During the COVID-19 pandemic, many UK motorists declared their vehicles as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) due to reduced travel and the desire to cut costs on tax and insurance. But now, with life back in full swing, thousands of drivers are looking to get their cars back on the road.
If you’re one of them and wondering how to UnSORN a car in the UK, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through the simple steps to remove SORN status, retax your vehicle, and ensure it’s road-legal again. Whether you parked your car during lockdown or recently took it off the road, we’ll help you get moving again—legally and confidently.
Quick steps to Unsorn a car and drive it legally:
- 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.
How fast can you unSORN a vehicle?
All your need is your V5C registration document or your tax renewal/ reminder letter. You can unSORN a car within the same day you get SORN approval from the DVLA. As said before, you need to tax the vehicle online.
Does it cost money to unSORN a car?
No — there is no fee to remove a SORN.
However, to UnSORN your car, you must tax it, and that will involve a cost based on your vehicle’s VED band. You also need valid insurance and an MOT certificate before driving it on public roads.
👉 Since 2013, SORN remains valid indefinitely until you tax, sell, scrap, or export the car. Once you tax your vehicle, the SORN automatically ends — no separate step or payment is needed to cancel it.
Not sure if your car is taxed?
Can my car be taxed without an MOT?
No! You need a valid MOT test before taxing your vehicle. It is an obvious legal document for taxing any vehicle in the UK.
Pro Tip: If you’re sure that your vehicle will be unSORN soon, you can tell DVLA up to two months in advance.
Book an MOT test today if you haven’t already. Yes, it is that simple! A SORN also cancels itself when you sell your car. UnSORN your vehicle today! You are ready to drive legally without incurring any fines.
Tips for an efficient UnSORN
- Organize Your Workspace: Keeping your tools and parts organized will save you time and frustration during the unSORN process.
- Label Components: As you disassemble, label each part to make reassembly more straightforward.
- Stay Patient: Un Sorning can be time-consuming, so remain patient and focused on achieving the best results.
- Consult Manuals and Online Resources: Utilize car manuals and reputable online resources to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Understanding the benefits of UnSORN
UnSORN a car comes with several advantages, which make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and mechanics alike:
1. Personalization
By UnSorning a car, you have the freedom to personalize it according to your preferences. Whether you want to upgrade its performance, enhance its appearance, or add innovative features, Unsorn provides you with the canvas to create your dream car.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
In many cases, an unSORN car can be more cost-effective than buying a brand-new vehicle. By purchasing used or salvaged cars and restoring them through the Un sorning, you can save a significant amount of money while still ending up with a high-quality automobile.
3. Enhanced Performance
UnSORNing allows you to fine-tune various aspects of your car’s performance. Whether you’re interested in improving its speed, handling, or fuel efficiency, Un Sorning provides the opportunity to optimize the vehicle to your specific needs.
4. Learning Experience
For automotive enthusiasts and budding mechanics, unSORNing serves as a valuable learning experience. It provides hands-on knowledge about how cars work, their various components, and the intricate relationship between them.
Did you know? In 2024, approximately 2.68 million vehicles in the UK were declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), marking a 12% increase from 2023. October 2024 saw the highest monthly total, with over 360,000 vehicles registered as off the road. This surge is largely attributed to financial pressures, as many motorists sought to save on road tax and insurance costs.
How soon can I drive the car after taxing it?
If you drive an untaxed and uninsured vehicle is offending the traffic law. Those caught driving a car without road tax by police, face a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of up to £1,000, payable on the spot.
The present SORN system is more efficient, as it can quickly recognize a vehicle that is not insured and taxed, taking data from the DVLA directly. The UK police use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to skim through a car’s registration number and analyze it against the data available with the DVLA.
What happens as you apply for SORN?
If you are not familiar with SORN, why you need to make a SORN, and how to apply for it, you should read our blog first. You must understand that you can’t drive or stop the vehicle on the road after receiving confirmation of SORN from the DVLA. The only time you can use it is when you are going to visit for a pre-booked MOT. If found driving it otherwise, you will face a hefty fine.
What things should you inspect before buying a SORN car?
When buying a used car, you should first know if it has a SORN by getting a DVLA SORN check. You should request the seller to tax the car first for a SORN vehicle because you cannot test drive the car if it is not taxed. Find out whether the car is taxed or not here.
The second thing is you should request the seller to show a valid MOT certificate. You can use our vehicle check service to get the MOT history for free if they fail to provide it. If the MOT certificate is expired, you should first demand the seller to undergo the MOT test.
The vehicle is not insured; you will also need car insurance. Get free insurance quotes through our partner and choose from over 100 providers.
Final thoughts: Get your car back on the road the right way
UnSORNing your vehicle is a simple but crucial step to getting back on the road legally. From ensuring your car has a valid MOT certificate to retaxing it with the DVLA, each step plays a key role in staying compliant and avoiding hefty fines.If you’re buying a car that’s been off the road, don’t forget to run a car history check to uncover hidden issues like expired tax, MOT failures, outstanding finance or write-off status.
Take action now — check your car details and UnSORN with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
You don’t need insurance if your car is declared SORN. However, off-road insurance is wise to protect against theft, fire, or damage while it’s not being driven.
Your SORN cannot be backdated. When you tax your car once more, sell, scrap, or permanently export it, your SORN is automatically cancelled.
