DVLA SORN ProcessTax Refund Eligible
DVLA SORN Declaration & Tax Refund Guide
Learn how to declare SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) to pause DVLA road tax and insurance, calculate your tax refund, and avoid penalties.
SORN Eligibility & Tax Refund Estimator
Check if your vehicle qualifies for SORN and estimate remaining tax refund
SORN Status:
SORN valid immediately. DVLA will refund remaining full calendar months of VED.
Estimated VED Tax Refund Check
£100
Automated Cheque via DVLAComplete Guide to Making a SORN Declaration
If you own a vehicle in the UK and decide not to drive or park it on public roads (for instance, if it is stored in a garage, undergoing restoration, or kept on a private driveway), you are legally required to notify the DVLA by making a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
SORN Rules vs Public Road Rules
| Requirement | Public Road Vehicle | SORN Vehicle (Private Property) |
|---|---|---|
| DVLA Road Tax (VED) | Mandatory (Annual or Direct Debit) | Paused (Refund issued for full unused months) |
| Motor Insurance | Mandatory Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) | Optional (SORN exempts from CIE rules) |
| Parking Location | Public street, highway, council bays | Private driveway, garage, or private land ONLY |
Frequently Asked Questions
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It is an official declaration made to the DVLA informing them that your vehicle is being kept off public roads, allowing you to pause road tax and mandatory insurance.
No. A vehicle declared SORN must be parked on private property (such as a private driveway, garage, or private land). Parking a SORN vehicle on a public road results in immediate fines, clamping, and prosecution.
To drive a SORN vehicle on public roads again, you must pay DVLA road tax online using your V5C logbook number and ensure the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and active motor insurance before driving.