Requirements for SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in the United Kingdom in 2026

If you plan to keep a vehicle off public roads and stop paying vehicle tax, you must declare it with a Statutory Off Road Notification — known as a SORN. Without one, you could face a fine even if the vehicle never moves.

The process is straightforward and free of charge. It is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and in most cases you can complete everything online in under five minutes.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

A SORN is a legal declaration that your vehicle is being kept off public roads — for example, in a garage, on private land, or stored while awaiting repair or sale. Once a SORN is in place, you are no longer required to pay vehicle excise duty (road tax) for that vehicle.

A SORN applies to any registered vehicle in the UK that is not being used or kept on a public road. It is compulsory: if your vehicle tax has expired and the vehicle is not insured for road use, you must have a valid SORN in place or face an automatic £80 fine, with higher penalties possible through court action.

The DVLA is the official body responsible for registering and processing SORNs in Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) handles vehicle licensing, though the SORN process follows the same rules.

Documents required

The information and documents you need depend on how you submit your SORN.

Online or by phone

Your vehicle’s 11-digit reference number from your vehicle tax renewal reminder (V11 form) — this is the fastest route
Alternatively, the 16-digit reference number from your vehicle registration certificate (V5C logbook), shown in section 1

By post

The yellow section (V5C/3) of your V5C logbook, completed and signed — send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR
If you do not have a V5C, you must apply for a replacement before proceeding (fee applies)

No apostille, certified translation, or notarised copy is required. Originals are not submitted for online or phone applications — only the reference numbers are used.

Steps to complete the procedure

Online (recommended): Go to www.gov.uk/make-sorn. Enter the 11-digit number from your V11 reminder or the 16-digit number from your V5C. Confirm your vehicle details and submit. No account or appointment is needed. You receive instant confirmation.
By phone: Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 (Monday to Friday, 8am–7pm; Saturday, 8am–2pm). Have your V11 or V5C reference number ready. Confirmation is immediate.
By post: Complete and sign the yellow V5C/3 slip from your V5C logbook and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. Allow up to four weeks for the DVLA to process a postal application.

If you have already taxed the vehicle in the current period and wish to apply for a refund of remaining full months, this is handled automatically when the SORN is processed — you do not need to make a separate request.

No appointment is required for any channel.

Fees and timelines

Fee: Free — there is no charge to register a SORN
Processing time (online or phone): Immediate; confirmation is provided at the end of the call or on screen
Processing time (postal): Up to four weeks
Vehicle tax refund: If applicable, DVLA issues a cheque for any full remaining months of tax; this typically arrives within six weeks
Validity: A SORN does not expire — it remains in force until you tax the vehicle again, sell it, export it, or permanently scrap it
Tax refund trigger: The SORN takes effect from the first day of the following month if submitted mid-month; refunds are calculated accordingly

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Using the wrong reference number: The V11 has an 11-digit number; the V5C has a 16-digit number. Using one in place of the other will cause the online process to fail — check which document you have before you start.
Assuming the SORN covers road use: A vehicle with a SORN must not be driven or parked on a public road for any reason, even briefly. Doing so invalidates the SORN and requires valid tax and insurance immediately.
Not updating the SORN after selling or scrapping: A SORN is tied to the registered keeper. If you sell or scrap the vehicle, you must notify the DVLA separately — the SORN does not transfer to the new owner.
Posting the wrong section of the V5C: Only the yellow V5C/3 slip should be posted for a SORN. Sending the full V5C logbook causes delays and you may not get it back promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need insurance if my vehicle has a SORN? Not by law — the Motor Insurers’ Bureau confirmed that a vehicle kept entirely off public roads with a valid SORN is exempt from the compulsory insurance requirement. However, many owners choose to keep a storage or fire-and-theft policy in place.

What happens if I forget to renew or declare a SORN? There is nothing to renew — a SORN remains valid indefinitely. However, if your vehicle tax expires without a SORN being in place, an automatic £80 fine applies, reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days.

Can I apply for a SORN on behalf of someone else? Yes, provided you have the relevant V11 or V5C reference number. Online and phone applications do not require you to be the registered keeper personally, though the SORN is always recorded against the keeper on DVLA’s register.

What if I do not have a V5C or V11? You must apply for a replacement V5C (form V62, fee of £25) before you can register a SORN by post. Contact the DVLA to discuss options if your logbook has been lost or stolen.

Does a SORN affect my no-claims bonus or future insurance premiums? A SORN itself has no direct impact on insurance records. However, a gap in continuous insurance history may be noted by some insurers when you resume cover — check with your insurer before letting a policy lapse entirely.

What to do next

The first step is to locate your V11 reminder or V5C logbook and note the reference number. Then visit www.gov.uk/make-sorn to complete the declaration in minutes — no appointment, no fee, and confirmation is instant.

Requirements and processes can change. Always verify the latest guidance directly with the DVLA at www.gov.uk/dvla or by calling 0300 790 6802 before proceeding.

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