SORN Declaration Cost: Your Guide

Understanding SORN Declarations and Their Cost

Many vehicle owners in the UK find themselves needing to declare their vehicle off the road. Whether you're storing your car in a garage, on your driveway, or simply not using it for an extended period, the process of making a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is crucial. Not only does it exempt you from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as road tax, but it also ensures you remain compliant with UK motoring laws. This article will delve into the intricacies of SORN declarations, focusing particularly on their cost, how to make one, and debunking common myths surrounding this important process.

What is a SORN Declaration?

A SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notification, is a declaration made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that informs them you are keeping a vehicle but not using or keeping it on a public road. This means the vehicle must be kept on private land, such as your driveway or in a garage. The primary benefit of making a SORN is to avoid paying road tax when the vehicle is not in use. It's important to understand that a SORN is not a certificate in itself, but rather a notification process. Once a SORN is in place, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on a public road until it has been re-taxed.

How Much Does a SORN Declaration Cost?

The most important piece of information for many is the cost associated with a SORN. The good news is that making a SORN declaration is completely free of charge. The DVLA does not charge any fee for notifying them that your vehicle is off the road. This is a common misconception, and it's vital to know that you do not need to pay for this service.

However, there are some associated costs you might encounter, depending on your circumstances:

• Vehicle Log Book (V5C): If you do not have your V5C (log book) or it's not up to date, you will need to obtain a replacement. The cost for a new log book from the DVLA is currently £25. This is the only potential cost directly linked to the SORN process if your documentation isn't in order.
• Postal Applications: While the declaration itself is free, if you choose to make your SORN by post, you will incur postage costs.

Methods for Making a SORN Declaration

The DVLA offers several convenient ways to make a SORN declaration:

1. Online

This is the quickest and most straightforward method. You can make a SORN online through the official DVLA website. You'll typically need your vehicle's 11-digit registration number and either the 16-digit reference number from your V11 reminder letter or the 11-digit number from your V5C log book. You can choose to make the SORN effective immediately or from the first day of the following month.

2. By Phone

You can also make a SORN declaration over the phone by calling the DVLA Vehicle Service on 0300 123 4321. This service is available 24 hours a day. Be aware of potential call charges depending on your phone provider.

3. By Post

For those who prefer a traditional method, you can download and complete the V890 'Statutory Off Road Notification' form from the DVLA website and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. When sending by post, you can specify the date you wish the SORN to be effective. You can choose a date within the current month or the previous month (though no tax refund will be given for past dates). You can also select a date in the next month or the month after, but you'll need to include a letter explaining the reason for the delay.

Choosing Your SORN Start Date

The DVLA allows you to choose the date your SORN becomes effective. This flexibility is useful for planning. You can:

• Immediate SORN: If you need to take your vehicle off the road immediately, you can use the 11-digit number from your vehicle log book (V5C) when making the declaration online.
• Next Month SORN: If you wish for the SORN to start from the first day of the next month, you should use the 16-digit number found on your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11). This number can only be used once.
• Advance SORN: You can notify the DVLA of a future SORN up to two months in advance, whether you do it online, by phone, or by post.

When Do You Need to Make a SORN?

You are legally required to make a SORN if you are keeping a vehicle on a public road but not taxing it. This applies in the following scenarios:

• You have bought a vehicle and haven't taxed it yet.
• You are keeping a vehicle that is not being used.
• You have sold a vehicle but have not yet received notification that the new keeper has taxed it.

Failure to make a SORN when required can result in penalties, including fines and backdated tax payments.

Road Tax Refunds

When you make a SORN declaration, you may be entitled to a refund for any full remaining months of your vehicle tax. The refund is usually processed automatically by the DVLA. To ensure you receive any due refunds, it's crucial to keep your address details up to date with the DVLA. If you choose to claim the tax refund, you must not use the vehicle on a public road until you have re-taxed it.

