SORN refund not received
Your tax refund should arrive automatically. If it hasn't, here's why, and how to get it.
Have you waited long enough?
DVLA's processing time for a vehicle tax refund after an online or phone notification is about 6 weeks. GOV.UK says to contact DVLA if you haven't got your refund cheque after 8 weeks (Get a vehicle tax refund).
Common reasons a refund doesn't arrive
- Old address on the V5C. The cheque goes to the name and address on the log book. If you moved and didn't update it, it went to your old address. Update your address now and contact DVLA.
- No full months left. Refunds only cover full calendar months. If you SORN'd in the last month of your tax, or paid monthly by Direct Debit, there may be nothing to refund.
- The SORN started next month. If you applied in the month your tax expired, the SORN started on the 1st, so no refund was due.
- Surcharges and fees aren't refunded. Credit card fees, the 5% Direct Debit surcharge and the 10% surcharge on a single 6-month payment are kept.
- Stolen vehicle. Refunds for stolen vehicles have to be applied for separately.
DVLA cancels the tax when told about a SORN, sale, scrapping, write-off or export, then refunds every full month left to the name and address on the V5C.
- You tell DVLASORN, sold, scrapped, written off or exported
- Tax cancelledplus any Direct Debit
- Refund: each FULL monthsent to the name and address on the V5C · chase after 8 weeks
How to chase it
- Check the vehicle's status shows SORN (or that DVLA knows it was sold or scrapped). See check SORN status.
- Work out what you're owed: the full months between the date DVLA got your SORN and the tax expiry. See SORN refunds.
- Contact DVLA Vehicle Enquiries on 0300 790 6802, or use webchat or WhatsApp from Contact DVLA. Have the registration, your V5C reference and the SORN date ready.
Cheque in the wrong name?
Return it to Refund Section, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AL with a note giving the correct name. Contact DVLA if you haven't got the replacement after 4 weeks.
Cheque expired before you banked it?
Contact DVLA. Explain the dates and ask for it to be reissued.
Watch out for refund scams
DVLA doesn't email or text asking for bank details to "release your refund". GOV.UK warns about scam messages. Never click links in unexpected messages claiming a refund is waiting. