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What Does SORN Mean?

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s an official declaration to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that a vehicle is not being used on public roads and will be kept off-road—for example, in a garage, driveway, or private land.

Once a vehicle is declared as SORN, it cannot be driven or parked on any public highway, and it is exempt from road tax and insurance requirements.

How to Check the SORN Status of a Vehicle

To find out if a vehicle is currently registered as SORN:

• Enter the vehicle registration number in the search bar above
• Get an instant free SORN status check as part of your Total Car Check report

This report will confirm whether the vehicle is taxed, untaxed, or declared off-road (SORNed).

Do You Get a Refund When You SORN a Vehicle?

Yes. If you declare a vehicle SORN, any unused vehicle tax (VED) will be automatically refunded by the DVLA—whether you’ve paid for 6 or 12 months in advance.

How to Remove SORN and Put a Vehicle Back on the Road

To remove SORN status and start using the vehicle again:

1. Tax the vehicle - You can do this online via the DVLA tax your vehicle service
2. Ensure the vehicle has a valid MOT
3. Insure the vehicle It must appear on the Navigate insurance database

Once taxed and insured, the SORN status is automatically removed.

When Should You Declare a Vehicle as SORN?

Declare a vehicle as SORN if:

• It is uninsured
• You don’t plan to renew road tax
• It’s being stored off public roads (garage, driveway, private property)
• You’re facing insurance renewal delays
• The vehicle is bought for scrapping, breaking for parts, or restoration
• You have lost your V5C logbook and cannot tax it without a DVLA reminder

Important: You must make a SORN before taking the vehicle off the road or the DVLA may issue fines.

Penalties for Not Declaring SORN

Failing to notify the DVLA when a vehicle should be SORNed can result in:

• Fines of up to £1,000
• Court prosecution
• Penalty points on your driving licence
• The vehicle being clamped or seized

Vehicles that are not taxed or insured must either be declared as SORN or risk legal action.