A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is a legal declaration you must make to DVLA when your vehicle is kept off public roads and won’t be used or parked on any public highway. It’s not optional, it’s the law in the UK.
When you submit a SORN, you’re officially telling the government that your car, motorcycle, or other vehicle is temporarily off the road. This stops you from having to pay road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) whilst your vehicle remains unused.
Why Do You Need to Understand SORN?
Every vehicle registered in the UK must either have valid road tax or be declared SORN. There’s no middle ground. If you ignore this requirement, you could face fines of up to £80 for cars and £40 for motorcycles, even if your vehicle never moves.
The SORN system exists because the UK operates continuous vehicle licensing. This means once your vehicle is registered, it remains in the system permanently. You can’t simply stop paying road tax without formally notifying DVLA.
When Must You Submit a SORN?
You need to declare SORN in several specific situations:
Before your road tax expires if you won’t be renewing it immediately. You cannot let your tax lapse without declaring SORN first.
When you’re restoring a classic car that will spend months or years off the road whilst you work on it.
If your vehicle fails its MOT and you need time to arrange repairs without using public roads.
When storing a seasonal vehicle like a convertible you only use in summer or a motorcycle during winter months.
Before scrapping your vehicle if there’s any delay between stopping its use and actual disposal.
Moving abroad temporarily and leaving your UK-registered vehicle behind.
How to Apply for SORN: Step-by-Step Process
Online Application (Fastest Method)
The quickest way to declare SORN is through the official DVLA website. You’ll need:
- Your vehicle registration number (number plate)
- The 11-digit reference number from your V5C (log book)
The online service is available 24/7 and confirmation is immediate. You’ll receive an email acknowledgment within minutes.
By Telephone
Call DVLA on 0300 123 4321 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm). Have the same information ready as for online applications.
Phone applications are processed immediately, but you may face wait times during busy periods.
By Post
Complete form V890 (available from Post Offices or downloadable from GOV.UK) and send it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR
Postal applications take 2-4 weeks to process. Always use recorded delivery to prove you submitted your SORN on time.
SORN Rules and Legal Requirements
Where You Can Keep a SORN Vehicle
A SORN vehicle must be kept on private property at all times. Acceptable locations include:
- Your private driveway
- Private garage or outbuilding
- Private land you own or rent
- Storage facilities on private property
You cannot keep a SORN vehicle:
- On any public road, even briefly
- In lay-bys or public car parks
- On grass verges or pavements
- In communal parking areas of flats (these often count as public highways)
What You Can and Cannot Do
Permitted activities:
- Moving the vehicle on private land
- Loading or unloading whilst on private property
- Working on repairs or restoration
Strictly forbidden:
- Driving on public roads for any reason
- Parking on public roads, even momentarily
- Using the vehicle for any journey, however short
The only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test, but this requires specific conditions and documentation.
Insurance Requirements for SORN Vehicles
Here’s where many people get confused: SORN does not exempt you from insurance requirements.
Under Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) rules, you must maintain valid insurance unless your vehicle is officially declared off the road through SORN. However, even with SORN, you might still need insurance if:
- Your vehicle is financed and the lender requires continuous cover
- You want protection against theft, fire, or vandalism whilst stored
- You’re planning to return the vehicle to road use soon
Many insurers offer specific “laid up” or “SORN” policies at reduced rates for vehicles not being driven.
Costs and Duration
SORN is completely free. There are no charges for submitting the notification online, by phone, or by post.
SORN lasts indefinitely until you take positive action to change it. It doesn’t expire annually like road tax. Your SORN remains valid until you:
- Renew road tax to use the vehicle again
- Sell or transfer the vehicle
- Scrap the vehicle officially
- Export the vehicle permanently
Common SORN Mistakes to Avoid
Timing Errors
The biggest mistake is waiting until after road tax expires. You must submit SORN before your current tax runs out, not after. If there’s any gap, you’ll receive automatic fines.
Misunderstanding Public vs Private Land
Many people wrongly assume they can park SORN vehicles in apartment building car parks or estate roads. Unless you have written confirmation that parking areas are private property not adopted by the local council, assume they’re public highways.
Forgetting About Insurance
Assuming SORN means you can cancel insurance immediately. Check with your insurer and consider whether you need any cover whilst the vehicle is stored.
Not Updating DVLA When Circumstances Change
If you sell a SORN vehicle, you must notify DVLA immediately. The new owner cannot tax the vehicle until you’ve completed your part of the transaction.
