How do I SORN my car?

For vehicle keepers in England, Scotland and Wales who want to take a vehicle off the road and stop paying vehicle tax.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Tell DVLA your vehicle is off the road online, using the 11-digit number in your log book or the 16-digit reference on your tax reminder. You'll get a refund for any full months of tax left.

You can't use it on the road until you tax it again.
You can also SORN by phone on 0300 123 4321 or by post.
Don't SORN a vehicle you've sold; tell DVLA you've sold it instead.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Refund for full months left
Can't drive on the road
Phone 0300 123 4321

What a SORN is

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It tells DVLA you are taking a vehicle off the road, for example to keep it in a garage. Once it is SORN, you cannot use it on the road until you tax it again.

What you need

One of these:

the 11-digit reference number from the vehicle log book (V5C)
the 16-digit reference number from your vehicle tax reminder

To SORN online, the vehicle must be registered in your name.

How to make a SORN

Method	How
Online	Use the DVLA SORN service on GOV.UK
Phone	DVLA vehicle service, 0300 123 4321 (24-hour service)
Post	Send form V890 to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR

Steps online:

Go to the "Register your vehicle as off the road (SORN)" page on GOV.UK.
Enter the reference number from your log book or tax reminder.
Confirm the vehicle details and that you are taking it off the road.
Keep the confirmation.

When the SORN starts

It starts straight away if your tax has run out, or if you apply outside the month your tax is due.
If you apply during the month your tax is due, it starts on the first day of the next month.
By post, send the V890 in the month you want it to start. If you send it a month or two early, include a letter saying why.

Your tax refund

You get a refund cheque for any full months of tax left.
If you pay by Direct Debit, it is cancelled automatically.
Contact DVLA if your cheque has not arrived within 8 weeks.

Example: your car is taxed until the end of December and you make a SORN on 10 September. October, November and December are full months left, so you get 3 months back. September is not refunded because it is only part used.

When not to make a SORN

You do not need to make a SORN for a vehicle you have sold. Tell DVLA you have sold it instead, and any tax left is refunded.

Putting the vehicle back on the road

Tax the vehicle again. This ends the SORN. You can then use it on the road, as long as it also has a valid MOT (if it needs one) and insurance.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Make a SORN

Common questions

When does a SORN start?

Immediately, unless you apply in the month your tax expires, when it starts on the 1st of next month.

Source: Register your vehicle as off the road (SORN)

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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