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How To SORN · Step by Step

How To SORN A Car

Declaring SORN takes five minutes online. You need your registration number and a reference from the V5C or reminder letter. Here is exactly how to do it and what happens next.

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The short answer

How To SORN A Car

To SORN a car: go to gov.uk/make-a-sorn, enter your registration number and the 11-digit reference from your V5C logbook or reminder letter. Takes 5 minutes. SORN is immediate online. Existing tax is cancelled and DVLA posts a refund for full months remaining. No annual renewal needed.

Step by step

Step-by-Step: How to Declare SORN Online

01

Find your reference number

Locate the 11-digit reference on the front of your V5C (logbook), the V5C/2 new keeper supplement, or a DVLA V11 reminder letter. You need this to proceed.

02

Visit GOV.UK SORN service

Go to gov.uk/make-a-sorn. This is the official DVLA service. Do not use third-party websites that charge a fee — the official process is free.

03

Enter registration and reference

Input your vehicle's registration number and the V5C reference. The system will verify ownership before proceeding.

04

Confirm and submit

Review the details and confirm your SORN declaration. You will receive a confirmation number. SORN takes effect immediately.

05

Await your tax refund

If you have existing tax, DVLA will automatically cancel it and post a refund cheque to the address on your V5C for full months remaining. Allow 4–6 weeks.

Alternatives

Alternative Methods

MethodHowWhen it takes effect
Online (recommended)gov.uk/make-a-sornImmediately
By phoneCall DVLA on 0300 123 4321Immediately
By postComplete section 7 of V5C and post to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1ARWhen DVLA receives the letter

Verify SORN Status Before You Drive

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Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to SORN a car?
Declaring SORN online via GOV.UK takes approximately 5 minutes. You need the vehicle's registration number and the 11-digit reference number from the V5C logbook, a V5C/2 new keeper supplement, or a DVLA reminder letter. SORN takes effect immediately when declared online or by phone.
What do I need to declare SORN?
You need the vehicle registration number and one of: the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook (on the front of the document), the 11-digit number from a V5C/2 new keeper supplement, or the 16-digit number from a DVLA reminder (V11). You do not need to send any documents.
Can I SORN a car I've just bought?
Yes. If you have just bought a vehicle and are not going to use it on public roads, you can declare SORN immediately. Use the V5C/2 new keeper supplement reference number to do so online. You do not need to wait for the V5C to be updated in your name first.
When does SORN take effect?
SORN takes effect immediately when declared online or by phone. If you declare by post, it takes effect when DVLA receives your letter. Any existing tax is cancelled from the date SORN is declared, and a refund is issued for full months remaining.
Do I need to renew a SORN every year?
No. A SORN does not expire and does not need annual renewal. It remains in force until you tax the vehicle, sell it, scrap it, or export it. DVLA will not send an annual renewal reminder for SORN — it simply continues.
Can I SORN a car without the V5C?
It is significantly harder without a V5C. You need a reference number from the logbook, new keeper supplement, or a DVLA reminder. If you have lost the V5C, apply for a replacement (V62 form, £25 fee) before trying to declare SORN — without a reference number you cannot complete the process online or by phone.
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SORN is declared via the official DVLA service at gov.uk/make-a-sorn and is free. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. Last reviewed 13 June 2026.

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