How To SORN A Car

by Will Marsh on Jun 16, 2025 1:59:32 PM

Key Summary

You can declare SORN online, by phone, or by post using the DVLA’s official services and the correct reference numbers.

A grey SUV parked under a roof next to a house, with a driveway in the foreground.

What Is a SORN?

Summary: A SORN is a DVLA declaration that your car will not be driven or parked on public roads, making it exempt from road tax.

SORN is a notice to the DVLA that your car is off-road and not going to be appearing on public roads in future. If you choose to SORN a car that has outstanding tax, this will be refunded, helping you recover some extra cash in the process. The term SORN can seem a little confusing at first, but it just means that you want to remove a car from the road.

A teal coloured click sat against a dark blue background.

When A SORN Applies

Summary: A SORN only applies when the vehicle is kept entirely on private land and not used on public roads.

A SORN is only necessary if you’re keeping your car on private land and never using it on a public road. It’s best suited to people looking to retire their car but still keep it.

A hand writes in a signature area of a document with car keys and a mini car on, representing a car agreement.

When To Declare Your Car SORN

There’s a few different scenarios where you might want to declare your car off-road. Let’s take a look at each below.

The car is uninsured. If you choose not to insure your car and drive it on the roads, you will face fines and penalties. If you aren’t looking to insure your car, you should declare it as SORN.
The car is set to be scrapped but you want to recover some parts. The time might come for your car to visit the motor graveyard, but first, you want to salvage some parts.
You want to add your car to a collection. Get a car collection on the go? You might have purchased a car without ever intending to drive it. If this is the case, declare your show car as a SORN to avoid paying road tax on it.

What You Need Before Declaring a SORN

Summary: You need either the 11-digit V5C number, the 16-digit V11 reference, or a completed V890 form to make a SORN.

You will need one of the following to make a SORN:

The 11 digit number from your V5C logbook
The 16 digit reference number from your tax reminder letter (V11)
A completed V890 form if applying by post

A hand holds up a frame with 'HELPFUL TIPS' written behind it, against a black chalkboard.

How To SORN A Car (Online, Phone, Post)

Summary: You can declare SORN online, by phone, or by post using the DVLA’s official services and the correct reference numbers.

There’s a few options when it comes to declaring your car as off-road. You have the choice of online application, over the phone or via post. Let’s take a look at each.

Online Application

Perhaps the easiest way to declare your car SORN, you’ll need an 11-digit number that can be found in your vehicle log book, as well as the 16-digit reference number on your vehicle tax reminder form. You can apply to declare your car SORN via the GOV.UK website.

Apply By Phone

You can also apply for a SORN over the phone. To do this, dial 0300 123 4321. You’ll reach the DVLA Vehicle Service, which has lines open 24 hours a day.

Post

You can also send an application form off in the post. This form, a V890, needs to be sent to the following address to ensure your car is declared as off-road:

DVLA
Swansea

SA91 1AR

SORN Start Dates

Method	What You Need	When SORN Starts
Online	V5C or V11	Immediate with V5C or start of next month with V11
Phone	V5C or V11	Immediate with V5C or start of next month with V11
Post	V890 form	Date written on the form

A close up of a hammer in a legal setting.

Rules You Must Follow After SORN

Summary: Once your car is SORN, it must stay on private land and cannot be driven unless going to a pre-booked MOT.

Once a car is SORN, there are a few rules to keep in mind to stay on the right side of the law.

Keeping The Vehicle On Private Land

A SORN vehicle must only be kept on private land. It cannot be left on a public road, even if you are not driving it.

MOT And Insurance Rules

You do not need insurance or an MOT while the car is SORN. The only exception is driving it to a pre booked MOT. In that case, insurance is required for the journey.

Tax Refunds After SORN

If you have already paid for road tax, the DVLA will refund any full remaining months once the SORN is processed.

How Long A SORN Lasts

A SORN lasts until you decide to tax the car again. There is no renewal process. The status remains active until you change it.

One yellow question mark amongst a sea of black question marks.

SORN FAQs

What is SORN?

A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice) is a notice that your car will no longer be used on public roads. Think of a SORN as a way to retire your car; you may still want to keep it, but don’t need to drive it anymore.

When should I SORN my car?

You should only SORN your car when you don’t want to drive it on public roads but want to keep it. In most cases, a SORN is declared when someone adds a car to a collection, or simply wants it to take place on their driveaway. It’s important to note that you should only consider a SORN when you’re absolutely ready to stop using the car.

What happens if I buy an already SORN car?

If you buy an already SORN vehicle, possibly from an external collection to add to your own, you still need to go through the SORN process again.

How long is SORN valid?

A SORN is valid for as long as you want it to be. There’s no resubscription needed, and the declaration lasts for as long as you intend.

Can I drive a SORN vehicle?

You can only drive a SORN vehicle on a public road if you are travelling to a pre booked MOT appointment.

Does a SORN transfer to a new owner?

No. If a vehicle changes hands, the new keeper must make their own SORN declaration.

Do I need insurance on a SORN car?

No. You do not need insurance unless you are driving the car to an MOT.

Can I SORN a motorbike or van?

Yes. Any DVLA registered vehicle can be declared SORN.

Can I SORN a car without a V5C?

Yes. You must apply by post with a V890 form and, if needed, a V62 form to request a new logbook.

Topics: Car Insurance