This guide explains the procedure to register your vehicle as 'taken off the road'. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency calls it a SORN certificate.
MAKE A SORN ONLINE: There are several reasons for declaring a car off the road with the DVLA.
In most cases, it will be because you are storing the vehicle in a garage or on your driveway.
The most common reason is to remove the need to pay vehicle tax (VED). But, you must not use it on the road again unless you have taxed it.
You need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea. They are responsible for vehicle excise duty and road tax registration.
This information clarifies how to declare your vehicle off the road to DVLA. This process of vehicle status is often referred to as making a 'Statutory Off Road Notification' (SORN Certificate UK).
After you make a SORN there could be a road tax refund due for any full months remaining. But, remember if you claim the tax refund you must not use the vehicle on a public road until you 're tax a car after SORN'.
You will need the reference number (16 digits) on your vehicle tax V11 reminder letter or car tax renewal letter. The number should show only 11 digits on your log book (V5C) if you use this method.
SORN a Vehicle Online Now with DVLA
You can take your vehicle off the road immediately. Use the 11-digit number on the vehicle log book (V5C). Click through to the DVLA SORN website and tell them you are taking your vehicle off the road right now.
SORN a Car Next Month (first day)
What if you want to take your vehicle off the road from the first day of next month? In this case use the 16-digit number on your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11). Note that you can only use this number one time during the process.
Note: You will need to inform DVLA using the postal method if the vehicle is not registered in your name.
Making a SORN by post means you will need to send an application form (V890) to DVLA in Swansea. Remember to inform them of which day you want to take your vehicle off the road. Using the post means it can be any day during the:
Current month or the previous month: There will be no vehicle tax refund for past dates.
Next month or the month after next month: Add a letter informing them why you need to delay it.
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR
Register Vehicle SORN: Common Issues
What if the address is wrong on the log book (V5C)?
Write your new address on section 6 of your log book.
Misconception. It only takes a few minutes to SORN a car online and it is free to do so. You can also get a vehicle log book (V5C) replacement if you need to get one.
I don't pay tax on my EV so I don't need a SORN
Fallacy. Being exempt from road tax means you still need to get it taxed. Thus, you need a Statutory Off Road Notification to take a vehicle off the road even if you do not pay for road fund licence (and then tax it before returning it to the road).
You can't get a road tax refund if you SORN a vehicle
Not true. You can notify DVLA about a future SORN for a period of up to two (2) months in advance (e.g. online, by phone, or using traditional postal methods).
'UnSORNing' a vehicle is a complicated process
Myth. Even though you cannot 'unSORN' a vehicle, taxing a car is simple to do once you are ready to tax it again.