Make A SORN Declaration

by admindvla August 15, 2023 10:14 am0

SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notification, is a declaration made to the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that a vehicle is not being used on public roads and therefore does not require road tax. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process on how to SORN a car.

When to SORN a Car

You should SORN a car when:

  1. The vehicle is not being used and is kept off the road.
  2. The vehicle is being kept in a garage, driveway, or on private land.
  3. The vehicle is being repaired or restored and is not roadworthy.

How to SORN a Car

Online

  1. Visit the DVLA website: Go to the DVLA’s online service for SORN.
  2. Enter the vehicle details: You will need the vehicle’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from the vehicle’s V5C logbook.
  3. Submit the application: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application.
  4. Receive confirmation: You will receive an email or letter confirming that the vehicle has been SORN.

By Phone

  1. Call the DVLA: Dial 0300 123 4321 and follow the automated instructions.
  2. Provide the necessary information: You will need the vehicle’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from the vehicle’s V5C logbook.
  3. Receive confirmation: You will receive a letter confirming that the vehicle has been SORN.

By Post

  1. Fill out the V5C logbook: Complete the ‘Declaration of SORN’ section in the vehicle’s V5C logbook.
  2. Send the V5C logbook: Post the completed V5C logbook to the DVLA at DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
  3. Receive confirmation: You will receive a letter confirming that the vehicle has been SORN.

What Happens After SORNing a Car

  1. No need to pay road tax: Once a vehicle is SORN, you do not need to pay road tax for it.
  2. Insurance is optional: You are not legally required to have insurance for a SORN vehicle, but it is advisable to have it for protection against theft, fire, or damage.
  3. MOT is not required: A SORN vehicle does not need an MOT certificate unless you decide to put it back on the road.

How to Cancel a SORN

  1. Get the vehicle insured: Before cancelling a SORN, ensure the vehicle is insured.
  2. Tax the vehicle: Pay the road tax for the vehicle.
  3. MOT the vehicle: Ensure the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate.
  4. Automatic cancellation: Once the vehicle is taxed, the SORN will be automatically cancelled.

Conclusion

SORNing a car is a straightforward process that can be done online, by phone, or by post. It is an essential step for vehicles that are not being used on public roads. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily SORN a car and avoid paying unnecessary road tax.

Article updated: 15/08/2023