What is a SORN and how does it work?
You can use a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to declare your car ‘off road’ if you don’t use it and don’t want to insure it. Here’s how
Key points
Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) allows UK vehicle owners to declare their vehicles as off-road, exempting them from tax and insurance requirements while avoiding fines and legal action
You can SORN your car for free, online it remains valid indefinitely until the vehicle’s circumstances change. You can’t drive on a public road while your vehicle is SORN
Not having a SORN if you need one can land you with significant fines, increased insurance premiums and possible legal actions, including vehicle seizure
Do I need to SORN my car?
Yes – if you’ve taken it off the road and aren’t driving it. But don’t worry, it’s easy – and free. You can use a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to declare your car ‘off road’ if you don’t use it and don’t want to insure, MOT or tax it.
What is SORN?
SORN is basically a formal declaration that UK vehicle owners use to tell the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that their car, van or bike isn’t being used on public roads. The DLVA holds millions of records of both vehicles and drivers, and informing the agency that you’re not using yours means you don’t have to tax, renew the MOT or insure your vehicle while it’s off the road.
When do I need to SORN my vehicle?
You’ll need declare SORN whenever your vehicle is off the road, including:
When the vehicle isn’t taxed or insured, even for a short time
You’ve recently bought or received the vehicle and want to keep it off the road
You’re planning to break it down for parts before scrapping it
The vehicle doesn’t have an MOT or has recently failed it
Do I have to use SORN if my car is off the road?
Yes. Even if you’re not using your vehicle at all or it isn’t taxed or insured for a short period, you can’t just stop paying the tax and insurance, regardless of whether the vehicle is being kept on a drive, in a garage or on private land. If you’ve just bought or received the vehicle, you’ll need a new SORN because they can’t be transferred between owners.
Penalties for failing to use SORN could include:
Large fines
Legal action for failing to insure and tax your vehicle, which could include it being seized
Delays getting back on the road
Higher car insurance premiums in the future
How do I apply for a SORN?
The easiest way to apply for a SORN is via the DVLA website, but you can still download and print the form, returning it by post. Alternatively, contact the DVLA by phone. Either way, you’ll need:
The 11 digit number in your vehicle logbook (V5C), the new keeper supplement (V5C/2), or the 16 digit reference number on your latest vehicle tax reminder
Your details, including a valid email address
How much is SORN?
It’s free through the DVLA – so don’t let any dodgy websites tell you otherwise! And once it has been issued, you don’t need to renew it. Your SORN stays in place until things change, such as you fix the vehicle, it passes its MOT, you renew your insurance or tax, sell the vehicle or scrap it.
The key thing to remember is that you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads while it is SORN. The only exemption is when you’re driving the vehicle straight to an MOT test centre.
How do I get my car back on the road after a SORN?
Start by updating your vehicle tax online, at a Post Office, or by phone via the DVLA. Have your vehicle log book (V5C) handy for necessary information.
Next, make sure you have valid car insurance, which you can’t drive without. If your vehicle has been stationary, check that brakes, tyres, and lights are fully functional – get a professional mechanic involved if you’re not confident doing so yourself.
This will also save you time when it comes to booking your next MOT…
Do I need an MOT for a SORN vehicle?
When you declare a vehicle as SORN, you’re formally telling the DVLA that your vehicle is not in use on public roads. That also means it doesn’t need an MOT because it isn’t being driven.
But, if you decide to cancel the SORN because you want to drive the vehicle again, you must ensure it passes an MOT test before it hits the road. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT is illegal and can result in hefty fines.
Comparing car insurance
Getting a SORN for an unused vehicle not only saves you money but also ensures you stay on the right side of the law.
You don’t need to take out car insurance for a vehicle with a SORN, but insurance is a must if you plan to get it back on the road.
The easiest way to find cheap car insurance is to compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket. If you want to put your SORN vehicle back in action, we’ll help you find a great deal on your next policy to get you ready for the road.
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Author
Kate Hughes
Money & Savings Expert
Multi award-winner and best-selling author Kate Hughes has been a financial journalist for more than 20 years. She started out at the Financial Times at just 21 years old, holding several senior...
Reviewer
Saarrah Mussa
Former Content Writer
Saarrah was a MoneySuperMarket's in-house pet insurance expert. With broad experience writing across insurance products Saarrah is acutely aware of the complexities and costs consumers have to face...
