A SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notification, is the legal way to tell the DVLA that a vehicle is being kept off the public road, so that it no longer needs to be taxed.
What a SORN is and who sets the rule
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. A SORN vehicle must be kept off public roads, for example in a garage, on a drive or on private land. The DVLA is the body that runs the process. It is a process that is used to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you are registering a vehicle as off the road. If a vehicle is kept on a public road and is not taxed, it must be declared off the road with a SORN.
Once a SORN is in place, A vehicle on SORN must not be used or parked on a public road, and does not need to be taxed while it stays off the road.
Where a SORN vehicle may be kept
The location rule is the one most owners get wrong. A vehicle with a SORN must be kept entirely off public roads. Off-road locations typically include a private driveway, a garage or private land. GOV.UK says a vehicle is off the road if you do not keep or use it on a public road, for example if it is in a garage, on a drive, or on private land.
A SORN is also not a permanent licence to park on a public street. A SORN vehicle must not be driven or parked on a public road.
How to declare a SORN
The declaration is quick and free. The quickest way is online at gov.uk/make-a-sorn. You will need either the 11-digit reference from your V5C or the 16-digit number from a tax reminder. The 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook, or the 16-digit reference number from your V11 tax reminder are the two options. You can also declare by phone or post. You can make a SORN online or by phoning 0300 123 4321 if you're registered as the vehicle's keeper. If you're not yet registered as the vehicle's keeper, you must make a SORN by post using a V890 form. A SORN is free to make, according to the RAC guide, and the GOV.UK page is the place to confirm.
Timing matters for refunds. You can apply to take your vehicle off the road this month, next month or the month after, by post on form V890. When you declare a SORN you will get a refund for any full months of remaining tax.
Insurance, MOT and the one permitted journey
A valid SORN removes the legal duty to insure, but only while the vehicle stays off the road. Failing to make a SORN when required can result in an £80 fixed penalty, and in court action where fines can be significantly higher.
The only road journey allowed is to an MOT. You can drive a SORN vehicle to and from a pre-booked MOT test appointment. Any other journey on a public road is an offence, and you still need insurance cover for the drive to the test. A SORN car does not need a current MOT while it sits.
Before returning a SORN vehicle to the road, you need to tax it. Taxing the vehicle automatically ends the SORN. Before putting a SORN vehicle back on the road, it must be taxed, insured and have a valid MOT where required.
Practical checklist before you store a vehicle off the road
- Confirm the vehicle is registered in your name, since a valid SORN must be made in your own name and cannot be carried over from a previous keeper.
- Have the V5C or tax reminder reference ready and declare the SORN online at GOV.UK, or by phone or post.
- Keep the vehicle on private land, a driveway or in a garage, and never on a public road.
- Book any MOT in advance and insure the vehicle for that single journey.
- Check the vehicle's status later with the GOV.UK vehicle tax check service.
- Tax the vehicle again before returning it to the road, which ends the SORN automatically.
Storing a vehicle off the road when you have no garage
If you do not have private space at home, a secure off-site option may be needed. Costs for a storage space depend on the size of the vehicle, the security level, the length of the agreement and the location, and the figure should be confirmed directly with the storage provider or local council. For London-based storage, see vehicle storage in London, and for Sussex, vehicle storage in Chichester is one option. Look for a site that can confirm in writing that it is private land, since a SORN vehicle cannot be kept on a public road.
Browse GetBrent to find local hire and storage companies for vehicles, trailers, plant and vans, and compare options near you before you decide where your vehicle will be kept while it is off the road.
