How to unSORN Your Car

How to unsorn your car the quick and simple way.

*updated 2023*

‍

Registering your car as 'Off-Road', or making a SORN declaration ie. a statutory off-road notificaation, is basically the correct way to take your car off the road whilst not being legally obliged to pay to tax or insure it.

However, in the words of the Gov.uk website itself:

‍

There is no such thing as ‘unSORNing’. When you want to start using your vehicle again simply tax it online in minutes and you’re good to go.

‍

It's sometimes quite cost effective to SORN your vehicle while it's in long term storage.

This can have obvious financial benefits whilst your car is laid up however the down side is that you may not be racking up your 'no claims' bonus.

‍

Either way, if you made a SORN for your vehicle prior to storage there will no doubt come a time to un-SORN it too.

‍

As tricky as unsorning your car sounds, its actually quite easy.

All you need to do is tax it!

Simple as that.

This is what the Gov.uk website says in full...

‍

Your SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle again or it’s sold, scrapped or permanently exported.

‍

Read all the info on 'When you need to make a SORN" It also confirms how to unsorn your car too.

You should perhaps also check that your MOT and car tax are still current.

And make sure you insure your classic vehicle too before heading off into the sunset.

‍

You can use the GOV.uk site to check the status of any car so long as you have it's registration. Use the link below:

‍

‍Remember, you don't need to physically unsorn your car:

• Taxing your car will cancel any SORN
• If you need an MOT, you can only drive the car if it’s to a garage for a pre-booked MOT
• You must insure and tax your car before you drive on the road
  ‍

Remember also that, since the introduction of Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) in 2011, your classic car must remain insured while not being used unless you make a SORN. You can apply to make a SORN here.

Caveat...

Obviously the government has been known to alter vehicle, driving and road tax laws every now and then, so always check the Gov.uk website if you are in any doubt.

Start here  - https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving
‍

‍For further information on storing your classic car start by reading these posts:

‍How to SORN my car

‍How to store your classic car

‍or this, How to store your classic car over winter

‍or this even; 9 great reasons why you might want store your car