Everything You Need to Know About SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
Introduction
If you're not currently using your vehicle, declaring it off the road can save you money and legal headaches. In this blog, we’ll break down what SORN is, why it's important, and how it ties into car ownership, storage, and even scrapping your vehicle with Recycle Any Car.
What Does SORN Mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It's a legal declaration to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that your vehicle is not being used on public roads. Once SORN is applied, the vehicle must be kept on private land such as a driveway or garage—not parked on the street.
Why Would You SORN a Vehicle?
There are several common reasons for SORNing a vehicle:
- You’re not currently driving it and want to save on road tax and insurance.
- The vehicle is damaged, awaiting repair, or being restored.
- You’re planning to scrap or sell it and don’t want to continue paying road tax.
- It’s been involved in an accident and is no longer roadworthy.
Whatever your reason, applying for SORN helps ensure you're not breaking the law or paying unnecessary costs.
How to SORN Your Vehicle
SORNing a vehicle is free and simple. You can do it in three main ways:
1. Online via the DVLA
Visit the official DVLA SORN page and enter:
- Your 11-digit logbook (V5C) reference number
- Or your 16-digit V11 tax reminder letter code
Your SORN will take effect immediately or on the first day of the following month, depending on your preference.
2. By Phone
Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 and follow the prompts to declare your vehicle off the road.
3. By Post
Fill out a V890 form and send it to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.
What Happens After You SORN Your Vehicle?
Once your vehicle is SORNed:
- You’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining road tax.
- You’re legally required to keep the vehicle off public roads.
- Insurance isn’t mandatory, but it's recommended if the vehicle is still valuable or stored in a shared space.
You can’t drive or park the vehicle on the road unless you're taking it to or from a pre-booked MOT.
SORN and Scrapping Your Vehicle
If you’re planning to scrap your car, SORN may be part of the process—especially if your vehicle is no longer roadworthy and you’re storing it temporarily. However, once your vehicle is collected and recycled through our ATF-Registered collectors, we’ll handle:
- The DVLA paperwork
- Issuing a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
- Notifying the DVLA that the vehicle is no longer in your name
This makes it simple, stress-free, and fully legal.
Recycle Any Car Makes It Easy
At Recycle Any Car, we understand that deciding whether to SORN or scrap can be confusing. If you’re done with your vehicle and it’s just taking up space on your driveway, scrapping it could be the best option. Here’s why:
- Free collection from any UK postcode
- No hidden fees
- Final price guaranteed, based on vehicle weight
- Tree planted for every car recycled
All vehicles are recycled in line with strict environmental regulations.
Useful and Practical Advice
- You can’t transfer SORN between owners—if you buy a car with SORN, you must re-apply in your name.
- If you drive a SORNed vehicle on public roads, you could be fined up to £2,500.
- There’s no time limit on how long a vehicle can remain SORNed—but it must remain off-road.
Realistic Scenarios
- You’ve just bought a car project: SORN it until it's ready.
- Your MOT has expired: SORN the vehicle while you decide your next steps.
- You’re planning to scrap your car: SORN it until we collect it.
Making the Right Choice
Whether you’re keeping your car off the road or ready to let it go, understanding SORN gives you the power to make informed decisions. If you're ready to move on, get a free valuation today from Recycle Any Car and see how much your old vehicle is worth.
Helpful Resources
This blog answers questions like:
- What does SORN mean for my vehicle?
- Should I SORN or scrap my car?
- How long can I SORN a vehicle?
- Can I drive a SORNed car to an MOT?
- Do I need insurance if my car is SORNed?
Conclusion
Declaring your vehicle as SORN is a simple but important legal step when it's no longer being driven on public roads. Whether you're storing it temporarily or considering scrapping it entirely, understanding how SORN works can help you avoid fines, save on tax and insurance, and stay compliant with UK regulations.
If your vehicle is off the road and no longer roadworthy, it might be time to consider scrapping it. At Recycle Any Car, we make the process quick, transparent, and environmentally responsible. Plus, we plant a tree for every vehicle we recycle.
Get a free scrap car quote today — no hidden fees, no obligation.