How to SORN a Car

If you own a car that you do not intend on using for a reasonably long period of time, then you can contact the DVLA to declare a SORN. This informs the DVLA that the car won’t be on the road. It also means that you don’t have to tax or insure it. Sometimes DVLA processes can be a bit complicated so we’ve made this guide to show you how to SORN a car.

What is a SORN?

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notice. It’s a declaration that you won’t be using your car on the road, so you won’t need to pay any Vehicle Excise Duty (tax) while it is off the road.

Do I need a SORN?

If you plan on parking your car up for more than 14 days, then you can declare a SORN. This will officially take your car off of the road, meaning you don’t have to pay for tax or insurance during this time.

It’s important to note that your car will need to be taken off of the public roads if it is declared as SORN. So you will need access to private property as all cars parked and used on the public road need tax and have to be insured. Here are some common scenarios where you may need to SORN your car:

• It’s not taxed and you don’t plan on using it
• You don’t have insurance and don’t plan on using it
• It’s a project car that isn’t currently running
• You intend to scrap or break your car
• You have a new car but don’t wish to drive it yet

How to SORN a car

You can SORN your car online, over the phone or even by post. The quickest way to do it is online, and whichever method you use you’ll need your V5C (logbook).

Declaring a SORN

Online

You can declare a SORN online on the Gov website. If you wish to SORN the car with immediate effect then you’ll need the 11-digit document reference number from the front of your V5C.

If you wish to declare a SORN from the first day of the next month then you can just use the reference number from the V11 tax reminder letter that you’ll have received in the post. When you SORN a car you’ll receive a refund for any tax that has been paid for but not used.

Over the phone

When calling the DVLA you’ll need a few details to hand in order to SORN your car. This will include the reference number form your V5C or V11 reminder letter. Just call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 and follow the voice prompts for SORN.

If you SORN your car over the phone you should receive written confirmation within 28 days. If you don’t hear from the DVLA within this time then it’s a good idea to call them again.

By post

To SORN a car via snail mail, you’ll need a V890 form. This can be obtained from any post office, or you can download a V890 form from the DVLA website.

When you’ve filled in this form you’ll need to send it to the following address:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1AR

Just like when calling the DVLA, you should receive a written confirmation of your SORN within 28 days. If you don’t, give them a call.

How much does it cost to SORN a vehicle?

There is no fee for declaring a SORN on a car. Be aware that there have been reports of online scams where criminals will ask for payment to SORN your vehicle – and there’s no guarantee they will even do it. Only use the official DVLA website for such services.

How do I cancel a SORN?

Stopping a SORN on a car is easy – just tax it. By paying tax for a car the SORN will automatically be removed. Don’t forget to insure the car as well!

Declaring a SORN is a pretty straightforward process if you know what you’re doing. Hopefully we’ve made it nice and clear. If you have any more questions about SORN then you can visit our SORN FAQ which covers some of the most frequent and important questions regarding the SORN process.