Common SORN Issues and How to Resolve Them

The DVLA has addressed several common issues and misconceptions regarding SORN declarations:

1. Incorrect Address on V5C

If your address on the log book (V5C) is incorrect, you should write your new address on section 6 of the V5C. Then, send the completed V890 form along with your V5C to the DVLA.

2. Vehicle Not Registered in Your Name

If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you need to fill in the appropriate section of the V5C and send it, along with a completed V890 form, to the DVLA.

3. No Vehicle Log Book (V5C)

If you don't have a log book, you'll need to complete the V62 'Apply for a vehicle registration certificate' form and send it with the V890 form to the DVLA.

Debunking SORN Myths

To further clarify the SORN process, the DVLA has debunked some common myths:

1. Myth: Keeping a vehicle on the road is fine – but don’t drive it!
   Fact: This is incorrect. If you make a SORN, you cannot keep the vehicle on any public road. It must be stored on private land, such as a garage or driveway.
2. Myth: Motorists can transfer SORN to the next vehicle keeper.
   Fact: Similar to vehicle tax, SORN is not transferable. The new keeper must make their own SORN declaration if they intend to keep the vehicle off the road.
3. Myth: You must a SORN every year.
   Fact: This is not true. Once you have made a SORN, it remains valid until you decide to re-tax the vehicle, sell it, permanently export it, or scrap it at an authorised treatment facility. You do not need to renew it annually.
4. Myth: Driving a vehicle to MOT is illegal if it’s SORN.
   Fact: UK motoring laws permit you to drive a SORN vehicle to a pre-arranged MOT appointment.
5. Myth: Making a SORN is difficult and costly.
   Fact: This is a misconception. Making a SORN online is quick, easy, and free. The only potential cost is for a replacement log book if needed.
6. Myth: I don’t pay tax on my EV so I don’t need a SORN.
   Fact: Even if your vehicle is exempt from road tax (like some electric vehicles), you still need to tax it if it's used or kept on a public road. If you intend to keep such a vehicle off the road, you still need to make a SORN.
7. Myth: You can’t get a road tax refund if you SORN a vehicle.
   Fact: This is incorrect. Registered keepers are eligible for road tax refunds for any full remaining months after making a SORN. Keeping your address updated with the DVLA is crucial for receiving these refunds.
8. Myth: DVLA don’t let you make a SORN in advance.
   Fact: This is false. You can make a SORN declaration up to two months in advance using any of the available methods.

Table: SORN Methods and Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About SORN

Q1: What happens if I don't make a SORN declaration and my vehicle is off the road?
A1: You could face penalties, including fines and demands for backdated vehicle tax.

Q2: Can I still drive my SORN vehicle to a garage for repairs?
A2: No, you cannot drive a SORN vehicle on a public road unless you are driving it to a pre-arranged MOT appointment. For repairs, you would need to arrange for the vehicle to be transported by a trailer or recovery service.

Q3: How long does a SORN last?
A3: A SORN remains valid until you decide to tax the vehicle, sell it, export it permanently, or scrap it. It does not expire annually.

Q4: Do I need to make a SORN if my car is stored on private land but visible from the road?
A4: Yes, if the vehicle is on a public road, even if it's on private land that is visible from the road (like a driveway), you must make a SORN unless it is taxed. The key is that it must not be on a public road without being taxed.

Q5: What if I sell my vehicle?
A5: When you sell a vehicle, you should inform the DVLA by completing the relevant section of the V5C and sending it off. You should also keep the 'New Keeper Supplement' from the V5C. The SORN will automatically be cancelled when the DVLA is notified of the sale, or when the new keeper taxes the vehicle. If you are selling a SORN vehicle, you should inform the DVLA that you have sold it.

In conclusion, the process of making a SORN declaration is a vital step for any UK vehicle owner who is not using their vehicle on public roads. The most significant takeaway is that the declaration itself is free, making it an accessible and cost-effective way to manage your vehicle responsibilities and save money on road tax. Always ensure you follow the correct procedures and keep your vehicle details updated with the DVLA to avoid any potential penalties.

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