How to SORN a Car (2026 Guide)

If you're keeping a car off public roads, you legally need to tell the DVLA. The process is called a Statutory Off Road Notification, or SORN. It takes about 5 minutes online and it's completely free.

When you need to SORN a car

You need to declare SORN when your vehicle is being kept off public roads and you don't want to pay vehicle tax. Common situations:

• Storing a project car, classic or seasonal vehicle
• Going abroad for an extended period
• The vehicle has failed its MOT and you're not driving it
• You've just bought a car and aren't using it yet
• Your insurance has lapsed and you can't renew immediately

If your vehicle is parked on a public road (including at the kerb outside your house) it must be taxed and insured. SORN is only valid when the vehicle is on a driveway, garage, or other private land.

What you need before you start

Have one of these to hand:

• The 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook, or
• The 16-digit reference number from your V11 tax reminder letter, or
• The 12-digit reference number from the green new-keeper slip (V5C/2) if you've just bought the car

How to SORN online (the easy way)

1. Go to gov.uk/make-a-sorn - the only official, free service. Ignore lookalike third-party sites that charge an admin fee for what is genuinely free.
2. Enter your registration number and reference number
3. Confirm your details
4. Submit

You'll get on-screen confirmation immediately. A confirmation letter or email follows within a few weeks.

Other ways to SORN

• By phone: 0300 123 4321 (DVLA, 24-hour automated line)
• By post: send a completed V890 form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. Slower, only worth doing if you can't use online or phone.

When your SORN starts

Two scenarios:

• If you apply using your V5C reference, the SORN starts immediately
• If you apply using your V11 reminder letter, the SORN starts on the first day of the next month

You cannot backdate a SORN.

What happens to your tax

The DVLA automatically refunds any full remaining months of vehicle tax. If you pay by Direct Debit, the DVLA cancels it. You don't need to do anything. The refund cheque or BACS payment arrives within a few weeks.

Part-months are not refunded.

What happens to your insurance

Once SORNed, you're not legally required to insure the vehicle. Many drivers cancel motor insurance to save money. If the car is valuable or stored somewhere with theft or fire risk, you can keep a cheaper "laid up" insurance policy covering fire and theft only.

Can I drive a SORN car?

Only to a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment, and the vehicle must still be insured for that journey. Any other use risks a fine of up to £2,500 and court prosecution.

How long does a SORN last?

Since 2013, SORNs are continuous. You do not need to renew. Your SORN stays in place until you tax the vehicle, sell it, scrap it, or permanently export it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Selling a SORN car? The SORN doesn't transfer. Complete the V5C transfer as normal - the new owner must tax or SORN it themselves.
• Bought a SORN car? The previous owner's SORN does not carry over. You must tax it or declare your own SORN before keeping it off the road.
• Car on finance? Check with your finance company first. Most allow SORN with prior agreement, but proceeding without can breach the agreement.
• Cherished number plate? Transfer it off the vehicle to a retention certificate before SORN if you want to keep it.

What does it cost?

Nothing. SORN is free.

What if you forget?

If your vehicle is neither taxed, insured, nor SORN, you'll receive an automatic £80 fine from the DVLA. Continued non-compliance can result in further penalties and the vehicle being clamped or impounded.

Set a reminder so you don't miss it. MotifyMe sends free MOT and tax reminders so renewal dates never sneak up on you.