What Does it Mean to Declare a Car as SORN?
When you need to keep a vehicle off the road and cannot use it, you must inform the DVLA by declaring it Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This means you are officially notifying the government agency that the vehicle is not being used on public roads, and therefore, you do not need to pay vehicle tax (VED) for it during the period it is SORN.
- Declare SORN to stop vehicle tax payments.
- SORN is for vehicles kept off public roads.
- You must have valid insurance if the car is not SORN.
- Declaration is free of charge.
- SORN notification is required for each tax year.
This process is vital for legal compliance and avoiding penalties. Failing to tax your vehicle or declare it SORN when it is not in use can lead to fines, back-dated tax demands, and even court action. Understanding the requirements and procedure is therefore essential for any vehicle owner who anticipates keeping their car, van, motorcycle, or other vehicle in storage or off the road for an extended period.
The DVLA, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, manages these notifications. Their system tracks vehicle tax status, and a SORN declaration effectively pauses the requirement for VED. It's a straightforward process, but one that requires attention to detail to ensure it's done correctly. This article breaks down precisely when you need to make this declaration and the steps involved, ensuring you stay on the right side of the law.
The alternative to SORN is taxing your vehicle. If your vehicle is insured, has a valid MOT (if applicable), and is kept on a public road or used, you must tax it. If you stop using the vehicle or it becomes unusable for a period, and it remains on public property, the SORN declaration becomes your legal obligation. It acts as a clear signal to authorities that the vehicle is not subject to road tax. Remember, if your vehicle is kept on private land, not accessible to the public, it does not strictly need to be taxed or declared SORN, but it's often simpler and safer to declare it SORN anyway to avoid any ambiguity or potential issues should its location change.
Many people opt to declare their vehicle SORN if they are going away for a long period, if the vehicle is undergoing extensive repairs, or if they simply do not use it during certain seasons, such as a classic car or a convertible during winter months. Regardless of the reason, the notification process itself remains the same. It's about ensuring the vehicle's status is correctly reflected with the DVLA.
The most significant consequence of not declaring your vehicle SORN when it should be is the potential for receiving a back-dated tax bill for the entire period it was untaxed and undeclared. This can amount to a substantial sum, on top of any fines. Therefore, taking a few minutes to complete the SORN process correctly is a worthwhile endeavour.
When Should You Declare Your Car as SORN?
You must declare your car as SORN if you plan to keep it off the public road and do not intend to tax it. This applies even if the vehicle is stored on private land, such as your driveway or garden. The key trigger is that the vehicle will not be used or available for use on any public road.
The most common scenarios prompting a SORN declaration include:
- You have bought a vehicle but haven't taxed it yet.
- You're selling a vehicle and the buyer hasn't taxed it yet.
- The vehicle's MOT has expired, and you're not planning to get a new one immediately.
- The vehicle is undergoing significant repairs and will be off the road for an extended period.
- You are going away for a long time and will not be using the vehicle.
- The vehicle is a classic or seasonal car that you only use during certain months.
Crucially, you must make the SORN declaration before the end of the day on which your vehicle tax expires. If your vehicle tax runs out on a particular day, you have until that same day to either renew the tax or declare the vehicle SORN. If you miss this deadline, you will be liable for vehicle tax from the day the previous tax expired, and you may also face penalties. This is a common pitfall for many, so mark your calendar and ensure timely action.
What if you've just bought a car and the previous owner has declared it SORN? In this situation, you cannot simply continue the SORN status. You must tax the vehicle immediately to use it, or declare it SORN in your name. You can do this online or by phone, but you cannot drive it on public roads until it is taxed and insured.
If your vehicle's MOT has expired, you cannot tax it. Therefore, if you intend to keep it off the road, you must declare it SORN. You cannot drive a vehicle with an expired MOT on public roads, except to a pre-booked MOT appointment. If you plan to repair it and get a new MOT, you must tax it before driving it on public roads again, or declare it SORN if it will remain off the road.
Consider the case where you might sell your vehicle. If you sell a car, you must notify the DVLA of the sale immediately. The buyer then has the responsibility to tax the vehicle or declare it SORN. However, if you are selling a vehicle that is already SORN, and the buyer intends to use it immediately, they must tax it first. If they do not, and you have not properly notified the DVLA of the sale, you could potentially still be held liable. It’s always best to remove your details from the vehicle record by notifying the DVLA of the sale.
How to Declare Your Car as SORN: The Process
You can declare your car as SORN online, by phone, or by post. Each method requires specific information to be provided to the DVLA. The online and phone methods are the quickest and most recommended for immediate confirmation, whereas the postal method takes longer.
