What Does It Mean to SORN Your Van?
If you intend to keep your van off the public highway and not use it, you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by making a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). This declaration is a legal requirement and formally tells the authorities that your vehicle is not being used, thereby exempting you from needing to pay vehicle tax (VED) and have motor insurance for the period it is declared SORN.
- SORNing a van legally removes the need for tax and insurance.
- It's a requirement for any van kept off public roads.
- The process ensures compliance with road traffic laws.
- It is a declaration to the DVLA, not a physical removal.
Failing to SORN a vehicle that is not taxed or insured and is kept off public roads can result in penalties. The process is straightforward, but it is vital to understand when and how to make the declaration correctly to avoid any issues. Whether you are storing a van for an extended period, awaiting repairs, or simply not using it, SORNing is the correct procedure.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from checking your eligibility to completing the declaration and understanding its implications.
Understanding the SORN Declaration
A SORN declaration is not a physical process of removing a vehicle from the road; it is a notification sent to the DVLA. Once your van is SORN, you are legally obliged to keep it off public roads. This means it should be stored on private land, such as your driveway or garage. If your van is SORN and you drive it on a public road, you could face prosecution for using an uninsured and untaxed vehicle.
The declaration is a commitment that the van will not be used or kept on a public road. It's important to be clear about this distinction. You cannot SORN a vehicle if it is parked on a street, even if it's not being driven. The intention behind SORNing is to manage vehicles that are temporarily or permanently removed from active use on public highways.
When Should You SORN Your Van?
When is the right time to SORN your van? The primary trigger is when you stop taxing your vehicle and intend to keep it off public roads. This typically happens when your current vehicle tax is about to expire, and you do not plan to renew it immediately. You must make the SORN declaration before your current vehicle tax expires. If you miss this deadline, you will have to tax the vehicle first, and then you can apply to SORN it immediately afterwards. This is often referred to as taxing and then SORNing.
You should also consider SORNing if you are buying a vehicle that has already been SORNed by the previous keeper. In such cases, you will need to re-tax the vehicle before you can use it on public roads, and you cannot simply continue the existing SORN status. Similarly, if you sell a vehicle that is currently SORNed, the SORN status does not transfer to the new owner; they will need to tax and insure it themselves or make their own SORN declaration if they intend to keep it off the road.
Scenarios Requiring a SORN Declaration
Several common scenarios necessitate making a SORN declaration for your van:
- Vehicle Undergoing Extensive Repairs: If your van is off the road for a significant period due to mechanical issues, bodywork, or customisation, and will not be used on public roads.
- Seasonal Use: For vans used only during specific times of the year, such as for seasonal businesses or recreational purposes, you can SORN it during its off-season.
- Storage or Preservation: If you are storing a van as a project, for classic vehicle preservation, or simply have a vehicle you don't use regularly.
- Awaiting Sale: If you are selling your van but do not want to tax it for potential buyers to test drive, and it will be kept off public roads until sold.
- Vehicle Kept on Private Land: Any van that is not actively taxed and insured must be kept on private property to comply with SORN regulations.
It is crucial to remember that a SORN declaration is only valid for the specific vehicle you notify the DVLA about. If you own multiple vans, each one requires its own separate declaration if it is to be kept off the road.
How to Make Your Van SORN: The Process
Making your van SORN is a relatively simple procedure, and there are three main methods available to notify the DVLA. You will need your vehicle's registration number and the 11-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number. For vans registered between 1 March 1998 and 31 January 2014, you will also need the last 6 digits of the 12-digit serial number from your vehicle tax reminder (V11) form. If you don't have this, or your van was registered before March 1998, you will need to use the 11-digit VIN.
The DVLA will send you a confirmation letter once your SORN declaration has been processed, typically within one week. It is essential to keep this confirmation safe for your records. Once your van is SORN, you must ensure it remains off public roads. If you plan to use it again on a public road, you must tax it first.
Methods for Declaring Your Van SORN
You can complete the SORN process through the following channels:
- Online: This is generally the quickest and most convenient method. Visit the official GOV.UK website and navigate to the 'Tax your vehicle' section. You will then find an option to 'Declare your SORN'. Follow the on-screen prompts, entering your vehicle registration number and VIN or chassis number. The system will guide you through the necessary steps.
