Many UK enthusiasts with classic and rare cars use their “pride and joy” during the brighter seasons, typically from April through to September. When the weather turns, these vehicles are often hidden away in secure storage. If this sounds like your routine, declaring your car as Statutory Off Road is a smart way to save money on road tax.

What is SORN?

It is a formal declaration to the DVLA that your vehicle is not being used or parked on public roads. Once declared, this lasts indefinitely; you don’t need to renew it annually.

When Must You Declare a SORN?

You are legally required to SORN your vehicle if:

• It is not taxed or insured (even for a short time).
• You are storing it in a garage, on a driveway, or on private land.
• You have bought a vehicle and don’t intend to tax or drive it yet.

Important: If your car is parked on a public road, even if it’s stationary, you must keep it taxed and insured.

How to Apply Online

Applying is free and takes just a few minutes on the official GOV.UK website.

• Step 1: Gather Your Info: You’ll need the 11-digit reference number from your V5C (logbook) for an immediate start, or the 16-digit number from your V11 tax reminder to start from the first day of next month.
• Step 2: Submit Online: Visit gov.uk/make-a-sorn. Avoid third-party sites that may charge fees.
• Step 3: Confirmation: You will receive an instant email confirmation and a letter by post within four weeks.

Don’t Ditch the Cover: Laid-Up Insurance

While SORN removes your legal obligation to have “road” insurance, it does not protect your asset from fire, theft, or accidental damage while in storage.

We highly recommend switching to a Laid-Up Insurance policy. These specialist policies are often much cheaper than road cover because they exclude road-use risks but provide essential protection for your vehicle while it’s “resting” in a garage or driveway.

Back on the Road?

Getting back behind the wheel is easy. Simply renew car insurance (if you only had laid-up cover) and tax the vehicle online. The moment you tax the vehicle, the SORN is automatically cancelled.