How to Declare a Vehicle SORN in 2025

How to SORN My Car

What is a SORN? Understanding the Statutory Off Road Notification

A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is an official notice you give to the DVLA to confirm your vehicle is not being used or parked on public roads. This declaration is essential if you want to pause your legal obligations for tax, insurance, and MOT while your car is off the road. SORN is free to apply for and remains in place until you tax, sell, or scrap the vehicle.

When and Why Should You SORN Your Vehicle?

You must make a SORN if any of the following apply:

  • Your vehicle is untaxed or you do not plan to renew the tax.
  • The car is uninsured, even for a short period.
  • You are keeping the vehicle off the road for repairs, restoration, or storage.
  • You are breaking the car for parts or preparing it for scrapping.
  • You have just bought a vehicle and want to keep it off the road (note: SORN is not transferable between owners).

Motor traders and vehicle testers may be exempt if the vehicle is only temporarily in their possession and not being used on public roads.

Benefits of Declaring SORN

  • Save money: You do not need to pay vehicle tax or insurance while the car is SORN.
  • No MOT required: Your vehicle does not need a valid MOT while it is off the road.
  • Tax refund: You may receive a refund for any full months of remaining tax.

Declaring SORN is especially useful if you are restoring a classic car, storing a vehicle long-term, or not planning to use your car for an extended period.

How to Declare SORN

  1. Online: The quickest way is through the official DVLA website. You will need your V5C (logbook) or V11 (tax reminder) reference number.
  2. By phone: Call DVLA on 0300 123 4321 (available 24/7).
  3. By post: Complete form V890 and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. If you do not have the logbook, you may need to pay for a replacement.

Once your SORN is in place, it remains valid until you tax, sell, or scrap the vehicle. You do not need to renew it annually.

Rules for SORN Vehicles

  • Your vehicle must be kept off public roads (e.g., in a garage, on a driveway, or private land).
  • You cannot drive or park the vehicle on a public road unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test.
  • Insurance is not legally required while SORN, but you may wish to keep fire/theft cover for protection.

Penalties for Not Declaring SORN

If you do not declare SORN when required, you could face:

  • Automatic fines of £100 or more
  • Vehicle clamping, impoundment, or destruction
  • Prosecution and higher fines up to £1,000 or more

How to Get Your Car Back on the Road

  1. Tax your vehicle online, by phone, or at a Post Office.
  2. Arrange valid insurance cover.
  3. Ensure your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate (if required).

Once taxed, your SORN is automatically cancelled and you can legally drive and park your vehicle on public roads again.

Start Your SORN Application