Should I SORN my vehicle?

If a vehicle isn't going to be used on the road for a while, a SORN can save you tax and insurance. But it isn't always the right move. Use the decision tree below.

Checked against GOV.UK guidance · Updated 25 October 2026

SORN is right for you if...

• the vehicle will be kept off the public road: in a garage, on a private drive or on private land
• you won't need to drive it for at least a month or two (refunds are for full months only)
• you want to stop paying vehicle tax, and possibly stop insuring it
• it's a project car, a winter lay-up, a car awaiting long repairs, or one you're breaking for parts before scrapping

SORN is probably not right if...

• it's kept on the street. A SORN vehicle must be off the public road. If you can't keep it on private land, you'll need to keep it taxed and insured.
• you've sold it. Tell DVLA you've sold it instead. No SORN is needed (GOV.UK).
• you're scrapping it now. Take it to an authorised treatment facility and DVLA is told. Your tax is cancelled and refunded (scrapping a SORN car).
• you're taking it abroad permanently. Tell DVLA it's exported. A SORN is only valid while the vehicle stays in the UK (working abroad).
• you'll need it within a few weeks. The admin of SORN, then re-taxing, may not be worth it for a short gap, especially if you'd lose little or no refund.

What a SORN saves

• Vehicle tax: a refund for each full month left, and nothing more to pay while it's off the road. See refunds.
• Insurance: a SORN vehicle is excluded from continuous insurance enforcement, so you can cancel or reduce cover. Many owners keep a laid-up (fire and theft) policy. See SORN and insurance.
• MOT: you don't need a valid MOT while it's off the road. You'll need one before you tax it again, if it's due.

What a SORN costs you

• Nothing to make. It's free with DVLA.
• No road use at all, except driving to and from a pre-booked MOT or test, with insurance.
• Paperwork to undo it: to use the car again you'll need MOT (if due), insurance and tax. Our back on the road guide covers it.

Quick checklist before you SORN

1. Is it somewhere off the public road? If not, don't SORN.
2. Do you have the V5C or a tax reminder? If not, see SORN without a V5C.
3. Is the V5C in your name and address? If not, see address wrong or not in my name.
4. When does your tax expire? See when SORN starts.
5. Check the MOT history now so you know what's coming. A full MOT history check shows the expiry date and any advisories to fix while it's laid up.
6. Ready? Follow our 3-step SORN guide.