What Does It Mean to Make SORN?
Making a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) declaration means you are officially informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you will not be keeping a vehicle on a public road. This is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom. If you do not intend to tax your vehicle, you must declare it SORN. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties, even if the vehicle is not being driven.
- Declare your vehicle SORN if it's not on a public road.
- Avoid fines by notifying the DVLA.
- SORN is a legal requirement for untaxed vehicles.
- It exempts you from paying vehicle tax.
The SORN process is straightforward and can be completed online, by post, or by phone. Understanding when and why to make a SORN is crucial for any vehicle owner. It's not just about avoiding tax; it's about complying with regulations. If you've bought a vehicle that is already SORN, you don't need to do anything unless you plan to use it on a public road again.
You must make a SORN if you have a vehicle and you do not have a valid vehicle tax (also known as 'road tax' or 'VED' - Vehicle Excise Duty) for it. This applies whether the vehicle is stored on private land, in a garage, or on private driveways. The key is that it is not on a public highway. This declaration needs to be renewed annually, or when you purchase a vehicle that is already SORN.
When Do You Need to Make a SORN Declaration?
A SORN declaration is necessary in several situations. The most common is when you stop taxing your vehicle. If you decide not to renew your vehicle tax, you must make a SORN declaration before the tax expires. If you fail to do this, you will be liable for continuous penalties. Another scenario is when you purchase a vehicle that has an existing SORN. In this case, the previous owner's SORN becomes invalid, and you must make a new one in your name if you intend to keep it off the road. If you buy a vehicle that is already taxed, you should notify the DVLA by sending in the relevant part of the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) and you will receive a new tax disc. However, if you buy a vehicle that is NOT taxed, you should inform the DVLA that you are keeping it off the road by making a SORN.
Furthermore, if your vehicle is stolen and you have reported it to the police, you can make a SORN declaration. You will need a crime reference number. Similarly, if your vehicle is permanently exported from the UK, you should make a SORN declaration. You will need to provide proof of export, such as a shipping document. You can also make a SORN if your vehicle is being scrapped by an authorised treatment facility. The facility will typically handle the notification for you, but it is worth confirming this.
It is vital to make the SORN declaration promptly. If you are no longer taxing your vehicle, you must make the SORN declaration before the current tax expires. If you have just bought a vehicle that is not taxed, you must make the SORN declaration within 14 days of the date you bought it. The DVLA will send you a confirmation letter once your SORN declaration has been processed. This confirmation is important proof that you have complied with your legal obligations.
How to Make a Vehicle SORN: Your Options
There are three primary methods to make a SORN declaration for your vehicle: online, by post, or by phone. Each method requires specific information, and choosing the right one depends on your preferences and circumstances.
Online SORN Declaration
This is generally the quickest and most convenient way to make your vehicle SORN. The DVLA's online service is available 24/7. To complete the declaration online, you will need your 11-digit vehicle registration number (from your V5C or V11 form) and the 12-digit number from your 16-digit valid UK driving licence. If you do not have a UK driving licence, you can use the 11-digit number from your insurance certificate or MOT test certificate. The system will confirm if your SORN has been accepted immediately.
Postal SORN Declaration
If you prefer to make your SORN declaration by post or do not have access to the internet, you can use a V14 form. You can download this form from the GOV.UK website or request it by post. You will need to fill in the vehicle registration number, the chassis number (found on your V5C), and your name and address. Send the completed form to the DVLA. It can take up to two weeks for your SORN to be processed and confirmed via post, so ensure you submit it well in advance of your tax expiring.
Telephone SORN Declaration
You can also make a SORN declaration by calling the DVLA vehicle tax reminder line. This option is useful for those who cannot use the online service or prefer speaking to someone. You will need to provide your vehicle registration number and other identifying details. The telephone service is available during specific operating hours, so check the GOV.UK website for the current contact numbers and times. Like the postal method, ensure you allow sufficient time for processing.
