it for parts before scrapping it
You've bought or received a vehicle and plan to keep it off the road
A SORN does not transfer to a new owner, so if you buy a vehicle that was already SORN you'll need to make a new SORN yourself if you want to keep it off road.
An expired or failed MOT does not by itself mean you have to make a SORN - however, you still need to meet the legal tax, insurance and MOT requirements before using the vehicle normally on public roads.
Where can I keep a SORN vehicle?
A SORN vehicle must be kept off public roads. For example, you could keep it:
In a garage
On a driveway
On private land where you have permission to store it
You cannot declare a vehicle SORN and leave it parked on a public road, even if you are not driving it.
Can I drive a car that is SORN?
Normally no, you cannot use a SORN vehicle on a public road until it has been insured and taxed again. The only exception is when you're driving to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.
You could face prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500 if you use a SORN vehicle on a public road for another reason.
Can I drive a SORN car to an MOT?
Yes, if the MOT or other testing appointment is pre-booked, while you can also drive the vehicle away from the appointment afterwards.
You still need valid motor insurance for the journey because vehicles used on roads and in public places must be insured. The vehicle must also be roadworthy - having a pre-booked MOT does not make an unsafe vehicle legal to drive.
How do I report someone driving a SORN vehicle?
If you believe a SORN or untaxed vehicle is being used or kept on a public road, you can report it to DVLA - reports made through the UK government website's untaxed-vehicle service are anonymous and will be investigated. Before reporting it:
Check the vehicle's tax status: Use the free UK government vehicle-checking service
Make a note of the vehicle: You'll need its registration number, make, model and colour
Record where you saw it: You'll need the street name, town and postcode
Report it online: Use the UK government's online service for reporting an untaxed vehicle
Remember that seeing a SORN vehicle being driven does not automatically mean the rules are being broken as it may legally be travelling to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. There are separate reporting routes for suspected driving or insurance offences, abandoned vehicles and vehicles being driven without an MOT.
How do I make a SORN?
You can make a SORN online, by phone or by post through DVLA - there is no charge for making a SORN. To apply online, you'll usually need either:
The 11-digit number from your vehicle log book (V5C)
The 16-digit reference number from your vehicle tax reminder
If the vehicle is not yet registered in your name, you'll need to apply by post using a V890 form and the relevant section of the V5C.
When does my SORN start?
Your SORN starts immediately if:
Your vehicle tax has already expired
You're applying outside the month in which your tax is due to expire
If you apply during the month your tax is due to expire, the SORN starts on the first day of the following month - you can't backdate it.
How long does a SORN last?
A SORN lasts until you take an action that automatically cancels it, so you won't need to renew it each year. It will end when you:
Tax the vehicle again
Sell it
Permanently export it
Scrap it
Repairing the vehicle, getting an MOT or arranging insurance does not by itself cancel the SORN. Additionally, a SORN is only valid while the vehicle stays in the UK.
How do I put a SORN car back on the road?
You need to tax the vehicle again and make sure it meets the insurance, MOT and roadworthiness requirements that apply before using it normally on public roads. Taxing it automatically cancels the SORN.
You should check that:
You have valid motor insurance
The vehicle has a valid MOT if one is required
The vehicle is safe and roadworthy
You've taxed it before returning to normal road use
If the MOT has expired, you can insure the vehicle and drive it to or from a pre-booked MOT while it is still SORN. Once it has passed, you can tax it before returning it to normal road use.
Do I need insurance for a SORN vehicle?
No, not while the vehicle is SORN and kept off the road - vehicles declared SORN are exempt from the normal requirement to remain continuously insured.
You can still choose to insure a SORN vehicle against risks such as theft, fire or damage while it's in storage - be sure to check your chosen policy carefully to see what protection it offers. If you need to drive the vehicle on a public road for an allowed journey, such as travelling to or from a pre-booked MOT, you will need valid motor insurance.
How can I insure my car when I put it back on the road?
Before returning a SORN vehicle to normal road use, you'll need valid motor insurance as well as vehicle tax and a current MOT where required.
With MoneySuperMarket, you can compare car insurance quotes from different providers and check the price, cover and excess before choosing a policy.
SORN FAQs
Can I park a SORN car on the street?
No, a SORN vehicle must be kept off public roads, such as on a driveway, in a garage or on private land.
Can I drive a SORN car home after its MOT?
Yes, a SORN vehicle can be driven to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment - you still need valid insurance and the vehicle must be roadworthy.
Does getting an MOT cancel my SORN?
No, a SORN is only automatically cancelled when you tax, sell, permanently export or scrap the vehicle. Passing an MOT does not cancel it.
Does insuring my car cancel its SORN?
No, you can arrange insurance while a SORN remains in place. The SORN isn't automatically cancelled until you tax the vehicle again or it's sold, permanently exported or scrapped.
Can I sell a car while it is SORN?
Yes, a SORN does not prevent you from selling the vehicle - it's automatically cancelled when the vehicle is sold and doesn't transfer to its new keeper.
Can someone test-drive my SORN car?
Not on a public road simply for a test drive - a SORN vehicle can only be driven on a public road under the permitted testing exception, such as travelling to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.
How can I check if a vehicle is SORN?
You can check a vehicle's current SORN status using the UK government's vehicle information service.
Author
Mehdi Punjwani
Insurance specialist
Mehdi is a financial writer and editor with over six years of experience in personal finance. He has written for organisations and publications including Equifax, The AA, and USAToday, covering a...
Reviewer
Sara Newell
Commercial Director
Sara Newell is the Commercial Director for Motor & Home Insurance at MoneySuperMarket. With almost 20 years of experience in insurance, Sara has built a reputation as a results-driven leader who...
