If you're the registered keeper of a vehicle and you're planning to take it off the road, you’ll need to apply for something called a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
Declaring your car as off the road might sound like a bit of a hassle, but it’s actually quite straightforward. More importantly, it’s a legal requirement if you want to avoid paying road tax or insurance while your vehicle isn’t being used.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what SORN means, how to apply for one, and what you need to know if you ever want to get your car back on the road again.
- What does SORN mean?
- When should you declare a SORN?
- How to SORN a car
- How to un-SORN a car
- Can I drive a car with a SORN?
- Frequently asked questions
What does SORN mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, and is an official declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle isn't being used or kept on public roads. This means you won’t be driving or parking it on public roads, and therefore you won’t need to pay road tax or have insurance as long as it stays completely off public land.
It’s worth noting that a SORN isn’t something you can assume by not driving the car - it must be actively declared. It doesn’t happen automatically, even if your vehicle has been sitting untouched in your garage for months. If the DVLA hasn’t received a SORN application, it assumes your car is still in use, and you could be fined for not taxing or insuring it.
When should you declare a SORN?
You should declare a SORN before your car becomes untaxed or uninsured. If you know your tax or insurance is about to expire and you won’t be using the vehicle, it’s best to SORN it in advance to avoid any penalties.
There are several common reasons why someone might choose to SORN their car:
- You’re not planning to drive the vehicle for a while
- The car isn’t roadworthy
- You’re storing the car off-road
- You want to cancel your insurance
- The vehicle is being kept as a project
How to SORN a car
If you’re the registered keeper of a vehicle, you can apply for a SORN through one of three methods. The process is quick, free, and you can even choose when the SORN should start.
Online
If you'd like to apply for a SORN online, head to the official DVLA website. To complete the application, you'll need either the 11-digit reference number from your V5C log book or the 16-digit number from your V11 vehicle tax reminder.
If you use the V5C, your SORN will begin immediately. If you use the V11, you can choose to have the SORN start from the first day of the following month, which is ideal if your tax is due to expire soon and you plan to stop using the vehicle.
By Phone
If you'd prefer to speak to someone directly, you can simply call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. This line is open 24 hours a day if you’d rather not apply online.
By Post
If you're unable to apply online or by phone, you’ll need to make your SORN declaration by post. This is often the only available option if you’re not yet listed as the vehicle’s registered keeper.
To apply, you’ll need to complete a V890 form and send it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
How to un-SORN a car
Taking your car off SORN and getting it back on the road is usually a simple process, but there are a few things to check off before you’re legally allowed to drive again.
The most important step is re-taxing your vehicle. A SORN is automatically cancelled the moment you apply for road tax, so there’s no need to separately inform the DVLA that you want to un-SORN the car. You can do this online through the DVLA’s vehicle tax service using the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook, or the 16-digit number on your V11 tax reminder letter.
Once that’s done, make sure you have valid car insurance in place. Your insurance won’t automatically restart after a SORN, so you’ll need to either reactivate your previous policy or take out a new one before driving the vehicle.
It’s also essential that your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate. If the MOT expired while the vehicle was off the road, or if it failed a test before you registered it as SORN, you’ll need to book it in for a new MOT before you can legally drive it again.
Once your tax, insurance, and MOT are all up to date, your car is road-legal again, and the SORN will be automatically lifted. There’s no paperwork or notification needed beyond taxing the vehicle.
Can I drive a car with a SORN?
In most cases, you can't drive a car with a SORN. Once your car is registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), it must not be driven or even parked on any public road.
The only exception is if you're driving the vehicle to or from a pre-booked MOT test.
This is allowed under UK law, even if the vehicle is SORN, but there are a couple of key conditions. First, the MOT must be genuinely booked in advance. If you’re stopped by police, you should be able to provide the details of your appointment. Second, you must travel directly to the test centre, making no detours along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, registering a vehicle as SORN is completely free of charge.
Once declared, a SORN stays active until you tax the vehicle again, sell it, scrap it, or permanently export it - there’s no need to renew it annually.
Yes, but the only option is to apply by post. You’ll need to complete a V890 form and send it to the DVLA. If you don’t have a V5C (logbook), you might need to apply for a replacement using a V62 form, which costs £25.
You don’t have to insure a vehicle while it’s SORNed because it can’t be driven or parked on public roads. However, if you plan to drive it again, you’ll need valid insurance before you take it back on the road. Insurance does not automatically restart after SORN ends, so make sure to arrange it separately.
No, a SORN vehicle cannot be parked or kept on any public road. It must be kept completely off public land, such as a private driveway or garage.
SORN Explained
Understanding how SORN works can save you time, money, and hassle if you ever need to take your vehicle off the road temporarily. Whether you’re storing a car, waiting for repairs, or just not using it for a while, knowing when and how to declare a SORN keeps you compliant and stress-free.
For more practical owner's guides and helpful motoring tips, be sure to explore our blog, regularly updated with the latest advice to keep you informed on all things vehicle-related.
