Did you know that m ore than two million cars are SORN each year in the UK? There are many reasons why motorists decide to take a vehicle off the road. Since lockdown, many motorists have been using their cars less and, in some cases, have not needed to use them at all.
As a result, there has been a huge increase in the amount of people declaring their cars as SORN, which stands for Statutory Off Road Notification.
The good news is, that if you are ready to get back on the road, it is easy to declare your vehicle as back on the road. You can unSORN your car online, contact the DVLA by phone or apply to pay vehicle tax by post, the process is a lot easier than you might think.
Here is everything you need to know about how to unSORN your vehicle.
Tax your vehicle
If you want to unSORN your car, you will need to tax it using your V5C registration document or your tax renewal reminder letter. You also need to make sure that you have valid car insurance in place, as well as an up-to-date MOT certificate if required.
Once you have completed the steps above, your vehicle will be unSORN and you can get back behind the wheel straight away.
How can you tax your car?
Once you have registered your car as SORN, there is no limit to how long you can keep it off the road. However, when the time comes to unSORN your car, you must tax it first. Once your vehicle is taxed again, it will automatically cancel the SORN status.
You can unSORN your car by renewing your tax online using the DVLA website. You will need the 16-digit reference number from your tax renewal letter to do this, or the 11-digit reference number from your registration document (V5C).
Alternatively, you can apply to pay tax by post or over the phone with the DVLA.
Selling your SORN car
If you are thinking about selling a SORN vehicle, you must make any potential buyers aware that the vehicle is SORN. The car will need to .
Sell to a car buyer
If you decide not to sell your car privately, you can always sell your SORN car to a car dealership or another car buying company. YThe vast majority of car buying dealerships will take your SORN car off your hands, and some, like us, will offer a competitive price and even come and collect your car, meaning you won’t need to unSORN your vehicle prior to the sale.
This means you do not have to worry about covering the costs of insuring your vehicle or making sure that it has a valid MOT certificate.
I have unSORNed my car – what next?
Once you have unSORNed your car, you need to make sure it’s roadworthy, insured and has a valid MOT test. Due to COVID-19, if your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT was due on or after 30th March but before 1st August, the MOT renewal date will have been extended by six months. However if your MOT test is due after 1st August, there is no extension period and you must MOT your vehicle as normal.
If you are planning on putting you car back on the road, here’s the advice you need.
If you are planning on putting you car back on the road, here’s the advice you need.unSORN Your Car FAQs
How quickly can you unSORN a car?
Once you have taxed your vehicle and ensuring it has a valid MOT certificate, you can get back on the road straight away.
Can I insure my car if its SORN?
While you do not have to insure your vehicle if it is kept off the road and declared as off the road, it’s definitely best practice to do so. Keeping a vehicle insured will cover you against unknown potential risks, such as theft, fire and criminal damage.
Can my vehicle be taxed without an MOT?
No, you will need a valid MOT before taxing your car. It is a legal requirement for taxing any vehicle; it must have a MOT certificate.
Can you drive your car straight away after taxing online?
Yes, you can drive your car immediately.
What is the quickest way to unSORN a car?
The fastest way to unSORN a car is online. All you need is your V5C registration document or your tax renewal reminder letter. Remember, you will also need a valid MOT and insurance.
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.
Or, visit our SORNing Knowledge Centre for guides on all topics related to SORNing and storing your car or bike
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.
