If you’ve declared your vehicle as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and want to drive it on the road again, you will need to unSORN it. This process ensures that your vehicle is safe to drive on the road again, with up-to-date tax, insurance, and an MOT (if required). While some people believe that unSORNing the car is complicated, it is quite simple when you follow the right steps.
In this guide, we will explain how to unSORN a vehicle and provide simple instructions on how to do so.
What is SORN and Why It’s Crucial?
SORN is a legal requirement in the UK when you want to take your vehicle off the road and stop paying road tax. It means you cannot legally drive or park your vehicle on public roads, but you do not need to pay tax or insurance while the car is off the road.
However, if you want to drive the car again, you will need to unSORN the car. These are the common reasons why some people decide to unSORN the car:
- You need to sell the car, and the buyer wants to take it for a test drive.
- You’re moving house and must drive the car to the new location.
- You simply want to use your car again after a break.
- You’ve repaired or restored your car and want to put it back on the road.
UnSORNing your car is easy. You simply need to ensure that everything is aligned and meets the legal requirements. The DVLA could fine you if you fail to do so.
Steps to UnSORN the Car
Want to unSORN the car? Follow these simple steps to complete the task as soon as possible.
Gather Necessary Documents
Before you can legally drive your car again, you need to make sure that you have the right paperwork, including:
- V5C Registration Certificate – The V5C document confirms that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle.
- Valid Insurance – Your car must be insured before returning to the road.
- MOT Certificate (if required) – If your car is over three years old, it is required to have a valid MOT.
Check Your Car’s Status
If your car has been off the road for a while, inspect the vehicle’s overall condition before hitting the road again. Make sure these conditions are met:
- The car starts and runs properly.
- Brakes, tyres, lights, and other key components are in good condition.
- If the MOT has expired, get it tested before driving.
Tax Your Vehicle
The most crucial step to unSORN your vehicle is to pay the tax. You can complete this process online through the DVLA website, offline at a post office, or by phone. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to the DVLA website and enter your vehicle’s details
- Use your V11 reminder letter (if you have one) or the VC5 logbook
- Pay for the road tax using a credit or debit card
- Once your request is confirmed, your car will be officially taxed and ready to be driven on the road again.
Get the Insurance in Place
Ensure your vehicle is insured before driving it. Contact your insurer and ensure the policy is active from the day you plan to unSORN your car. Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in fines and points on your license.
Inform the DVLA (If Required)
In most cases, taxing your vehicle automatically removes the SORN status, and you do not need to contact the DVLA directly. However, if you are unsure if you faced any complications, you may check the official DVLA for further guidance.
You Are All Set
Once you have completed the steps above, your car is officially registered and unSORNed, and you can drive it on the road.
Fees and Charges
UnSORNing a vehicle isn’t free; there are costs involved. Here’s what you need to know to prepare the budget.
- Road Tax: The amount depends on the vehicle’s emissions and fuel type. For specific rates, please refer to the DVLA’s tax bands.
- MOT Test (If needed): Around £54.85 for a standard car.
- Insurance: Costs vary based on your car, driving history, and location.
Budgeting for these expenses before putting your car back on the road is essential.
Need to Pay the Tax First?
If your vehicle has been SORN-ed or unteaxed, you will need to check the car’s tax status and pay any owed amount of road tax before updating the car’s documentation. Without a valid tax, your car can be considered illegal to drive on the public road, and updating your car’s vehicle registration won’t change that.
Check Vehicle Status Before Updating
Before you update your vehicle’s certificate of registration, it’s also recommended that you check your vehicle’s status to know whether the car is under the SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), if it’s taxed, or if there are any red flags like outstanding finance or write-off records. You can do this by getting a car history report and being informed about your vehicle.
A vehicle history report will reveal if the car is currently off the road, its MOT history, mileage records, and more. Be sure to check the vehicle’s history report to avoid mistakes when you are updating your V5C.
Don’t Skip the MOT History
Before updating your V5C, review the MOT history to confirm whether your vehicle is still roadworthy or if any repairs are needed. Or, if the MOT has expired, the DVLA may delay the process for certain updates.
[fa show heading=”true”What if My Car Has Been SORN for Several Years?*If your car has been off the road for an extended period, inspect its mechanical condition before driving. To ensure safety, it may need an MOT, servicing, or repairs.*Does SORN Automatically End When I Tax My Car?*Yes. When you tax your vehicle, the SORN status is removed automatically.*Can I Drive My Car to an MOT Test Before It Is UnSORN?*Yes, but only if the car is insured and you have a pre-booked MOT appointment.*Will My Insurance Be Affected?*Some insurers may charge a higher premium if your car has been off the road for an extended period of time. It’s best to check with your provider before UnSORNing your vehicle.*[/faq]
