Removing the SORN from a car is just as simple as it is to put one on in the first place. In fact, it can be covered by simply saying “tax your car”. That’s all you have to do. However, we know it might not always be that simple. Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting that SORN off your car.
What is UnSORNing?
To be pedantic, “unSORNing” isn’t a thing. There is only one way to remove a SORN from a vehicle, and that is to tax it. SORN and tax are both linked, and you cannot have one without the other being removed. As soon as you SORN a car, you remove the tax from it. In return, once you tax a car you are removing the SORN from it. A vehicle cannot be both taxed and registered as SORN.
You can, however, be neither – and this is where you could land a fine. The DVLA has an automated fine system, and if your car is untaxed and not registered as SORN you can expect a letter with a Fixed Penalty Notice to be dropping on your doorstep fairly soon.
How long will it take to remove a SORN?
No time at all. With online systems in place, your vehicle will be unSORNed and ready to go as soon as you have taxed it. It is the same if you are applying over the phone. Once it’s taxed, the SORN is gone.
Do I have to pay to remove a SORN?
Technically, no, you do not have to pay to remove a SORN. You do, however, have to pay for the car to be taxed. This is, of course, assuming that your car doesn’t qualify for a £0 tax bill. Due to the nature of not being able to remove a SORN without taxing the vehicle, the vast majority will have to pay in some form. However, this payment is for tax, and not explicitly to remove SORN.
So how do I tax a SORN vehicle?
The easiest way to tax a SORN vehicle by far is to do so online. With just the 11-digit code from your V5C, you can tax your car in a matter of moments. If you don’t have access to the internet but can get to a phone, you can choose to call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 should you wish. The service is available 24/7 but cannot set up direct debits.
If you prefer to do your taxing in person, then you can go to your nearest post office (providing it deals in vehicle tax – check your local office to be certain). In order to do this in person, you will need to take the V5C with you and a method to make the payment.
Can I tax a vehicle if it has no MOT?
No, all taxed vehicles must have a valid MOT. If you’ve allowed the MOT on a SORN car to expire, then you will need to ensure this is rectified before attempting to tax the vehicle.
But how do I get to the MOT without tax?
Although driving an untaxed car is a crime, there is one specific occasion where you are allowed to do so – and this is it. Driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment is the only time you are allowed to drive on the road without tax or a valid MOT certificate. You must however, make sure that you go directly to the appointment. Any deviation, even if you’re just picking up a supermarket meal deal on the way, makes that trip illegal.
Do I need insurance to drive to the MOT?
Yes – you need insurance for every single journey you take. Even if you’ve got no tax or MOT and are on your way to get your car MOT’d you must still be insured. If you never altered your policy when you registered the car as SORN and it is still in place you won’t need to worry at all. If you had a ‘laid-up’ policy then you will need to inform your insurer that you need to drive it to the MOT as these policies are often for 0 miles. Most will accept this small journey.
If your car was uninsured while it was SORN, then you could have some difficulty getting a policy for an untaxed car with no MOT. In this case, you’ll need to get in touch with a specialist insurer and ask what your best options are.
I’ve got tax, MOT and insurance. What else should I do to get a SORN car back on the road?
That’s it! You’re ready to go. Of course if your car has been sitting on its own for months on end then it could be worth just giving it a little run-in again but there should be no issues. If there was anything wrong with the car at all it wouldn’t have obtained a new MOT. Just enjoy getting your car back on the road!
Can I buy a SORN vehicle just to put it back on the roads?
Of course you can! Many people buy SORN vehicles with the intention of working them back to a roadworthy state. Just remember that, like tax, SORN does not transfer immediately with a sale. You will need to apply for a SORN yourself once the vehicle is in your possession.
SORNing and UnSORNing Hub
SORNing and UnSORNing 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.
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