Register your vehicle as off the road (Declare SORN)

Tell DVLA you’re taking your vehicle off the road, for example if you’re keeping it in a garage. This is sometimes called a ‘Statutory Off Road Notification’ (SORN).

Choose when SORN starts

Immediately

Use the 11-digit number on your vehicle log book (V5C) to take the vehicle off the road immediately.

On the first day of next month

Use the 16-digit number on your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) to take the vehicle off the road from the first day of next month. You can only use this number once.

Apply online

Please have your V5C or V11 information available to complete correctly the SORN of your vehicle

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When Do You Need to SORN Your Vehicle?

You must declare your vehicle SORN if it's kept off public roads and not being used. Here are the most common situations when you're legally required to make a SORN declaration:

  • Car insurance has expired - If your insurance has run out and you're not renewing it immediately
  • No valid road tax - You haven't paid your vehicle tax (remember, tax doesn't transfer with the vehicle when sold)
  • Vehicle being scrapped - Planning to scrap your car but need time to remove parts first
  • Not using immediately - You've purchased a vehicle but won't use it straight away
  • Going abroad - Traveling overseas for an extended period
  • Failed MOT - Your vehicle failed its MOT and needs significant repairs to become roadworthy. You must declare SORN even if doing repairs yourself
  • Private land use only - Vehicle will only be used on private property
  • Winter storage - Classic or seasonal vehicles stored during off-season months

What Are the Penalties for Not Declaring SORN?

Failing to declare a SORN when required can result in serious penalties:

  • £80 automatic fine - DVLA will automatically issue an £80 penalty if your vehicle isn't taxed or declared SORN
  • Up to £1,000 fine - Failing to declare SORN for an untaxed and uninsured vehicle can result in fines up to £1,000
  • Vehicle clamping - Your vehicle may be clamped on private property
  • Vehicle seizure - DVLA can seize your vehicle
  • Vehicle disposal - In serious cases, your vehicle could be disposed of completely

Avoid penalties - declare your SORN today. The process takes just a few minutes online.

Complete Guide: How to Declare a Vehicle SORN in 2025

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Recent SORN Enquiries - Check Vehicle SORN Status

Check if these vehicles have been declared SORN. Search by registration number to view SORN declaration status:

LJ65ZWP HN68FNH LN60OMP MNZ8009 BT61UPC