Buying a SORN car is really no different to buying a fully road-legal car in practice. When it comes to paperwork and legislation everything stays the same. You will still need to complete the relevant sections of a V5C and keep everything registered correctly with the DVLA. Read on as we explain the finer details of buying a SORN car.
Can I buy a SORN car?
Of course you can! However, just be sure you are fully aware of what it is you are actually buying. Why was the car declared as SORN in the first place? Not all cars are declared SORN because their owner tucks them up safely for the winter. Quite regularly a car is declared as SORN because it has lasting issues that are keeping it off the road. Make sure you do due diligence before deciding to go through with the purchase.
Can I buy a SORN car if it has no MOT?
As SORN cars do not require an MOT, there is no reason why you can’t buy a car that doesn’t have a valid MOT certificate. However, if you intend to get it back on the road then you will need to get its MOT renewed before taxing it.
Will the SORN stay in place if I buy it?
SORN, like tax, is not transferable. This means that when the car is sold the SORN is no longer in place. It is up to the new owner to decide whether to tax it or declare it as SORN themselves. If the car has no MOT, then you will need to declare it as SORN while you wait to get the MOT renewed.
How much is a SORN?
There is no cost attached to declaring a car as SORN. The process is entirely free and very simply carried out on the government website.
Will the SORN need renewing?
No, a SORN stays in place until you either tax it or sell it.
Can I drive a SORN car home?
No. SORN cars cannot be driven unless they are going to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Any other time on the road is illegal. This includes simply being parked. SORN cars must be kept off the road in private property at all times, such as in a garage, driveway or barn.
How do I tax and insure a SORN car?
Taxing an insuring a SORN car is no different to doing the same for a ‘normal’ car. As it is unlikely that you’ll have a tax reminder for a SORN car (and even if you did it would probably be out of date), you will need to use the 11-digit number from your car’s V5C registration document. If you do not have a V5C, you will need to apply for a replacement.
If you’re looking to insure a SORN car to drive it to an MOT appointment, then you’ll need to phone your insurers (or potential insurers) to explain your situation. While most will be able to provide you some sort of cover for your specific instance, some may not provide cover and you’ll have to look elsewhere.
SORN Buying & Selling Hub
SORN Buying & Selling HubExplore expert advice on tax, insurance, and legal matters for SORNed cars and motorbikes. Our Knowledge Centre offers essential information to ensure you’re fully informed to manage your vehicle off the road.
Can I test drive a SORN car?
Find out how you can sample a SORN car before driving, if you can at all.
Selling a SORN car
Find out how to sell your SORN car, from getting the most out of it to what legalities you need to be aware of.
Or, visit our SORNing Knowledge Centre for guides on all topics related to SORNing and storing your car or bike
FAQ
Where do I store a SORN car?
SORN cars can only be stored somewhere private – or rather “off the public highway”. This means you can’t park them on the road, pavement or anywhere publicly accessible like a car park. You should always aim to store them in somewhere like a driveway or garage. If you have land with a barn-type building, this is also ideal.
How do I transfer ownership of a SORN car?
Transferring ownership of a SORN car is carried out in the exact same way as you would trasnfer ownership of a road-going car. Like tax, a SORN does not transfer, so the new owner must apply for a SORN themselves if they intend to keep it off the road.
Can I transfer the numberplate from a SORN vehicle?
It is possible to transfer the numberplate from a SORN vehicle, however what you need to do depends on how long your SORN has been in place. If your car has had a SORN for longer than five years, it will need to be taxed and have a valid MOT before you can remove the numberplate.
If you have met these requirements, you can apply for your numberplate to be removed online. You will need your car’s V5C and pay an £80 fee to do this. If you are successful you will be sent a V778 retention document and your car’s new V5C showing its new registration number.
