SORN (Satutory Off Road Notification) Don’t Get Caught Out
It seems that the DVLA have changed the rules on declaring SORN without so much as a word.
Well as a MAG member who contacted us said, “Well, they probably did (or
will claim they did) in some included flyer with something else they send out.”
Keepers of a vehicle have to provide a SORN declaration which advises DVLA that the vehicle is neither used
nor kept on a public road and is therefore not liable to vehicle excise duty and applies to any vehicle taxed on or after 31 January 1998.
Failure to make a SORN declaration is a criminal offence
carrying a fine of up to £1000 or five times the annual rate of duty of the vehicle, which ever is the greater. A false declaration that a vehicle is off the road will risk prosecution and a maximum
penalty of up to £5000 and two years imprisonment
BUT a SORN declaration cannot be transferred with a change of registered keeper. A new SORN declaration must be made immediately by the new
keeper. SORN declarations are valid for 12 months and must be renewed, if the vehicle is kept off road for a further period and this were you can be caught out.
For example you purchased a vehicle
back in March which hadn't been on the road for a year. The previous owner had declared SORN. You then send in the V5 (Log Book) with a change of owner you then get sent a letter from the DVLA
demanding an 'out of court £25 fine, because you didn’t re-declare the SORN.
There's nothing on the current format V5 to say you need to do this.
So how do you declare SORN?
This can be made on the tax renewal reminder form ((V11/ V85/1)) if these are not available a V890 SORN form can be used.
Vehicle keepers who are taking their vehicle off the road and
retaining them can apply for a refund of vehicle excise duty and declare SORN at the same time by completing the V14.
If you need to declare SORN and you do not have a V11 or V85/1 and are not
applying for a refund of duty, you can do so on form V890
So unlike a Road Fund Licence (tax disk) A SORN declaration cannot be transferred with a change of registered keeper. A new SORN
declaration must be made immediately by the new keeper.
If you wish to point out to the DVLA the hassle they are causing themselves by having to match
up two forms which may well be sent in separately you can contact them at
