Selling a SORN vehicle is no different to selling a fully working, taxed and licensed vehicle. The process, in terms of paperwork, is identical. The only thing you’ll need to be aware of is that it could take slightly longer to sell due to the nature of the vehicle – most SORN cars will usually require a little TLC before they can get back on the roads.
How do I sell a SORN car?
When selling a SORN car, make sure that you are honest and open with any potential buyers from the outset. The more detail you can give from the start, the fewer opportunities potential buyers will have to haggle the price down from you. Once you’ve agreed a price and arranged collection, all that’s left to do is complete all the paperwork as you would for the sale of any car.
Can I drive a SORN car to sell it?
Absolutely not! A SORN car must stay off the road at all times. If you need to get the car to a certain location for a sale, then you must arrange adequate transportation. More often than not this will be in the form of a flatbed truck or a trailer. If you have to drive the car, then it must have valid tax, MOT and insurance first.
Can you test drive a SORN car?
Much like driving SORN cars for a sale, driving a SORN car is not allowed. The only time you’re allowed to drive a SORN car is if you are on the way to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Unless you arrange for the potential buyer to come on this trip with you, the only way you can test drive a SORN car is to do so on private land.
Do I need to tell the DVLA when I SORN a car?
Yes, the DVLA must be informed of any sale of any car, no matter if it is SORN or not. Thankfully doing this is not a difficult task and most people will be used to the paperwork required in a vehicle sale. In most cases, you’ll likely be pulled up if you don’t have the relevant paperwork.
Informing the DVLA of a sale is easy, and all you need to do is fill in the relevant section of the car’s V5C Registration Document. Once you’ve signed and dated the document, hand the new owner the “New Keeper’s Slip” and send the rest of the document to the DVLA. Failure to do this could mean you are liable for any potential penalties incurred by the new owner.
What do I do with a SORN once the car is sold?
Once you have sold the car and informed the DVLA that it is no longer yours, you do not have to do anything else. Your part is done, it’s that simple! SORN, like tax, does not transfer with a sale, so the new owner will need to either tax the car or register it as SORN themselves. Don’t worry about this, though, as that is their problem, not yours!
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.
Buying a SORN car
All you need to know about buying a vehicle that has been kept off the road.
Or, visit our SORNing Knowledge Centre for guides on all topics related to SORNing and storing your car or bike
FAQ
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.
Can I SORN a car on finance
There are no rules that categorically state that you can’t SORN a car on finance, so in theory it should be easy to do so. However, it’s worth checking with your finance company first to make sure there are no rules that mean you can’t do so.
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.
SORN a car when someone dies
When a relative or close friend dies and you’re required to SORN it, you will need to complete the relevant paperwork. This will mean filling out either section 2 in an old style V5C or section 6 in a new style V5C and detach the ‘New Keeper’ slip. You will then need to send all of this, along with a letter explaining your relationship to the deceased and a V890 form to the DVLA Sensitive Casework Team.
