Taxing a SORN car without a valid MOT certificate is simply not possible. Taxing a SORN vehicle is no different to renewing the tax on a vehicle that is already taxed. No vehicle can be taxed unless it has a valid MOT certificate.
If your SORN car does not have a valid MOT, then you will need to get this sorted before you are able to tax it.
How do I get an MOT for a SORN car?
If you are ready to tax your SORN car but its MOT has expired, then you’ll obviously need to get to a garage to get this sorted. Thankfully, there are provisions in place for this eventuality. Providing you are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment then you can drive a SORN vehicle. However, you must ensure that you go directly to the garage where this appointment is booked – any deviations (such as to a shop to get some food on the way there) immediately make that journey illegal.
How do I remove SORN without a valid MOT?
The only way to remove SORN from your vehicle is to tax it, and if your car does not have a valid MOT then this will not be possible. There is no such thing as “unSORNing” or just removing SORN from a car. Taxing a car removes SORN, and SORNing a car removes the requirement to be taxed. The two are directly related to each other and is impossible to do one without impacting the other.
Can I drive a SORN car with a valid MOT?
Unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment then you can never take your SORN car on the road. If you are going to an MOT test, you’ll need to be able to prove that is where you are going in case you are pulled by the police. You’ll also have to go directly to the test – no stopping off anywhere on route.
Taxing your SORNed car will remove the SORN status. Here’s some more advice on what to do next.
Taxing your SORNed car will remove the SORN status. Here’s some more advice on what to do next.Do I need to have insurance for a SORN car?
When you register a vehicle as SORN, you no longer need to have insurance for it. Equally, if the vehicle has run out of insurance you will need to ensure you register it as SORN. All vehicles on the road network must have valid tax, insurance and MOT – any one of these not valid renders that car illegal and at risk of fines.
If you are driving your SORN vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test then you must have insurance in place.
How do I tax a SORN car?
Taxing a SORN car couldn’t be easier – all you need is the 11-digit number from your V5C logbook and the entire process can be completed in as little as two minutes. If you don’t have the V5C then you could also use the 16-digit reference from your V11 tax reminder – although this reference number is only valid for the month the tax is due and the month before. If this has passed, then you’ll need to apply for a new V5C with a V62 form. This will cost £25.
Will having SORN and no MOT make it hard to sell or scrap my car?
Absolutely not! If you use our service then having a SORN on your vehicle will make absolutely no difference to the process. Simply give us all of the information up front and we’ll get you a sale as quick as possible with minimal fuss.
If you’re selling privately then this could be a little more tricky. However, chances are the new buyer will be well aware of the processes they need to go through when buying a SORN car, particularly one without a valid MOT.
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.