- By Post: If you prefer to do it by post, you can download the relevant form (V85/1 'Application for a Statutory Off-Road Notification') from the GOV.UK website or request one from the DVLA. Complete the form accurately and send it to the address provided on the form. This method can take longer to process than the online application.
- By Phone: You can also make a SORN declaration by calling the DVLA. You will need to have your vehicle registration number and VIN (or other required numbers as mentioned above) ready. The DVLA contact centre can process your notification over the phone.
If your current vehicle tax is about to expire, make sure you SORN your van before the expiry date. If you miss this window, you will have to tax it first and then immediately SORN it. This is known as taxing and SORNing.
What Happens After You SORN Your Van?
Once your SORN is active, you will no longer receive vehicle tax reminders for that van. You should also cancel your direct debit for vehicle tax if you pay by that method. If you have already paid for vehicle tax beyond the date you intend to SORN your van, you may be eligible for a refund for any full remaining months of tax. You can claim this refund through the GOV.LA website or by contacting them directly. It's important to note that your insurance policy may also need to be updated or cancelled, depending on the terms of your agreement and whether the van will be stored securely.
Taking Your Van Off SORN
When you are ready to use your van on public roads again, you must take it off SORN and tax it. You cannot simply start driving it; the SORN declaration must be formally ended. The process for taking a van off SORN is straightforward: you simply need to tax it. As soon as you tax the vehicle, the SORN status is automatically cancelled.
You can tax your van online, by phone, or at a Post Office branch that offers vehicle tax services. You will need your vehicle's registration number and your 12-digit new keeper supplement (V5C/2) if you have just bought the vehicle, or your 11-digit VIN if you are taxing your own vehicle. For vans registered between 1 March 1998 and 31 January 2014, you will also need the 16-digit number from your vehicle tax reminder (V11) form.
Requirements for Taxing a SORNed Van
To tax a van that is currently SORNed, you will need to meet certain requirements. These include:
- Valid MOT Certificate: If your van is required to have an MOT, it must have a valid certificate. You cannot tax a vehicle if its MOT has expired. You can check your van's MOT status online.
- Valid Insurance: You must have valid motor insurance for the vehicle that covers its use on public roads. You will need to provide details of your insurance policy when taxing the vehicle. This is a legal requirement, and driving without it carries severe penalties.
- Vehicle Tax Payment: You will need to pay for the vehicle tax. The cost of vehicle tax varies depending on the type of van, its CO2 emissions, and its first registration date. You can check the current tax rates on the GOV.UK website.
Once you have successfully taxed your van, you will receive your new tax disc (or confirmation of the digital tax). Your van is then legally permitted to be used on public roads. Remember, you must tax your vehicle before you drive it on a public road, even if you have just purchased it.
If you are unsure about your van's MOT or insurance status, check these before attempting to tax it. Having these in order will prevent delays and potential penalties.
How Long is a SORN Valid For?
A SORN declaration for your van remains valid until you take it off SORN by taxing the vehicle, or until the end of the current vehicle tax year if you declared it SORN then. There is no set expiry date for a SORN declaration itself; it remains in effect indefinitely until you actively change the vehicle's status. This means if you SORN your van today, it stays SORNed until you decide to tax it again. You do not need to reapply for SORN each year.
However, it is essential to understand that the SORN notification is tied to the vehicle, not to a specific period. If you sell a vehicle that is SORNed, the SORN notification does not transfer to the new owner. They will need to make their own arrangements for taxing or SORNing the vehicle. If you buy a vehicle that is currently SORNed, you must tax it before you can use it on public roads.
The SORN Cycle and Re-Declaration
The SORN status is continuous. If you declared your van SORN on 15th October, it remains SORNed from that date forward until you tax it again. When you eventually decide to tax your van, the SORN is automatically cancelled. If you then stop taxing it again, and it is kept off public roads, you would need to make a new SORN declaration to remain compliant. This cycle of taxing and SORNing can be repeated as often as necessary.
