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 would I need to SORN my vehicle?

Most of the time you'll probably know when your vehicle is going to be out of action for a while. But there are times when it happens unexpectedly. So, here are some of the situations when you're required to make a SORN:

  • Your car insurance has run out (although you might have forgotten to renew your policy).
  • You haven't paid your car tax. Remember, when you buy a car, the tax no longer comes with it.
  • You plan to scrap your car but want to take it off the road to remove some valuable parts first.
  • You've bought a car but don't plan to use it immediately.
  • You're going abroad for a long period of time.
  • Your car has failed its MOT and will require significant repairs in order to make it roadworthy again. So you might want to take it off the road until you can afford to pay for the work. If you intend to carry out the work yourself, you still need to declare it as SORN.
  • You only plan to use your vehicle on private land.

Are there any penalties?

Failing to declare a SORN – if it's not in use and without insurance – can land you with a fine of up to £1,000. You could end up having your car clamped, seized or even disposed of completely.

If your car isn't taxed or declared SORN, the DVLA will automatically fine you £80.

How to declare a vehicle SORN in 2023

Make a SORN Now