Declare SORN Online
This is often the most convenient method. You will need the 11-digit vehicle registration number (from your V5C log book) and the 12-digit number from your Vehicle Tax renewal reminder (V11 form). If you do not have your V11, you can still declare SORN online using your 11-digit vehicle registration number and your 16-digit VS Code (found on your V5C log book, section 10). The process is straightforward:
- Visit the official GOV.UK website.
- Navigate to the 'Declare your vehicle as SORN' section.
- Enter your vehicle registration number.
- Enter the required code (either the V11 number or the VS Code).
- Confirm the details.
You will receive an instant confirmation on screen. It's advisable to print or save this confirmation for your records.
Declare SORN by Phone
You can also declare your vehicle SORN by calling the DVLA's contact centre. This method is also quick and provides immediate confirmation. You will need your 11-digit vehicle registration number and your 12-digit Vehicle Tax renewal reminder (V11) number.
The phone number for the DVLA contact centre can be found on the GOV.UK website. Be prepared for potential waiting times during busy periods. The operator will guide you through the process, asking for the necessary details to register your SORN declaration.
Declare SORN by Post
If you prefer to use postal services or do not have access to online or phone services, you can download a 'Statutory Off Road Notification' form (V85/1) from the GOV.UK website, or request one by post. Once completed, you will need to send it to the DVLA.
The postal address is usually provided on the form itself. This method takes longer to process, so ensure you send it well in advance of your tax expiry date to avoid any issues. You will not receive instant confirmation; the DVLA will send you a confirmation letter by post once they have processed your application. It is crucial to keep a copy of the completed form and proof of postage.
The SORN declaration is free of charge. There is no fee associated with notifying the DVLA that your vehicle is off the road. It is a legal requirement, not a service that incurs a charge.
It is important to note that a SORN declaration lasts until the vehicle’s current tax period expires. If you continue to keep the vehicle off the road beyond this period, you will need to renew your SORN declaration for the next tax period. The DVLA will usually send you a reminder for this. If you start using the vehicle again before the SORN period has ended, you must tax it first and inform the DVLA that the SORN is no longer valid.
Prerequisites for Declaring Your Car SORN
Before you can successfully declare your car as SORN, there are a few essential pieces of information and conditions you must meet. Ensuring these are in order will make the process smooth and prevent any complications.
Information You'll Need
Regardless of whether you choose to declare SORN online, by phone, or by post, you will require specific details. These are:
- Vehicle Registration Number: This is the unique licence plate number of the vehicle (e.g., AB12 CDE).
- 11-digit Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) Number: This number can be found on your V5C log book, usually in section 10.
- 12-digit Vehicle Tax renewal reminder (V11) Number: This number is found on the V11 form that the DVLA sends to registered keepers when their vehicle tax is due for renewal.
- Alternatively, a 16-digit VS Code: If you do not have your V11 reminder, you can use the 16-digit VS Code, which is also located on your V5C log book.
Having these documents or numbers readily available will significantly speed up the process. If you cannot locate your V5C or V11, you may need to contact the DVLA to obtain the necessary details, which could cause delays. It is therefore advisable to have your V5C log book and tax reminder forms stored safely and accessible.
Vehicle Status Requirements
While there are few complex requirements for the vehicle itself, there are conditions related to its tax status:
- No Outstanding Vehicle Tax: You must declare your vehicle SORN before its current vehicle tax expires. If the tax has already expired, you will need to pay the outstanding tax first and then declare it SORN.
- Valid Insurance (if not SORN): If your vehicle is not SORN, it must be insured. However, if you are declaring it SORN, you generally do not need to keep it insured. The exception is if you are keeping the vehicle on a public road, in which case you must keep it insured. It is generally recommended to keep vehicles off public roads when SORN.
- MOT Status: While an MOT is not strictly required to declare a vehicle SORN, it is worth noting that a vehicle kept on a public road must have a valid MOT. If your vehicle's MOT has expired and you are declaring it SORN, this is acceptable as long as the vehicle is not on a public road.
It is imperative to have your V5C (log book) in your name and address. If you have recently purchased a vehicle, ensure you have completed the transfer of ownership with the DVLA. If you are selling a vehicle, you must notify the DVLA of the sale and, if you are the registered keeper, ensure your details are updated. Failure to do so could mean you continue to receive notifications and potential liabilities for the vehicle.
For example, if you've just bought a car and the seller handed you the V5C to complete, but you haven't sent it off to the DVLA yet, you technically cannot declare it SORN in your name. You would need to complete the keeper change first. In such a situation, the seller should have declared it SORN before the tax expired, or you should tax it immediately in your name if you intend to use it. This highlights the importance of timely administrative processes.
What Happens After You Declare Your Car SORN?
Once your SORN declaration is accepted by the DVLA, your vehicle is officially recognised as being kept off the public road. This status has several implications and requires ongoing awareness from your side.