If your vehicle tax is due to expire soon, it's advisable to make your SORN declaration online at least a week before it runs out to ensure it's processed in time and you avoid any potential penalties.
Regardless of the method chosen, you will receive a confirmation letter from the DVLA once your SORN declaration is processed. Keep this letter safe as it serves as proof of your declaration.
What Information is Needed to Make SORN?
To successfully make a SORN declaration, you'll need to have certain key pieces of information ready. The exact details required can vary slightly depending on whether you are making the declaration online, by post, or by phone, but the core data remains consistent. Ensuring you have these to hand will make the process much smoother and quicker.
Vehicle Details
The most crucial piece of information is your vehicle's registration number, also known as the licence plate number. This is unique to your vehicle and must be entered accurately. You will also need the 11-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number. This can be found on your vehicle registration certificate (V5C), usually on the front page or on a sticker inside the vehicle (e.g., on the dashboard or door frame). If you're using a V11 form (the reminder you get from the DVLA), the relevant number will be printed on it.
Personal Identification
For online declarations, you typically need your 16-digit driving licence number. This helps verify your identity and link the SORN declaration to you as the keeper of the vehicle. If you do not have a valid UK driving licence, or if you are making the declaration by post, you will need to provide your full name and address. The DVLA uses this to confirm you are the registered keeper of the vehicle. For phone declarations, they will ask for similar personal details to confirm your identity.
Other Potential Information
In specific circumstances, additional information might be required. For example, if you are declaring a vehicle SORN because it has been stolen, you will need the crime reference number provided by the police. If you are exporting the vehicle, you may need documentation proving its export. If you are declaring a vehicle SORN because it is being scrapped, the authorised treatment facility will usually handle the notification, but it is prudent to confirm this with them and retain any paperwork they provide.
Gathering these details in advance will prevent delays and potential errors when you are trying to make your SORN declaration. Always ensure you are using official DVLA channels or forms to avoid fraudulent requests or incorrect submissions.
Understanding the Implications of a SORN Car
Making a vehicle SORN is a legal declaration that has several important implications for vehicle owners. The primary consequence is that you are stating the vehicle will not be used on public roads, and therefore, you are exempt from paying vehicle tax (VED). However, this exemption comes with specific responsibilities and restrictions. It's crucial to understand these before you declare your car SORN.
No Public Road Use
The most significant implication of making a SORN is that the vehicle must not be driven or parked on a public road. This includes the road outside your house, even if it's on private property that is accessible to the public. If a SORN vehicle is found on a public road, you can face fines of up to £1,000. The vehicle must be kept on private land, such as your driveway, garage, or a private car park. If you need to move the vehicle on a public road, you must arrange for it to be transported by trailer or another vehicle, or you would need to tax and insure it for that specific journey.
Insurance Requirements
While you do not need to tax a SORN vehicle, you may still need to insure it. If the vehicle is kept on private land and is not being driven, you might not need continuous insurance. However, if the vehicle is parked on a public road (even if it's SORN), it must be insured unless it has a valid SORN declaration and is kept off the road entirely. Many insurers offer 'laid-up' policies for SORN vehicles, which are often cheaper than standard road insurance. It is highly recommended to check with your insurance provider about their specific requirements for SORN vehicles, as keeping an uninsured vehicle that should be insured can lead to penalties.
Annual Renewal
A SORN declaration is not permanent. It is valid until the end of the current tax period for the vehicle, or for 12 months from the date you made the declaration, whichever is sooner. You will receive a reminder from the DVLA when your SORN is due for renewal. You must renew your SORN declaration each year if you intend to keep the vehicle off the road. Failure to renew your SORN can result in penalties. You can also choose to tax the vehicle again at any time, which will automatically cancel the SORN.
