All You Want to Know About SORN

Are you planning to keep a vehicle off the road for some time? If yes, you no longer need to spend on insurance and taxes provided you register for the SORN, first!

What is SORN?

The acronym SORN stands for 'Statutory Off-Road Notice'. When a vehicle owner registers for a SORN, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency) is formally notified that the vehicle will be off the road. Upon applying for a SORN, the vehicle is unusable until a reapplication is filed to reverse the SORN. During the SORN period, the owner neither has to get it MOT certified, pay insurance or tax.

When does one apply for a SORN?

Some of the instances when one can apply for a SORN include:

The vehicle needs major repairs that are unaffordable

Bought a car (classic/collectable) with the intent of not using it

Bought a vehicle for restoration or to strip its parts

The insurance renewal is delayed for any reason with no plans of using the vehicle for some time

In case you plan to keep the vehicle off the road for a few months, it must have SORN registration to avoid insurance, MOT and tax charges.

Does a SORN impact Insurance?

After getting registered with SORN there is no need for insurance. After the vehicle is designated off the road, get in touch with the insurers to cancel the policy. In cases where the full amount is paid at the time of insurance, the remaining amount will be refunded. In most cases (except when completely damaged) having some kind of vehicle insurance is recommended. Instead of comprehensive, third-party insurance should suffice.

When can we apply for a SORN?

One can apply for the SORN of a vehicle on the first day of a month, online. If applying via post select the first day of the month after next to give it time to reach the transport authorities with a letter explaining the reason. For an immediate SORN, the V5C number is needed at the time of applying. 

When you intend to SORN a vehicle on the first day of the month after next, the 16-digit number on the V11 form is required as it makes the tax refund relatively easier.

Are there any SORN charges?

If all the necessary information is available there are no SORN charges. However, if a vehicle owner has lost the logbook and need details or intends to transfer ownership, there is a £25 charge. The logbook (V5C) is available on the UK government’s transport website. 

Where to park a SORN vehicle?

Once a vehicle is registered as SORN it needs to be kept on private property like your personal driveway or garage. It cannot be kept on any public property. If you need to park it on a private road speak to the owners and get their consent first. 

How long is a SORN valid?

It is indefinite until the vehicle is sold, exported or scrapped. You cannot transfer SORN ownership with the need to apply for a notification if bought or sold.