How to unSORN a Car

If you’ve taken your vehicle off the road and declared it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), there may come a time when you want to get back behind the wheel. However, unSORNing a car isn’t quite as simple as turning the ignition—there are legal requirements to fulfil, documents to gather, and common pitfalls to avoid.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to unSORN your SORN vehicle, why you might need to do so, and how to ensure your motor is ready to return to the road safely and legally.

In This Guide:

• What is SORN and why would you need to unSORN a vehicle?
• How to unSORN a car – step-by-step
• Things to check before driving your car again
• Common mistakes to avoid when unSORNing
• Costs involved with unSORNing
• Alternatives to unSORN – what if you’re not ready to drive?
• Give your unSORNed vehicle the best possible (re)start
• FAQs

How to unSORN a car – step-by-step

UnSORNing a car is a relatively simple process. It basically just means that you tax it again. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through it:

1. Check your tax and insurance status

Before you do anything else, make sure that your car:

• Has a valid MOT (if it’s more than three years old and isn't MOT-exempt)
• Is roadworthy (see checks below)
• Can be immediately insured. It may be worth checking a comparison site to find out what insurance your vehicle is eligible for. Bear in mind that your insurance may have been suspended during the SORN period. So, make sure to check or notify your provider before driving the car again.

If your MOT has expired and your SORN car needs an MOT certificate, don't worry. If you have a pre-booked MOT appointment and the car is insured, you can drive it to its MOT. But you can only drive it to its MOT, and you may need to prove that you were on your way there if you are pulled over during the journey.

2. Use the DVLA online system

To unSORN a SORN car, you don’t technically cancel the SORN. Vehicle SORN status ends automatically when you tax your vehicle. You can quickly tax your vehicle online via the DVLA’s vehicle tax service.

3. What you’ll need

To tax your car and automatically remove the SORN, you’ll need:

• The V5C vehicle logbook — or proof that the logbook exists (such as a V11 reminder letter). If you have lost your V5C, you will need to apply for a new one before you can buy vehicle tax for your SORN car (ask for form V62).
• A valid MOT certificate (unless, as mentioned above, your vehicle is MOT-exempt)
• Payment information, i.e., the card or bank account you'll be using to pay. If you prefer to pay cash, you can do so via the Post Office. However, it might take longer for the payment to be confirmed than if you complete the payment online.

4. How long does the process take

Taxing your SORN car online doesn’t take long at all. The moment that the payment authorises, you can get back on the road — if, of course, the vehicle is insured and roadworthy. The tax start date will appear in DVLA records immediately, but wait for the confirmation email from the DVLA before you leap behind the wheel.

Things to check before driving your car again

If your car has been off the road for some time, it's a good idea to go through some checks before getting back on the road:

MOT status

Use the government’s MOT checker to confirm your vehicle’s status. You just need the car's registration number. If it’s expired, you can only drive to a pre-booked MOT test, with no detours en route.

Roadworthiness and safety check

Make sure that your car is safe to drive. Check:

• Tyre pressure and tread depth
• Brakes and steering responsiveness
• Lights, indicators, and wipers
• Battery and engine condition
• Fluid levels (e.g. oil, coolant, brake fluid)

If you have any doubt at all about any of these, book a service before you drive it.

Tax and insurance legality

Before moving the vehicle, confirm that you can legally drive it by checking that:

• Vehicle tax is active
• Your insurance policy is active
• All driver details are up to date

Common mistakes to avoid when unSORNing

It's usually very easy to get a SORN car back on the road, but these slip-ups can land you in hot water:

Driving before confirmation

Don’t drive your car until you’ve successfully taxed it. Wait for confirmation that the tax has been paid. Driving an untaxed vehicle is illegal and can result in fines or even vehicle seizure, and it's surprisingly easy to log out of the DVLA site and hop onto the highway without realising that there's been an error with your payment. So, when you pay tax, wait until you get the confirmation email before driving.

Assuming MOT or tax is automatic

Paying your car tax doesn’t mean your MOT is booked. And MOT renewal doesn’t restart your tax. They're separate processes that require individual handling.

Using old vehicle details

Make sure your vehicle logbook details are correct before taxing your car. Otherwise, DVLA communications (including tax reminders) could get lost.

Costs involved with unSORNing

UnSORNing itself is free, but putting your car back on the road can come with a few associated costs:

• Vehicle tax: The amount you pay depends on fuel type, emissions, and vehicle class
• Insurance: This may be higher after a break in coverage
• MOT or service fees
• Replacement V5C: If you've lost your logbook, a new one costs £25

Give your unSORNed vehicle the best possible (re)start

You’ve ticked all the boxes. You've taxed your car, checked its MOT, insured it, and confirmed it’s roadworthy. Now it’s time to enjoy the open road again.

Whether you’re taking your car out of hibernation, giving it a second life, or simply getting back to commuting, make sure your insurance is up to date and tailored to your needs. MoneyExpert can help you compare cover quickly, so your newly unSORNed vehicle has the protection it deserves.

FAQs

How do I unSORN my car if I've lost my V5C?

You’ll need to apply for a replacement logbook by filling in form V62 and sending it to the DVLA with a £25 fee. Once received, you can use the new V5C to tax your car and automatically remove the SORN.

Can I drive to an MOT without unSORNing?

Yes — but only if you've pre-booked the MOT and the car is insured. You must drive directly to the test centre, with no diversions or stops at the shops, etc.

Do I need to tell my insurer when I unSORN my car?

Yes. If your insurance policy was suspended, cancelled, or limited to off-road cover during the SORN period, you have to inform your insurer before driving. If you need to buy new insurance, make sure to thoroughly compare your options.

Can I buy or sell a SORN vehicle?

Yes, you can legally sell or buy a SORNed car. But the new owner must tax it before driving it. If you are buying a SORN car, you should thoroughly check the vehicle’s status and paperwork.

Can you SORN and unSORN multiple times?

Yes. There’s no limit to how many times you can switch between SORN and taxed status. Just make sure that you follow the correct steps each time.