SORN glossary: DVLA terms explained

DVLA paperwork is full of acronyms and form numbers. Here's what they all mean, in plain English.

Checked against GOV.UK guidance · Updated 25 October 2026

ANPR

Automatic number plate recognition: cameras that read number plates and check them against DVLA, insurance and police records.

ATF

Authorised treatment facility: a licensed scrapyard or dismantler that can legally scrap vehicles and issue a certificate of destruction.

askMID

The public service for checking whether a vehicle is on the Motor Insurance Database.

Certificate of destruction

Proof from an ATF that a vehicle has been scrapped. Issued within 7 days for cars and light vans.

CIE

Continuous insurance enforcement: the rule that a registered vehicle must be insured unless it is declared SORN.

DVLA

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: the government agency that keeps vehicle and driver records in Great Britain.

DVSA

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency: oversees MOT testing and driving tests.

Historic vehicle

A vehicle old enough to be exempt from paying vehicle tax. From 1 April 2026, vehicles built before 1 January 1986.

Late licensing penalty (LLP)

The automatic £80 penalty (£40 if paid within 33 days) for a vehicle that is untaxed and not SORN.

Laid-up insurance

Cheaper cover for a stored vehicle, usually fire and theft only.

MID

Motor Insurance Database: the central record of insured vehicles in the UK.

MOT

The annual test of roadworthiness for most vehicles over three years old.

New keeper slip (V5C/2)

The green slip a buyer receives from the seller, used to tax a newly bought vehicle.

Permanent export

Taking a vehicle out of the UK for 12 months or more. Tell DVLA using the V5C.

Registered keeper

The person or company recorded by DVLA as responsible for the vehicle. Not always the legal owner.

SORN

Statutory Off Road Notification: a declaration that a vehicle is being kept off public roads.

V11

The vehicle tax reminder letter. Its 16-digit reference can be used to tax or SORN.

V5C

The vehicle registration certificate, or log book. Its 11-digit document reference is used to SORN or tax.

V62

The application for a vehicle log book (V5C), used if yours is missing. Costs £25.

V890

The paper form for making a SORN by post.

VED

Vehicle excise duty: the official name for vehicle tax.

VIN

Vehicle identification number: the unique chassis number. Not used to make a SORN.

Write-off categories

A, B, S and N. Insurance categories showing how badly a vehicle was damaged and whether it can return to the road.

Where to go next

New to SORN? Start with what is SORN, then follow our 3-step guide.