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Did you know that if you have a car sitting in your garage, driveway or yard that’s not going to be going anywhere soon, you could save money on tax and insurance? Declaring a car as SORN is a quick, cheap, easy way to save money and hassle, and we’re going to talk you through every step of the way.
What is SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notice, and is ideal for cars that are stored anywhere away from the public highway that aren’t going to be moving anywhere. However, by declaring as SORN, you are confirming that it absolutely will not be moving at all – even in an emergency.
Why do I need a SORN?
It’s highly likely that if you’re in a position where declaring a vehicle as SORN you’re going to know without having to think too hard. We’ve listed a few of the situations where it would make sense for you to declare SORN, some more obvious than others.
Your car is damaged and repairs aren’t going to be made for some time
Your tax or insurance has run out
You’re going away for a significant period of time where the car will not be used
Your car has been scheduled to be scrapped, but you’re planning on removing any reusable/sellable parts first
You will only be using the motor on private land
How do I declare a car SORN?
If you intend to make the declaration either online or by phone, make sure you have both the 11-digit number from the car’s V5C (otherwise known as the log book) and the 16-digit number on your tax renewal letter. Both phone and email declarations are simple processes and shouldn’t take up much of your day at all.
If you are doing this by post, then you will need a V890 form which needs to be sent to the DVLA’s headquarters in Swansea. It’s worth noting that you will need to declare SORN via post if you’re not yet the registered keeper of the car or you’ve only just been registered as the keeper and received the V5C in the past month. If you’re not the registered keeper you will need to fill out the relevant part of the V5C and send this to the DVLA along with the V890 form. If you don’t have the log book you will also need to apply for a vehicle registration certificate via a V62 form. This will need to be sent with the SORN application and payment of £55 – cheque or postal order only.
If you are declaring a SORN because you are planning to go away for a significant period of time, then you can apply up to two months in advance, providing you attach a letter to the DVLA explaining why you are giving them prior warning.
How much does it cost to declare a SORN?
As long as you are the registered keeper of the car, it won’t cost you a penny to register a car as SORN. If anything, it could mean you get more money in your pocket. If you have any tax remaining on your car, then any full months remaining will be refunded back to you.
How long does it take to declare a car SORN?
How long it takes for a car to be declared as SORN depends on how you made the application. If you applied using your V5C online or by phone, then it will take place immediately, whereas if you used your V11 form it will take effect from the start of the following month. If you declare by post then you have the option of staying when you wish the SORN to begin.
How long does a SORN last on a car off road?
A SORN will last on your car for as long as you want it to. Unlike tax or insurance, a SORN doesn’t run out so it will last indefinitely, or until you tax and insure it again, sell it, scrap it or permanently export it.
Do I need to SORN my car if it’s on a driveway?
Any car that has been registered as SORN must be kept off the public highway, so if your car is being kept off the road and on a driveway, then this is acceptable. However, you will not be able to move it onto the road at all, even to rearrange the cars on your drive, so make sure that you’re certain it won’t need shuffling around before you declare it as SORN.
If you’re SORNing your car while you wait to find the perfect way to get it scrapped, then let us take all of that hassle away from you. Here at National Scrap Car, our friendly team of experts are waiting to take your call, and with our network of specialist buyers in all four corners of the country ready to pick the motor up, wherever you are, things couldn’t be simpler for you.
Get started today with a quote in just 30 seconds, and see just how much you could get from your SORNed car.
For more information, be sure to get in touch with the team today.