If your car is just sitting there collecting dust, you might lose money on road tax and insurance. Fortunately, declaring it SORN can help you save a bundle. Here’s everything you need to know about the Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) and how to check if vehicle has a SORN like a pro. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than finding a parking space in central London.
What is SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off-Road Notification. It’s your way of officially telling the DVLA that you’re taking your car off the road, so you don’t have to pay for road tax or insurance. SORN means you can avoid those extra costs if your car is parked up on private land—like your driveway, garage, or a mate’s farm.
In 2024, with the cost of living pinching everyone’s pockets, SORN is an easy way to keep more cash in your bank account.
How long does a SORN last?
Once you declare your car SORN, it stays in effect indefinitely. That’s right—no need to renew it yearly like your Netflix subscription. The SORN remains valid until:
- You sell the car.
- You decide to drive it again (you’ll need to tax and insure it first).
- You export it abroad.
- You scrap it.
Remember, SORN status doesn’t transfer to a new owner if you sell the car, so if you’re buying a used car, always check its SORN status.
Why & When should you declare SORN?
There are plenty of situations where declaring SORN makes sense:
- Uninsured and Untaxed: If your car isn’t insured or taxed, it’s time to consider SORN.
- Seasonal Use: Got a car that’s more of a summer showpiece? SORN it during the off-season to save some quid.
- Repairs: SORN can cut costs if your car’s off the road for repairs and won’t be driven anytime soon.
- Travel Plans: Heading off on an extended holiday? SORN ensures you’re not paying for a car that’s just gathering dust.
Pro tip: Keep your SORN car on private property. If it’s found on public roads, even just parked up, you could face a hefty fine.
How to check if your vehicle is SORN
Wondering if your vehicle is already declared SORN? Here’s how to find out:
- Gov.uk Portal: The easiest method is through gov.uk. Just pop in your registration number, and you’ll see your car’s tax and SORN status.
- askMID.com: Track if the vehicle has valid insurance and check the SORN status through the askMID database. If it’s not insured and not declared SORN, you might receive a letter from the DVLA advising you to sort it out.
- DVLA Online Service: For a full rundown of your vehicle’s details—MOT status, tax rates, and more—head over to the DVLA’s online service. It’s like getting a peek into your car’s diary.
How to declare SORN in 2024
Ready to SORN your vehicle? Here’s how you do it:
- Online: The quickest way is through the DVLA’s online portal. It’s a doddle and takes just a few minutes.
- Phone the DVLA: Call them on 0300 123 4321 if you prefer the personal touch. Just ensure you’ve got a cuppa ready in case you have to wait.
- By Post: Old-school? You can send a form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. But be warned—it can take up to a month to process.
Does it cost to SORN a car?
Declaring SORN is free, but if you’ve lost your logbook (V5C), you’ll need to pay around £25 when applying for a logbook online before completing the process.
How to cancel a SORN?
If you’ve decided it’s time to get your car back on the road, cancelling your SORN is simple:
- Tax Your Vehicle: The moment you tax your vehicle, the SORN is automatically lifted. You can do this online through the DVLA’s portal, at your local Post Office, or by phone.
- Insure Your Vehicle: Don’t forget to insure your car before you drive it. You’ll need valid insurance to complete the process and legally drive on public roads.
- Drive Your Vehicle: Once your car is taxed and insured, you’re good to go. No need to inform the DVLA separately—the SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your car.
What happens if you don’t SORN your vehicle?
If you don’t declare SORN and your car isn’t taxed or insured, you could face some pretty steep fines:
- £80 Fine: For driving an untaxed vehicle.
- Up to £2,500: For driving a SORN vehicle without a valid reason.
The best way to avoid these fines is to keep your SORN vehicle off public roads and safely parked on private property.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I buy a car with a SORN status?
Absolutely, but the SORN status will automatically expire once you buy the car. Before you take it out for a spin, make sure to check the car tax status and insurance status.
2. Does SORN affect my insurance?
If your SORN vehicle is damaged or involved in an accident, insurance might not cover it. Even with SORN, it’s worth keeping some level of cover—especially if your car’s parked up outside.
3. Can I drive a car with SORN?
Nope! Driving a SORN car on public roads is a big no-no unless you’re on your way to a pre-booked MOT test. And no, “popping to the shops” doesn’t count.
4. Do I need to SORN my car if it’s in storage?
Yes, if your car is stored off-road and you’re not using it, SORN is the way to go. It’ll keep you on the right side of the law without costing you a penny.
5. Can I sell a SORN vehicle?
You can, but the SORN will expire once the new owner takes over. They’ll need to tax and insure it before driving.
6. Is there a grace period for SORN?
No, there isn’t a grace period. If your car isn’t being used and is untaxed or uninsured, you should declare it SORN straight away to avoid fines.
7. How to get proof of SORN?
Details. If you act as the vehicle’s keeper, you can submit a SORN online or by calling 0300 123 4321. You must submit a SORN by mail using a V890 form if you do not yet appear as the vehicle’s owner.
8. What is a SORN certificate?
Whenever you take a vehicle “off the road” and want to stop paying taxes and insurance, you must submit a SORN certificate(Statutory Off Road Notification).
When you SORN your vehicle, you simply need to notify the DVLA once, and you don’t need to renew this every year. The SORN certificate is in effect until the car is re-taxed, sold, exported permanently, or scrapped.
In Summary
Declaring SORN is a no-brainer if your vehicle is off the road. It stops you from paying unnecessary road tax and insurance, and in 2024, that’s a win. Whether you’re parking your car up for the winter, getting it repaired, or just giving it a break, sorting out your SORN will save you hassle and money. And who doesn’t love that?
Do you have more questions? The DVLA has your back—give them a call or check out their website. Happy parking!