Returning Your Vehicle to the Road
When you’re ready to use your vehicle again, you must:
- Ensure valid MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
- Arrange insurance coverage before driving
- Tax the vehicle online, by phone, or at a Post Office
- SORN automatically ends when you purchase new road tax
You cannot drive to arrange MOT or insurance whilst SORN is active, except under very specific circumstances for MOT tests.
SORN for Different Vehicle Types
Cars and Light Goods Vehicles
Standard SORN rules apply. Most cars need MOT certificates to renew road tax after SORN periods.
Motorcycles
Same requirements as cars, but with lower penalty amounts (£40 vs £80). Many riders use SORN during winter months.
Historic Vehicles
Vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT and road tax but can still be declared SORN if not used. This protects against potential insurance enforcement issues.
Commercial Vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles and large vans follow the same SORN principles but may have additional operator licensing considerations.
What Happens If You Don’t Declare SORN?
DVLA’s automated systems track every vehicle’s tax status continuously. If your road tax expires without SORN notification, you’ll automatically receive:
First penalty: £80 for cars/light goods vehicles, £40 for motorcycles Ongoing penalties: Additional fines for each month without valid tax or SORN Maximum penalty: £1,000 for cars, £500 for motorcycles
These penalties apply even if:
- Your vehicle never moves
- You’re abroad and unable to drive
- Your vehicle is broken and undrivable
- You’re waiting for parts or repairs
SORN and Vehicle Sales
When selling a SORN vehicle, both parties have responsibilities:
As the seller:
- Complete your section of the V5C immediately
- Send it to DVLA within 14 days
- Keep the yellow slip for your records
As the buyer:
- You cannot drive the vehicle until you’ve taxed it
- Arrange transportation on a trailer or recovery truck
- Complete the new keeper section and send to DVLA
The vehicle remains SORN until the new owner taxes it. They cannot drive it to arrange MOT or insurance unless using specific exemptions.
Technology and SORN
DVLA uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor vehicle movements and tax compliance. These cameras can identify SORN vehicles being used illegally on public roads.
The system cross-references vehicle movements with tax and SORN databases in real-time, generating automatic penalties for violations.
Impact on Vehicle Value and Maintenance
Keeping a vehicle on SORN for extended periods can affect its condition and value:
Mechanical issues: Batteries discharge, tyres develop flat spots, fluids degrade, seals dry out
Cosmetic problems: Paint fading, interior deterioration, general wear from storage
Administrative complications: Difficulty proving continuous ownership, insurance gaps affecting claims history
Regular maintenance schedules become more important for SORN vehicles to prevent deterioration.
| SORN Quick Reference | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Duration | Indefinite until changed |
| Application methods | Online, phone, post |
| Processing time | Instant (online/phone), 2-4 weeks (post) |
| Insurance requirement | Still may be required |
| Permitted locations | Private property only |
| Penalties for non-compliance | £80 cars, £40 motorcycles |
Conclusion
SORN is a straightforward but essential legal requirement for UK vehicle owners. The key points to remember are:
- Submit SORN before your road tax expires, never after
- Keep SORN vehicles exclusively on private property
- Insurance may still be required despite SORN status
- SORN is free and lasts indefinitely until you change it
- Penalties apply automatically if you ignore these requirements
By understanding and properly using SORN, you can legally keep vehicles off the road whilst avoiding unnecessary tax payments and penalties. Whether you’re restoring a classic car, storing a seasonal vehicle, or dealing with mechanical problems, SORN provides the legal framework to do so compliantly.
The system works efficiently when used correctly, but mistakes can be costly. Take time to understand the requirements before your road tax expires, and always err on the side of caution when determining whether parking locations qualify as private property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my SORN vehicle to an MOT test?
Yes, but only directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment and back via the shortest route. You must have valid insurance and the vehicle must be roadworthy. Any other use is illegal.
What happens if I forget to renew my road tax and don’t have SORN?
You’ll automatically receive penalty notices even if the vehicle never moves. The fine is £80 for cars and £40 for motorcycles, with additional penalties for continued non-compliance.
Do I need to renew SORN annually like road tax?
No, SORN continues indefinitely until you actively change it by taxing the vehicle, selling it, or scrapping it. There’s no annual renewal requirement.
Can I keep a SORN vehicle in my apartment building’s car park?
This depends on whether the car park is genuinely private property. Many apartment car parks are adopted highways maintained by local councils, making them public roads where SORN vehicles cannot be kept.
Will declaring SORN affect my insurance or driving record?
SORN itself doesn’t affect your driving record, but insurance considerations vary. Some insurers offer reduced-rate policies for SORN vehicles, whilst others may require continuous coverage regardless of use.