It is important to remember that SORN applies to the vehicle, not the owner. If you sell a vehicle that is declared SORN, the new keeper must make a new SORN declaration if they intend to keep it off the road, or tax and insure it if they intend to use it on public roads.
Taking a Car Off SORN to Use Again
When you decide you want to use a vehicle on public roads again after it has been declared SORN, you must take specific steps to re-register it for road use. This process involves cancelling the SORN and ensuring the vehicle is taxed and insured. It's not a complicated procedure, but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid any legal issues.
Taxing Your Vehicle
The primary action to take your car off SORN is to tax it. You can do this online via the GOV.UK website, by visiting a Post Office branch, or by calling the DVLA vehicle tax reminder line. You will need your vehicle registration number and the 11-digit VIN or chassis number. When you tax your vehicle, the SORN declaration is automatically cancelled. You will be able to choose the duration for which you wish to tax your vehicle – typically 6 or 12 months.
Insurance Requirements
Before you can tax a vehicle and drive it on a public road, you must have valid motor insurance. This insurance must cover you for the intended use of the vehicle (e.g., social, domestic, and pleasure use, or commuting). Even if you only plan to drive it for a short distance, such as to a pre-booked MOT test, you must have appropriate insurance in place. If you are using a trailer with the vehicle, check if your insurance covers this.
MOT Test
Depending on the age and type of your vehicle, it may require a valid MOT certificate before it can be taxed and driven on public roads. If your vehicle's MOT has expired while it was declared SORN, you will need to get it tested and pass the MOT before you can tax it. You can book an MOT test up to one month before its expiry date without affecting the expiry date of your current MOT. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before driving it, even for the MOT test.
If you've taken your vehicle off SORN and taxed it, but haven't driven it yet, double-check your insurance cover is active and that it is road legal before starting your journey.
Once you have taxed your vehicle, insured it, and it has a valid MOT (if required), you are legally permitted to drive it on public roads. Remember that the SORN declaration is only cancelled when you tax the vehicle. If you stop taxing it again, you will need to make a new SORN declaration.
How Long is a SORN Valid For?
Understanding the duration of a SORN declaration is key to maintaining compliance with DVLA regulations. A SORN declaration is not a one-time event that lasts indefinitely. It has a specific validity period, and you must be aware of when it needs to be renewed or cancelled.
Automatic Cancellation
A SORN declaration is automatically cancelled if you decide to tax your vehicle. This happens the moment you complete the vehicle tax process, whether online, by phone, or at a Post Office. From that point, the vehicle is considered back on the road, and you are legally required to have valid tax and insurance for it.
Annual Renewal Requirement
If you continue to keep your vehicle off the public road and do not intend to tax it, your SORN declaration is valid for 12 months from the date you made it. The DVLA will send you a reminder letter before your SORN expires. It is your responsibility to renew the SORN declaration before it runs out. If you miss the renewal date, the SORN will lapse, and you will be considered to be keeping an untaxed vehicle on a public road, which can lead to penalties.
Specific Circumstances
In certain situations, the SORN validity might be linked to other events. For example, if you have declared a vehicle SORN because it was stolen, the SORN will remain valid until the vehicle is recovered and you either tax it or make a new SORN declaration. If the vehicle is permanently exported, the SORN declaration is typically made to coincide with the export date. Similarly, if a vehicle is being scrapped, the authorised treatment facility usually handles the final notification, effectively ending the SORN status.
It is crucial to keep your address details up to date with the DVLA. This ensures you receive important reminders and notifications regarding your SORN status, tax expiry, and MOT. If you move house, you must inform the DVLA of your new address to avoid missing vital communications.
Common Mistakes When Making a SORN
While the process of making a SORN declaration is generally straightforward, several common errors can lead to unexpected fines or administrative issues. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you navigate the process correctly and ensure your vehicle is compliant.
