How to I sell a SORN car
When selling a SORN car, make sure that you are honest and open with any potential buyers from the outset. The more detail you can give from the start, the fewer opportunities potential buyers will have to haggle the price down from you. Once you’ve agreed a price and arranged collection, all that’s left to do is complete all the paperwork as you would for the sale of any car.
Driving it to sell it
Absolutely not! A SORN car must stay off the road at all times. If you need to get the car to a certain location for a sale, then you must arrange adequate transportation. More often than not this will be in the form of a flatbed truck or a trailer. If you have to drive the car, then it must have valid tax, MOT and insurance first.
Test driving a SORN car
Much like driving SORN cars for a sale, driving a SORN car is not allowed. The only time you’re allowed to drive a SORN car is if you are on the way to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Unless you arrange for the potential buyer to come on this trip with you, the only way you can test drive a SORN car is to do so on private land.
Informing the DVLA
Yes, the DVLA must be informed of any sale of any car, no matter if it is SORN or not. Thankfully doing this is not a difficult task and most people will be used to the paperwork required in a vehicle sale. In most cases, you’ll likely be pulled up if you don’t have the relevant paperwork.
Informing the DVLA of a sale is easy, and all you need to do is fill in the relevant section of the car’s V5C Registration Document. Once you’ve signed and dated the document, hand the new owner the “New Keeper’s Slip” and send the rest of the document to the DVLA. Failure to do this could mean you are liable for any potential penalties incurred by the new owner.
What do I do with a SORN once the car is sold?
Once you have sold the car and informed the DVLA that it is no longer yours, you do not have to do anything else. Your part is done, it’s that simple! SORN, like tax, does not transfer with a sale, so the new owner will need to either tax the car or register it as SORN themselves. Don’t worry about this, though, as that is their problem, not yours!
Selling a SORN car? You may also find our articles on paperwork and SORN requirements useful.
Selling a SORN car? You may also find our articles on paperwork and SORN requirements useful.FAQ
Transfer number plate from a SORN car
Transferring a number plate from a SORN car is the same as transferring the number plate from a normal road-worthy car. This can be done online or alternatively you will need to complete a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration’ form and send that with your V5C, a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’ and the £80 fee to the DVLA in Cardiff.
How to transfer ownership of a SORN car
It is not possible to transfer ownership of a SORN car. Instead, the new owner must register the car in their name first and then apply for a SORN of their own. When a SORN car is sold, the SORN is instantly cancelled.
Can I SORN a car on finance
There are no rules that categorically state that you can’t SORN a car on finance, so in theory it should be easy to do so. However, it’s worth checking with your finance company first to make sure there are no rules that mean you can’t do so.
SORN my car to trade
When you sell a car, taxed or otherwise, the tax (or SORN) is instantly cancelled. As such, once you have completed the paperwork you no longer need to worry about SORNing the car, even if you know it’s going to be sitting on a forecourt somewhere. The car is no longer your problem, so as long as you have completed the paperwork correctly, your part is done.
SORN a car when someone dies
When a relative or close friend dies and you’re required to SORN it, you will need to complete the relevant paperwork. This will mean filling out either section 2 in an old style V5C or section 6 in a new style V5C and detach the ‘New Keeper’ slip. You will then need to send all of this, along with a letter explaining your relationship to the deceased and a V890 form to the DVLA Sensitive Casework Team.
Sell your SORNed car
If you want to get rid of your old or SORNed car, it could be easier with our free, online comparison engine. Whether your car is SORNed and not too old to move, or in good working condition and sellable as salvage – our service can get you a private buyer in minutes.
SORNing Tax and Insurance Hub
Explore expert advice on tax, insurance, and legal matters for SORNed cars and motorbikes. Our Knowledge Centre offers essential information to ensure you’re fully informed to manage your vehicle off the road.
How and When You Need to Declare SORN
Learn how to declare a SORN online to save on tax, MOT, and insurance while keeping your car off-road. Quick and easy guide for UK drivers.
How to tax a SORN vehicle
Learn how to tax a car previously declared as SORN. This guide explains the steps to reactivate your vehicle for road use, covering the necessary documents and fees.
Can you drive a SORN car to an MOT with no insurance?
This guide explains the legal requirements for driving a SORN vehicle, including MOT exemptions and the necessity of insurance coverage.
How to tax a SORN car without MOT
This guide covers the steps, legal requirements, and alternative methods to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.
