V890: Make a statutory off road notification (SORN)

You need a SORN when you keep a vehicle off a public road (in a garage, on a drive or on private land) and want to stop taxing and insuring it. You must make one if the vehicle is untaxed or uninsured, even briefly, or if you buy a vehicle and want to keep it off the road: a SORN does not pass from the previous keeper.

If the vehicle is registered in your name, you do not need this form. DVLA lets you make a SORN online at gov.uk/make-a-sorn, using the 11-digit number in your log book (V5C) or the 16-digit reference on your vehicle tax reminder, or by phone on 0300 123 4321 (24-hour service).

Use the V890 when the vehicle is not registered in your name, when the address on your log book is wrong, or when you have no log book. If you have already sold the vehicle, do not make a SORN; tell DVLA you have sold it instead. Motor traders holding a vehicle temporarily at their premises may not need a SORN.

Fill in the form in black ink and capital letters, then sign and date the declaration. Send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR, the address on both the form and gov.uk.

If the vehicle is not in your name, fill in the relevant part of the log book (V5C) and send it with the V890. If your address has changed, write the new one in the log book (section 3 on the new-style V5C, section 6 on the older style) and send it with the form. If you have no log book, send an application for a vehicle registration certificate (V62) with the V890.

DVLA doesn't charge to make a SORN. A replacement log book applied for on form V62 costs £25.

When you make a SORN, the registered keeper automatically gets a refund for any full months of vehicle tax left, and any Direct Debit is cancelled. Keep the address on your log book up to date so the refund reaches you.

A SORN starts straight away if your tax has expired or if you are not applying in the month your tax is due to expire. If you apply in the expiry month, it starts on the first day of the next month. You cannot backdate a SORN.

By post, you can apply for this month, or for next month or the month after if you include a letter explaining why you cannot send the form nearer the time. The form says you will get an acknowledgement within 4 weeks and your refund within 4 to 6 weeks. If no acknowledgement arrives within 4 weeks, call DVLA on 0300 790 6802.

A SORN does not need renewing. It ends when you tax the vehicle again, or sell, scrap or permanently export it.

• Making a SORN for a vehicle you have already sold. Tell DVLA about the sale instead.
• Putting a date of SORN in the past. A SORN cannot be backdated.
• Keeping or parking the vehicle on a public road after making a SORN. It must stay off the road.
• Driving the vehicle anywhere except to or from a pre-booked MOT or other test. Gov.uk warns of prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.
• Leaving the vehicle untaxed and uninsured without a SORN. Gov.uk says you will automatically be fined £80.
• Taking the vehicle out of the UK. A SORN is only valid while the vehicle stays in the UK.

• Register your vehicle as off the road (SORN)
• When you need to make a SORN
• Form V890 on GOV.UK
• Cancel your vehicle tax and get a refund