Confirmation and Record Keeping
You will receive confirmation of your SORN status, either instantly online or via post. It is vital to keep this confirmation safe. This document serves as proof that you have complied with your legal obligation to notify the DVLA. This is particularly important if you ever face questions from authorities or if there are any discrepancies in your vehicle's record.
No Need for Vehicle Tax (VED)
The primary benefit of a SORN declaration is that you no longer need to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as car tax. You are exempt from paying tax for the entire period the vehicle remains SORN. This can represent a significant saving, especially for vehicles that might otherwise incur substantial tax charges.
Insurance Considerations
Generally, if your vehicle is declared SORN and kept off public roads (e.g., in a garage or on private land), you are not legally required to have continuous insurance cover. However, it is often advisable to maintain some form of cover, such as non-motor insurance, to protect against risks like fire or theft, especially if the vehicle is valuable or stored on your property.
You MUST get insurance if your vehicle is kept on a public road. Even if it is declared SORN, if it's parked on a street, your driveway that is visible from the street, or any other public land, you must ensure it is insured. This is a strict rule to prevent uninsured vehicles from being present on public roads.
MOT and Roadworthiness
A vehicle declared SORN does not need to have a valid MOT certificate. However, this exemption only applies if the vehicle is kept off public roads. If you wish to use the vehicle on a public road again, you will need to tax it first. To tax a vehicle, it must have a valid MOT (unless it is exempt, e.g., older vehicles) and valid insurance.
When SORN Expires or Needs Renewal
A SORN declaration does not automatically renew. It lasts for the duration of the current vehicle tax period. When your current tax period expires, if you wish to continue keeping the vehicle off the road, you must renew your SORN declaration for the next tax period. The DVLA will usually send you a reminder letter (V11) for this purpose. If you do not renew your SORN, the DVLA may assume the vehicle is back on the road and untaxed, potentially leading to penalties.
If you decide to start using your vehicle again before the SORN period ends, you must first tax it. You can do this online, by phone, or at a Post Office. When you tax the vehicle, the SORN status is automatically cancelled. You will need a valid MOT and insurance cover note to tax the vehicle.
Troubleshooting Common SORN Declaration Issues
While the SORN process is generally straightforward, sometimes issues can arise. Knowing how to tackle common problems can save you time and prevent penalties.
Issue: I missed the deadline to declare SORN.
If your vehicle tax has already expired and you haven't declared your vehicle SORN, you have missed the window to avoid paying tax for the period it was untaxed. You will need to:
- Pay the outstanding vehicle tax.
- Declare the vehicle SORN immediately after taxing it, if you still intend to keep it off the road.
You may also receive a fixed penalty notice for failing to display valid vehicle tax. It is crucial to act promptly to minimise any further penalties or back-dated tax demands. Contact the DVLA if you are unsure about the amount of tax owed or any penalties incurred.
Issue: I can't find my V11 or VS Code.
If you don't have your Vehicle Tax renewal reminder (V11) or the 16-digit VS Code from your V5C log book, you can still declare your vehicle SORN, but it requires an extra step. You will need to contact the DVLA directly. They can provide you with the necessary information to complete the declaration over the phone or by post. Be prepared to provide other identifying details about yourself and the vehicle to verify your identity.
Issue: My SORN declaration was not accepted.
This can happen if you try to declare SORN after your tax disc has expired. As mentioned, you must tax the vehicle first in this scenario. Another reason might be incorrect information provided during the declaration process. Double-check all the numbers and vehicle details you submitted. If you suspect an error or have received a notification that your declaration was not accepted, contact the DVLA for clarification.
Issue: I have declared my car SORN, but I'm still getting tax reminders.
This can sometimes occur due to administrative delays. If you have received confirmation of your SORN declaration, keep this safe. If the reminders persist, contact the DVLA to confirm that your SORN status is active on their system. Ensure you provide them with your confirmation details.
If you need to remove your vehicle from a SORN status to use it on the road, you must tax it first. You cannot simply 'cancel' a SORN declaration without taxing the vehicle. The act of taxing the vehicle automatically cancels its SORN status. Ensure you have valid insurance and an MOT (if required) before you attempt to tax it.
It's also worth noting that if you sell a vehicle that is currently declared SORN, you must inform the DVLA of the sale. The buyer then has the responsibility to tax the vehicle or declare it SORN in their name. Failure to notify the DVLA of the sale can lead to you being held liable for any subsequent issues, such as untaxed periods or fines, even if you no longer own the vehicle.
Alternatives to SORN and When to Use Them
While declaring your car as SORN is the correct procedure for vehicles kept off public roads, there are other options available depending on your circumstances. Understanding these alternatives helps ensure you choose the most appropriate path.