It is important to be aware of the rules regarding SORN and vehicle tax. If you sell your van, you must inform the DVLA by completing the relevant section of the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) and sending it off. You should also cancel any direct debit you have for vehicle tax, as the DVLA will stop taxing it automatically from the date of sale.
The statutory off-road notification (SORN) is a continuous declaration that your vehicle is kept off public roads, remaining active until you choose to tax it again.
If you are unsure about the status of your vehicle or your SORN declaration, you can check your vehicle's tax and MOT status online via the GOV.UK website. This service provides up-to-date information on your vehicle's legal status on the road.
Potential Issues and What to Check
While the SORN process is generally straightforward, several potential issues can arise if not handled correctly. The most common problem involves failing to make the SORN declaration before your current vehicle tax expires. If you miss this deadline, you will be required to tax the vehicle first, even if you intend to SORN it immediately. This means paying for at least one month's tax before you can then apply to SORN it.
Another frequent oversight is incorrectly assuming that a SORNed vehicle can be parked on a public road. This is not the case. A SORNed van must be kept on private land, such as your driveway, garage, or private yard. Parking it on a street, even if it's not being driven, can lead to penalties. Always ensure your SORNed vehicle is on private property.
Key Checks Before and During SORNing
To avoid common pitfalls and ensure compliance, conduct the following checks:
- Vehicle Tax Expiry Date: Know exactly when your current vehicle tax runs out. The SORN notification must be made on or before this date.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Have your van's 11-digit VIN or chassis number readily available. This is crucial for online and postal applications.
- Correct Address: Ensure the DVLA has your correct address on file, as they will send confirmation of your SORN.
- Insurance Status: If you are keeping the vehicle on private land, you may not need insurance, but check your policy terms. Some insurers require you to inform them even if the vehicle is SORNed. If you plan to tax it soon, ensure your insurance will be in place for that date.
- MOT Status: If your van requires an MOT, ensure it is valid before you plan to tax it again. You can check its MOT status online.
- Confirmation: Always keep the confirmation letter from the DVLA safe. This serves as proof that you have made a valid SORN declaration.
If you are selling your van, remember to notify the DVLA as part of the selling process. You must also cancel your direct debit for vehicle tax. Failing to do so might result in you continuing to be charged for tax, or the DVLA might assume you are still using the vehicle, leading to further complications.
The Implications of SORNing Your Van
SORNing your van has several key implications that you need to be aware of. Primarily, it means your van is legally declared off-road. This exempts you from the requirement to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as road tax, and from needing to maintain motor insurance that covers use on public roads. This can lead to significant cost savings if you do not plan to use the vehicle for an extended period.
However, the obligation to keep the vehicle off public roads becomes paramount. If your van is SORNed, it must be kept on private property. This could be your driveway, a garage, or a private yard. Driving a SORNed vehicle on public roads is a serious offence and can result in penalties including fines, prosecution, and the vehicle being clamped or seized. It's vital to understand that SORN is a declaration of intent and a legal status that must be respected.
Financial and Legal Considerations
The main financial benefit of SORNing your van is avoiding the cost of road tax and insurance. This can be substantial, especially for commercial vehicles. However, it's important to check if your insurance provider offers specific SORN policies or if you need to cancel your existing policy. Some policies might require you to keep the vehicle insured for security purposes, even when SORNed.
Legally, the SORN declaration places a responsibility on you to ensure the vehicle remains off public roads. If you sell the vehicle, you must inform the DVLA and cancel any tax direct debits. If you purchase a vehicle that is currently SORNed, you cannot drive it away until you have taxed it and arranged for appropriate insurance. The vehicle must also have a valid MOT certificate if it is due one, before it can be taxed and used on public roads again.
Always retain copies of your SORN notification and any correspondence with the DVLA. This documentation is your proof of compliance and can be invaluable if any queries arise regarding your vehicle's status.
The process of SORNing a van is a fundamental aspect of vehicle management in the UK. By understanding when and how to make the declaration, and what its implications are, you can ensure you remain compliant with the law and manage your vehicle assets effectively.