Forgetting to Renew SORN
One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to renew a SORN declaration annually. A SORN is not a permanent status; it typically lasts for 12 months. If you do not actively renew it and the expiry date passes, the SORN lapses. The DVLA will then assume the vehicle is untaxed and potentially on a public road, leading to penalties. Always diarise your SORN renewal date or rely on the reminder letter from the DVLA.
Parking on a Public Road
Many people misunderstand the 'off road' requirement. A SORN declaration means the vehicle must not be on a public road. This includes the street outside your home if it is a public highway. Parking a SORN vehicle on the street, even if it's not being driven, can result in fines. The vehicle must be kept on private property, such as a driveway, garage, or private land. If you need to move it on a public road, you must arrange for it to be transported.
Not Informing DVLA of Vehicle Sale
When you sell a vehicle that is declared SORN, you must inform the DVLA. You do this by completing the relevant section of your V5C registration document and sending it to the DVLA. If you don't, the SORN remains in your name, and you could be held responsible for any subsequent penalties or issues related to the vehicle. The new keeper is responsible for their own SORN declaration or for taxing the vehicle.
Assuming Insurance is Unnecessary
While a SORN vehicle does not require vehicle tax, it may still need to be insured. If the vehicle is kept on private property and is not being driven, specific 'laid-up' insurance policies might be available and sufficient. However, if the vehicle is parked on a public road, it generally must be insured. Not having the correct insurance can lead to penalties, even if the vehicle is SORN. Always check your specific insurance requirements with your provider.
If you've sold a vehicle, take a photograph of the completed V5C section you sent to the DVLA as proof of sale, especially if you're sending it by post.
Incorrect Declaration Method
Although less common, using unofficial websites or incorrect forms can lead to a failed SORN declaration. Always use the official GOV.UK website, the DVLA's phone number, or the official V14 form. Ensure all details entered are accurate to prevent delays or rejection of your application.
What to Do If You Need to SORN a Vehicle Urgently
Life circumstances can change rapidly, and you might find yourself needing to make a SORN declaration for a vehicle more urgently than anticipated. Perhaps you've just purchased a vehicle that wasn't taxed, or you've decided to stop using your current vehicle immediately. Knowing the quickest and most effective ways to declare it SORN can save you from potential fines and administrative headaches.
Online is Your Fastest Route
If you need to make a SORN declaration urgently, the online method is by far the most efficient. The DVLA's online service allows you to make the declaration 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Provided you have all the necessary information – your vehicle registration number and your driving licence number (or V5C number if you don't have a UK licence) – you can usually complete the process within minutes. The system typically confirms the SORN acceptance immediately, giving you peace of mind.
Gather Your Information in Advance
To expedite the process, ensure you have all required documents and details to hand before you start. This includes your vehicle's registration number, the 11-digit chassis or VIN number (found on your V5C registration document), and your 16-digit UK driving licence number. If you do not have a UK driving licence, you will need the 11-digit number from your insurance certificate or MOT test certificate. Having these ready means you won't be interrupted to search for them, significantly speeding up the online or phone application.
When to Make the SORN
You must make a SORN declaration by the date your vehicle tax expires. If you have just bought a vehicle that is not taxed, you must make the SORN declaration within 14 days of the date you bought it. If your current tax disc is about to expire and you wish to stop taxing the vehicle, make the SORN declaration before the expiry date. For example, if your tax expires on the 31st of the month, you should make your SORN declaration on or before that date. If you've bought a car that's already untaxed, don't delay; get the SORN done within the 14-day window.
If you are unsure about the exact expiry date of your vehicle tax, check your V5C registration document or the DVLA's online vehicle tax checker.
What Happens After Declaration
After you have made the declaration, you should receive a confirmation letter from the DVLA within a few days for online applications, or it may take longer for postal applications. This letter is your proof that the SORN is in place. It is advisable to keep this confirmation safe, along with your V5C, as it serves as evidence of your compliance should any queries arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making SORN
Here are answers to some common queries people have when they need to make a SORN declaration for their vehicle.