Understanding the V112 Form

In the United Kingdom, the process of declaring a vehicle off the road, commonly known as SORNing (Statutory Off Road Notification), is a legal requirement managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). While many motorists are familiar with the concept of SORN, the specific documentation involved can sometimes be a source of confusion. This is where the V112 form comes into play. Understanding the role and function of the V112 form is crucial for anyone looking to correctly declare their vehicle as not being used on public roads.

What is the V112 Form?

The V112 form, officially titled "Declaration of exemption from vehicle tax", is a document used to inform the DVLA that a vehicle is being kept off public roads and therefore does not require vehicle tax. It serves as a formal declaration by the registered keeper that the vehicle will not be used or kept on a public road during the period for which tax would normally be due. This declaration is a key part of the SORN process, ensuring that the DVLA has accurate records and that the keeper is not inadvertently breaking the law by not taxing an untaxed vehicle that is in use.

Why is the V112 Form Necessary?

Vehicle tax, often referred to as road tax or car tax, is mandatory for any vehicle used or kept on a public road in the UK. If you are not using your vehicle and it is stored on private property, such as a driveway or garage, you are legally required to declare it as off the road. This prevents you from having to pay vehicle tax for a period when the vehicle is not in use. The V112 form is the primary method for making this declaration. Without a valid SORN, if your vehicle is caught being used on a public road without tax, you could face fines, penalties, and even have the vehicle seized.

Who Needs to Complete the V112 Form?

The V112 form is to be completed by the registered keeper of the vehicle. The registered keeper is the person whose name and address are recorded on the vehicle's V5C registration certificate (logbook). It is important to note that being the registered keeper is not necessarily the same as being the owner of the vehicle; the keeper is the person responsible for the vehicle's legal compliance, including taxing and insuring it. If you are the registered keeper and you intend to keep your vehicle off the public road for an extended period, such as during a period of disability, when it is off the road for repairs, or if you are simply not using it for the foreseeable future, you will need to complete a V112 form.

When Should the V112 Form Be Completed?

The V112 form should be completed before the vehicle tax expires. If your vehicle tax is due to expire and you intend to SORN the vehicle, you must submit the V112 form to the DVLA by the date your current tax expires. If you have already missed the deadline and your vehicle tax has expired, you should still complete the V112 form as soon as possible. However, be aware that if the vehicle has been used on a public road since the tax expired, you may still be liable for penalties.

It is also important to complete a V112 form if you have recently purchased a vehicle and intend to keep it off the road immediately. You do not need to wait for the current tax disc to expire if you are taking possession of a vehicle that you will not be using.

How to Complete the V112 Form

The V112 form can be completed in a couple of ways:

1. Online

The quickest and most convenient method is often to declare your vehicle off the road online via the official GOV.UK website. While this doesn't involve a physical V112 form, the online system collects the same information and performs the same legal declaration. You will need your vehicle's registration number and the 11-digit chassis number (found on your V5C or a plate on the vehicle). The system will guide you through the process and confirm your SORN.

2. By Post

If you prefer to complete a physical form, you can download the V112 form from the GOV.UK website or request a copy from the DVLA. The form requires you to provide:

• Your vehicle's registration number.
• The make and model of the vehicle.
• The 11-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), also known as the chassis number.
• The date from which you are declaring the vehicle off the road.
• Your name and address.
• Your signature, confirming the declaration.

Once completed, the form should be sent to the DVLA at the address specified on the form itself. It's advisable to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

What Happens After Submitting the V112 Form?

Once your SORN declaration is processed, you will receive confirmation from the DVLA. You will no longer be required to pay vehicle tax for the vehicle as long as it remains off the road and you continue to renew your SORN annually. You will also receive an annual reminder from the DVLA, prompting you to renew your SORN if the vehicle is still off the road. If you decide to use your vehicle on a public road again, you must tax it before doing so. You can do this online, by phone, or at a Post Office. You do not need to inform the DVLA that you are taking the vehicle off SORN; taxing it automatically cancels the SORN.

Exemptions and Special Circumstances

While the V112 form is primarily for declaring a vehicle off the road, there are specific circumstances where vehicle tax is not payable, and a SORN declaration might not be strictly necessary, but the V112 form can still be used to confirm these exemptions. These include:

• Vehicles made before 1983: Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1983 are exempt from vehicle tax.
• Electric vehicles: Certain electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax.
• Vehicles used only on private land: If a vehicle is exclusively used on private land and never on a public road, it does not require vehicle tax. However, if there's any possibility of it being on a public road, a SORN is advisable.
• Vehicles that are being scrapped: When a vehicle is being scrapped, you should inform the DVLA by completing the relevant section of the V5C registration certificate and returning it to the DVLA, along with a certificate of destruction from an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).

In these cases, while a SORN may not be the primary action, the V112 can be used to declare the exemption and ensure the DVLA's records are up to date.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

It's essential to get the SORN process right to avoid penalties. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Not SORNing a vehicle in time: Failing to declare a vehicle off the road before tax expires can lead to fines.
• Using a SORNed vehicle on a public road: Even for a short period, using a SORNed vehicle on a public road without taxing it first is illegal.
• Incorrectly completing the V112: Ensure all details, especially the chassis number, are accurate.
• Forgetting to renew SORN: SORN declarations need to be renewed every 12 months. If you don't renew, the DVLA may assume the vehicle is back on the road and untaxed.
• Confusing V112 with other DVLA forms: The V112 is specifically for declaring a vehicle off the road. Other forms are used for different purposes, such as notifying a change of address or selling a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need to send my V5C logbook when I submit a V112 form?

A1: No, you do not need to send your V5C logbook with the V112 form. The V112 is a declaration form, and your logbook remains with you. The DVLA uses the information provided on the V112 to update their records.

Q2: What is the difference between SORN and V112?

A2: SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is the legal declaration itself. The V112 form is the document used to make that declaration to the DVLA. You can also make a SORN declaration online or by phone, which bypasses the need for a physical V112 form.

Q3: Can I sell a vehicle that is SORNed?

A3: Yes, you can sell a vehicle that is SORNed. When you sell a vehicle, you must notify the DVLA by completing the relevant section of your V5C registration certificate and giving it to the buyer. You should also inform the buyer that the vehicle is SORNed and that they will need to either tax it or SORN it themselves before it can be used on the road.

Q4: What happens if I move house while my vehicle is SORNed?

A4: If you move house, you must inform the DVLA of your new address by updating your V5C registration certificate. This applies whether your vehicle is on or off the road. The DVLA will then send your SORN reminders to your new address.

Q5: How long is a SORN valid for?

A5: A SORN declaration is valid until the end of the current tax period, and then it automatically renews unless you decide to tax the vehicle. You will receive an annual reminder from the DVLA to renew your SORN if the vehicle remains off the road.

Conclusion

The V112 form is an essential piece of documentation for any vehicle keeper in the UK who needs to declare their vehicle as off the road. By understanding its purpose, how to complete it, and the legal implications of not having a valid SORN, motorists can ensure they comply with DVLA regulations and avoid unnecessary fines. Whether completing it online or by post, the V112 serves as a vital link between the vehicle keeper and the DVLA, maintaining accurate records and ensuring the smooth operation of the UK's road legal framework.

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