Wondering if a used car you’re looking to buy is currently SORN? Or need to verify the SORN status of a vehicle for insurance or registration purposes? This guide explains what SORN means, why SORN status matters, and how to check if a car is SORN using the DVLA service.
What Does SORN Mean?
SORN stands for “Statutory Off Road Notification”. It is a formal declaration to the DVLA that a car is being taken off public roads and will not be driven.
Vehicle owners in the UK must complete a SORN declaration if:
- The car will be parked on private property and not used at all
- The owner is keeping a vintage car in storage
- A project car is being worked on and won’t be road legal
- The owner is living abroad and leaving the car at home
- The vehicle is being scrapped or written off
SORN status means the car is not being driven on public roads, so road tax does not need to be paid. However, you still own the car and are responsible for it.
Why Does SORN Status Matter?
Checking if a car is SORN is important for several reasons:
Buying a Used Car
When looking at used cars for sale, you want to verify the car can legally be driven. A SORN declaration typically means it is not roadworthy and you may need repairs to get it insured and registered.
Insuring a Car
Insurers need to know a car’s SORN status. Policies differ for cars actively being driven versus those garaged or in storage. SORN vehicles often have limited cover.
Registering a Car
You cannot immediately register and drive a SORN vehicle until it is inspected, declared roadworthy again, and the SORN cancelled.
Storing a Car
If you plan to store a car long-term and not drive it, you must declare SORN to formally take it off the road and stop paying road tax.
How to Check if a Car is SORN?
It only takes a few quick steps to verify a car’s SORN status using the DVLA’s online tools.
Step 1: Gather the Car’s Details
You will need the vehicle registration plate number and make to check the SORN status. For used cars, get this info from the seller or confirm it yourself if inspecting the car in person.
Step 2: Use the DVLA SORN Checker Tool
Go to the SORN Vehicle Checker on the DVLA website. This tool allows you to instantly check any car’s SORN status.
Enter the registration number and make of the car and click “Continue”.
Step 3: Check the SORN Status
The tool will display the car’s details along with one of these SORN statuses:
- SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) – The car is registered SORN and declared off road.
- Licensed For Road Use – The car is currently taxed and legally roadworthy.
- No Details Held – The registration details entered could not be found. Re-check and retry.
Step 4: Review the SORN Expiry Date
If the car has active SORN status, the tool displays the “SORN declared to” date. This is when the SORN expires.
Before this expiry date, the car must be inspected, taxed, insured and registered again for road use. Or the owner can renew the SORN declaration for another 12 month term.
SORN Status Scenarios
To understand how to interpret SORN check results, here are some common scenarios:
- SORN Status + Expired SORN Date – The car is still SORN’d but will need registering soon.
- Licensed Status – The car is road legal and currently taxed to be driven.
- Short SORN Expiry Date – The car will need taxing and registering again very soon.
- Long SORN Expiry Date – The car is likely being stored long term if the SORN has years before expiring.
- No Details Held – Either the details entered are incorrect or the car may have been scrapped, exported or stolen.
A quick SORN status check gives useful insight into a car’s registration status during sale, purchase or ownership.
Next Steps After Checking SORN Status
Once you confirm a car’s SORN status, take the appropriate next steps:
SORN Car You Want to Buy
- Inspect thoroughly and identify any issues to make it roadworthy.
- Repair and service as needed, including having an MOT if required.
- Arrange insurance to begin when ownership transfers.
- Register the car in your name and pay road tax.
- Cancel the existing SORN declaration.
SORN Car You Want Insured
- Clarify details and coverage options with your provider for a SORN vehicle.
- Limited cover may apply if stored on private land while SORN’d.
- Fully comp insurance may be invalid until SORN cancelled.
Your Car You Want to SORN
- Inform your insurer and possibly amend or cancel your policy.
- Make a SORN declaration using the DVLA online service.
- Remove road tax from expired date once SORN’d.
- Store off public roads until ready to register again.
5 Frequently Asked Questions on SORN Cars
1. Can I drive a SORN car?
No, it is illegal to drive a SORN declared vehicle on public roads. Doing so risks fines and penalty points. It must be registered and taxed again first.
2. Does a SORN car need an MOT?
No, SORN vehicles do not require a valid MOT while declared off road. But an MOT will be required if taxing and registering the car for road use again.
3. Can I sell a SORN car?
Yes, you can sell a SORN vehicle to a new keeper. They will need to officially register it in their name and cancel SORN before driving.
4. How do I check SORN status for free?
You can use the DVLA’s online SORN Checker for free by entering a car’s make and registration number. No login or fees are required.
5. Can I tax a SORN car?
You cannot tax a SORN vehicle. The SORN status must be cancelled first. Then the car can be registered and taxed again for road use once declared fit.
Conclusion
Checking a car’s SORN status is quick and easy using the DVLA SORN Checker tool. This provides valuable insights on a car’s registration status during purchase or ownership. Just enter the registration and make to learn if a car is actively SORN declared or legally taxed and on the road.