Taxing Your Vehicle
This is the most obvious alternative to SORN. If your vehicle is being used on public roads, or is available for use (even if parked on a public road), it must be taxed. This requires having valid insurance and an MOT (if applicable). You can tax your vehicle online, by phone, or at a Post Office. Taxing is necessary if you intend to drive the vehicle, even for short distances or occasional use.
Selling or Scrapping the Vehicle
If you no longer intend to keep the vehicle, the best course of action is to sell it or scrap it. When selling, ensure you correctly notify the DVLA of the change of keeper using your V5C log book. The new keeper is then responsible for taxing the vehicle or declaring it SORN. If you are scrapping the vehicle, ensure you use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). They will provide you with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), which you then use to notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been permanently removed from the road. This is a definitive way to end your responsibilities for the vehicle.
Keeping it on Private Land (No Tax, No SORN?)
Technically, if a vehicle is kept on private land and is not accessible to the public (e.g., in a locked garage, a private driveway not visible from the road, or a private field), it does not strictly require vehicle tax or a SORN declaration. However, this can be a grey area. If the land is not entirely private or secure, or if there's any doubt about its accessibility, it is always safer and more prudent to declare the vehicle SORN. This avoids any potential confusion or penalties if its status or location is questioned.
The SORN process is a legal requirement to ensure that all vehicles on public roads are taxed and insured. It is designed to prevent vehicles from being used illegally without these essential provisions. Therefore, if there is any doubt about your vehicle's status or location, opting for the SORN declaration provides peace of mind and ensures compliance.
Consider a scenario where you have an old car that you're restoring. If it's stored in your garage, and the garage is on your private property, you might think SORN isn't necessary. However, if your driveway is also on your property but visible from the street, and the car is sometimes moved there during the restoration process, it could be considered on a public road. To avoid any risk, declaring it SORN is the safest approach. It clearly communicates to the DVLA that the vehicle is not being used on public roads and therefore does not require tax.
Another situation might be if you are moving house and your car is temporarily parked on a public road or a street that is considered public, even if it's just for a day or two during the move. If you're not planning to use it and don't want to tax it for that short period, declaring it SORN before it's moved to its new, off-road location would be the correct procedure. It's about ensuring continuous compliance with road tax laws.
When to Re-Tax or Re-Declare SORN
A SORN declaration is not permanent. It remains valid until the end of the current vehicle tax period. You need to be proactive about renewing your vehicle's status, whether that's taxing it again or re-declaring it SORN.
Renewing Your SORN Declaration
The DVLA will typically send you a reminder (V11 form) when your vehicle tax is due to expire. This reminder will include options for either taxing the vehicle or renewing your SORN declaration. If you intend to continue keeping the vehicle off the road, you must act upon this reminder. You can usually renew your SORN online or by phone, using the details provided on the V11 form.
It is crucial to renew your SORN declaration before the current tax period ends. If you fail to do so, the DVLA will assume the vehicle is untaxed and potentially being used on public roads. This can lead to penalties, fines, and a demand for back-dated vehicle tax. Make sure you complete the renewal process by the date your current tax expires.
Taxing Your Vehicle Again
If you decide you want to use your vehicle on public roads again, you must tax it. This process automatically cancels the existing SORN declaration. You can tax your vehicle online, by phone, or at a Post Office. To tax your vehicle, you will need:
- Your vehicle registration number.
- Your V5C log book (or the 16-digit VS Code from it).
- A valid MOT certificate (if the vehicle is over three years old and requires one).
- Proof of valid insurance cover for the vehicle.
Once taxed, your vehicle is legally permitted for use on public roads. Remember that you must maintain continuous insurance and a valid MOT (if applicable) for as long as the vehicle is taxed.
It is essential to understand that you cannot simply 'cancel' a SORN notification. The SORN status is removed when you tax the vehicle. If you have declared your car SORN and later decide to sell it to someone who intends to use it immediately, they must tax it, which will cancel your SORN. If you are selling it to someone who will also keep it off the road, they must declare it SORN in their name after they have completed the change of keeper notification.
For instance, if your SORN declaration is due to expire in two months, and you know you won't be using the car until after that date, you should plan to renew your SORN declaration for the subsequent tax period. If, however, you plan to start using the car in one month, you should arrange for its MOT and insurance to be in place, and then tax it when its current tax period is nearing its end, effectively cancelling the SORN and making it road legal.
The DVLA system is designed to track vehicles. If a vehicle is untaxed and not declared SORN, it flags an issue. Therefore, maintaining an accurate and up-to-date status with the DVLA is your responsibility as the registered keeper. Whether it’s taxed, SORN, or has been sold/scrapped, ensuring the DVLA has the correct information prevents unnecessary complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Declaring Your Car SORN
Here are answers to some common questions regarding the SORN process for vehicles in the UK.