Published 5 May 2026
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Should I SORN my car?
- SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification.
- A SORN is a declaration to the DVLA that your vehicle is off the road.
- If your vehicle isn't taxed or insured and you don't have a SORN, you'll face a penalty fee.
What is a SORN and what does it mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification – it's how you register your vehicle as off the road with the DVLA.
When you declare a SORN, you cannot drive or park your car on a public road. Your vehicle must be kept on private land, like your driveway, or in a garage. You'll need your V5C logbook to apply for a SORN online, as it contains the reference number required for the application.
Why and when should you declare your vehicle SORN?
If you're no longer using your car, or you're taking a break from driving it, you may want to consider a SORN. This means your car is officially registered as being off the road, so you cannot legally drive it.
Some people choose to SORN their car if:
Remember, if you sell your car whilst it's under a SORN, the new owner will need to declare a new SORN themselves – it doesn't transfer. Driving without tax or a SORN can result in fines and penalty points on your licence.
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How to make a SORN online, by phone or by post
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SORN application through the DVLA
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How to SORN without a V5C logbook
You've got three ways to apply for a SORN – online, by phone, or by post. The online route is usually the quickest and it's free, taking just a few minutes if you've got the right details to hand.
To apply online, head to www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn. You'll need the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook or the 16-digit reference number from your V11 tax reminder letter. If you're using the V11 reference, it's only valid for the month before and one month after your tax expires, so timing matters.
If you'd rather speak to someone, you can call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 to declare your SORN over the phone. Make sure you've got your vehicle details ready before you call.
For postal applications, you'll need to complete a V890 form and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. This method takes longer than applying online, so bear that in mind if you're close to your tax expiry date.
Don't have your V5C logbook? You can still sort your SORN. If you've got a recent V11 tax reminder, use the 16-digit reference number to apply online or by phone.
If you don't have either document, you'll need to apply for a new V5C first using a V62 form (there's a £25 fee). Once you've completed the V62, send it along with a V890 form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. Your new logbook should arrive within five working days, but the SORN application by post will take a bit longer to process.
Do I still pay vehicle tax with a SORN?
No, you won't pay car tax while your car is under a SORN. Your SORN starts on the first day of the month, and you can claim a tax refund for any full months remaining. The DVLA will automatically send you a refund cheque once they process your SORN. When you're ready to drive again and re-tax your vehicle, the DVLA will automatically cancel the SORN.
Do I need car insurance if I SORN my car?
Legally, no. A SORN is the only exception to the continuous insurance requirement, provided the car is kept on private land like your driveway or garage. That said, your vehicle could still be damaged, stolen or vandalised while off the road, so you may want to consider keeping cover for those risks. If you haven't declared a SORN, car insurance remains a legal requirement and you'll face a penalty fine.
Can I drive my SORN car to an MOT?
Yes, but only to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Your vehicle must be insured for this journey, and you'll need to provide proof of the appointment if stopped by police. Remember, this is the only legal exception for driving a SORN car on public roads.
SORN frequently asked questions
A SORN lasts indefinitely. You don't need to renew it every year – it stays valid until you tax, sell, scrap or export your vehicle. Once declared, the SORN remains in place automatically, so there's no annual paperwork to worry about.
No. If your car is under a SORN, it must be kept on private land, like your driveway or in a garage. You can't park it on a public road or pavement, even if it's directly outside your house.
To cancel a SORN, simply re-tax your vehicle online, by phone or at a Post Office. The SORN ends automatically once you've paid the tax. Make sure your car is insured and has a valid MOT before you drive it.
If your vehicle isn't taxed, insured or declared off road with a SORN, you'll automatically be fined £80. In more serious cases, you could face court prosecution, penalty points on your licence, and your vehicle could be clamped or impounded.
