When to buy a SORN car
If you’re unsure about a SORN car, then the initial feeling is you probably shouldn’t be buying it. If you’re adamant that you want to test it before you buy it, then you’ll need to arrange for it to be transported somewhere appropriate for testing. When buying a SORN car you need to make sure you are absolutely certain about the condition of it – it’s probably been registered as SORN for a reason, after all.
Transporting a SORN car
This depends on what you’re going to the garage for. If you’re going for a pre-booked MOT test, then you may drive it. This is the only occasion you can drive a car that has been registered as SORN. If you are going to a garage for any other reason, such as repairs, then it will need to be transported on a truck or trailer.
Insuring a SORN car to MOT
Yes. Every single time you drive on the road you must be insured. It is a crime to drive without insurance. When driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment you can drive under a SORN and without a valid MOT certificate, but the car still must be insured.
Can I drive without tax or MOT?
If you have a SORN in place then you won’t have tax – it is impossible to have both a SORN in place and be taxed. Tax and SORN are linked and one will cancel the other. In order to end a SORN you must tax a car, and registering as SORN will immediately cancel your tax. In these instances, the only time you can be on the road without valid tax or an MOT certificate is driving to your MOT test. This must be a direct journey with no stops at all on route, such as a petrol station or convenience shop.
SORNing and trade plates
No – in fact if your car is a SORN it shouldn’t be able to drive on trade plates anyway. When a car is sold to the motor trade, it no longer requires valid tax or SORN as it sits in its own trade regulations. Dealers can move vehicles between locations without tax on trade plates, so there is no need for them to register vehicles as SORN. For this reason, it is highly unlikely for there to be a situation where a SORN car might be moved under trade plates.
If you’re dealing with a SORN vehicle, explore our other expert guides on storage, tax, and legal steps.
If you’re dealing with a SORN vehicle, explore our other expert guides on storage, tax, and legal steps.FAQs
SORN my car to trade
When you sell a car, taxed or otherwise, the tax (or SORN) is instantly cancelled. As such, once you have completed the paperwork you no longer need to worry about SORNing the car, even if you know it’s going to be sitting on a forecourt somewhere. The car is no longer your problem, so as long as you have completed the paperwork correctly, your part is done.
Transfer number plate from a SORN car
Transferring a number plate from a SORN car is the same as transferring the number plate from a normal road-worthy car. This can be done online or alternatively you will need to complete a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration’ form and send that with your V5C, a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’ and the £80 fee to the DVLA in Cardiff.
How to transfer ownership of a SORN car
It is not possible to transfer ownership of a SORN car. Instead, the new owner must register the car in their name first and then apply for a SORN of their own. When a SORN car is sold, the SORN is instantly cancelled.
Sell your SORNed car
If you want to get rid of your old or SORNed car, it could be easier with our free, online comparison engine. Whether your car is SORNed and not too old to move, or in good working condition and sellable as salvage – our service can get you a private buyer in minutes.
SORNing Tax and Insurance Hub
Explore 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.
How and When You Need to Declare SORN
Learn how to declare a SORN online to save on tax, MOT, and insurance while keeping your car off-road. Quick and easy guide for UK drivers.
How to tax a SORN vehicle
Learn how to tax a car previously declared as SORN. This guide explains the steps to reactivate your vehicle for road use, covering the necessary documents and fees.
Can you drive a SORN car to an MOT with no insurance?
This guide explains the legal requirements for driving a SORN vehicle, including MOT exemptions and the necessity of insurance coverage.
How to tax a SORN car without MOT
This guide covers the steps, legal requirements, and alternative methods to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.
