Is this vehicle SORN?
GOV.UK shows if a vehicle is SORN, free, with just the registration. VetTheCar does not. Here is how to check, what SORN means and what to do before you drive a SORN car.
Opens GOV.UK in a new tab. You only need the registration.
- Rules from GOV.UK guidance
- Free, no sign-up
- Not affiliated with DVLA
Check it on GOV.UK
Only DVLA holds tax and SORN status. VetTheCar cannot see it, so we never say a vehicle is or is not SORN.
- Open "Check if a vehicle is taxed" on GOV.UK.
- Enter the registration number. That is all it needs.
- It shows whether the vehicle has up-to-date tax or is registered as off the road (SORN).
GOV.UK says records can take up to 2 working days to update after an application is approved.
When a SORN is needed
- The vehicle is not taxed.
- The vehicle is not insured, even for a short time.
- You want to break the vehicle down for parts before you scrap it.
- You buy or are given a vehicle and want to keep it off the road.
What SORN means
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It tells DVLA that a vehicle is off the road, so the keeper does not have to tax or insure it. GOV.UK says a vehicle is off the road if you do not keep or use it on a public road, for example if it is in a garage, on a drive or on private land.
Kept in a garage, on a drive or on private land. Driven on a public road only to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.
Used on a public road for any other reason. GOV.UK says this can lead to prosecution in court and a fine of up to £2,500. Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Make a SORN
Online if the vehicle is registered in your name, with the 11-digit reference on the V5C log book or the 16-digit reference on a vehicle tax reminder. You can also apply by phone, or by post with form V890. A SORN starts at once, unless you apply in the month the tax runs out: then it starts on the first day of the next month. It cannot be backdated.
Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Cancel a SORN
Tax the vehicle. The SORN is cancelled automatically when the vehicle is taxed again, or when it is sold, permanently exported or scrapped. A SORN does not need renewing.
Tax a vehicle on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Buying a SORN car
You cannot take over the seller's SORN, and the tax is not transferred to you either. You must tax the car before you drive it, or make a SORN yourself and keep it off the road.
Source: GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Check the MOT is valid. GOV.UK says you might need to show an MOT that is valid when the tax starts. With no valid MOT, a SORN car can go on the road only to or from a pre-booked MOT.
Tax it in your name before it moves. Use the V5C log book in your name, or the green new keeper slip from the log book if you have just bought it.
Arrange insurance that covers you to drive it before you set off. A SORN car has no need for insurance while it stays off the road, but it needs cover as soon as it is driven.
Useful next checks
More free checks, no sign-up.
- Rules: GOV.UK "When you need to make a SORN", "Make a SORN", "Tax your vehicle" and "Tell DVLA you've sold, transferred or bought a vehicle", read on 28 September 2026.
- Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Independent service, not affiliated with DVLA.
Off the road for a while? The Buying Report reads its MOT record.
The Buying Report does not show tax or SORN status. For the car you are looking at, it reads the MOT history for you: what to check, whether the mileage adds up and how it compares with cars like it.
One report for this vehicle, no subscription. Everything shown above stays free.
SORN, tax and the gap between them
A vehicle kept or used on a public road must be taxed. If it is off the road and not taxed or insured, the keeper must make a SORN. A SORN does not need renewing and ends when the vehicle is taxed, sold, permanently exported or scrapped.
A SORN check shows which of these applies to a vehicle today. GOV.UK gives that answer for free with the registration. Check it before you pay for a car, and ask the seller why the car has been off the road.
Source: GOV.UK guidance on SORN and vehicle tax, read on 28 September 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Declaring SORN
Online, by phone or by post. It starts at once, or on the first day of the next month if you apply in the month the tax runs out. It cannot be backdated.
No tax, no SORN
GOV.UK says a keeper who needs a SORN and does not make one is automatically fined £80.
Buying a SORN car
A SORN cannot be transferred from the previous keeper, and neither can the tax. Tax and insure it in your name before you drive it, or arrange transport.
SORN and MOT
A SORN car can go on a public road only to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.