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How to SORN Your Car: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Drivers
Understanding how to SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) your car is a crucial aspect of responsible vehicle ownership in the UK. If you’re not using your vehicle on public roads, notifying the DVLA is a legal requirement to avoid penalty fines and ensure you’re compliant with the law. This process is straightforward but essential for anyone who has a car they wish to take off the road, whether for storage, restoration, or because it’s awaiting sale. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you can confidently SORN your vehicle and remain legally compliant.
What is a SORN?
A Statutory Off Road Notification, or SORN, is a declaration made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your vehicle is not being used or kept on a public road. It’s a legal requirement to SORN your car if it is not insured and has no valid road tax. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines, so understanding the implications and the process is vital for every UK car owner.
When Should You SORN Your Car?
There are several common scenarios where SORNing your car is necessary:
- If you’re restoring a vehicle that is not currently roadworthy.
- If you’re keeping a vehicle in a garage or on private land and do not intend to drive it.
- If you’ve sold a vehicle but have not yet taken it off the road.
- If your vehicle’s road tax has expired and you do not intend to renew it immediately.
How to SORN Your Car: Step-by-Step
The process of SORNing your car is designed to be simple and can be completed through several methods. Whether you prefer online, phone, or postal services, the DVLA offers flexibility to suit your needs. It’s important to have the necessary information readily available to ensure a smooth and quick process.
Online SORN Application
The quickest and most convenient way to SORN your car is through the official DVLA website. This method is available 24/7 and typically processes your notification instantly.
For the fastest SORN notification, use the GOV.UK website.
You will need your vehicle’s 16-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can usually be found on your V5C log book or a plate on your vehicle. You’ll also need your registration number. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the application.
SORN by Phone
If you prefer to speak to someone or do not have internet access, you can SORN your car by phone. You will need to call the DVLA’s automated phone service.
Important: Ensure you have your 11-digit registration number and the 12-digit V103 form number from your V5C log book to hand when you call.
SORN by Post
For those who prefer a written method, you can download and complete a V149 form from the GOV.UK website and mail it to the DVLA. This method is the slowest and may take longer to process.
What Happens After You SORN Your Car?
Once your SORN is successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation letter from the DVLA. It’s essential to keep this confirmation safe for your records. You will no longer need to pay road tax for the vehicle, and you will not be able to drive it on public roads. If you plan to use the vehicle on public roads again, you must remember to tax it first.
| Method | Speed | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | VIN, Registration Number, V5C |
| Phone | Quick | Registration Number, V103 form number from V5C |
| Post | Slowest | Completed V149 form |
Taking Your Car Off SORN
To use your vehicle on public roads again, you must take it off SORN. This is done by taxing the vehicle. You can do this online, by phone, or at a Post Office. If you are taxing your vehicle for the first time since it was off the road, you will need to provide a valid MOT certificate and insurance details.
Remember, driving an untaxed and unsorn vehicle on a public road is illegal and can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does a SORN last?
A SORN remains valid until it is revoked, which typically happens when you tax the vehicle or sell it. If your circumstances change, you will need to update the DVLA accordingly.
Q2: Can I SORN a car that is not in my name?
No, you must be the registered keeper of the vehicle to SORN it. The notification must be made in the name of the person who owns the vehicle.
Q3: What if I forget to SORN my car?
If you fail to SORN your car when it’s no longer being used on public roads, you could be fined. The fine is typically £100, but it can increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court. It’s always best to be proactive and SORN your vehicle as soon as it is no longer taxed and insured for road use.
Conclusion
Successfully navigating the process of SORNing your car is a vital part of responsible vehicle ownership in the UK. By understanding the legal requirements and utilizing the straightforward methods provided by the DVLA, you can ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties. Whether you’re undertaking a restoration project, storing your vehicle long-term, or simply haven’t yet taxed an untaxed car, a SORN is your legal declaration that it’s off the road. Remember to always keep your SORN confirmation safe and to retax your vehicle before it re-enters public road use. Proactive and informed management of your vehicle’s status protects you from fines and upholds your responsibilities as a driver.
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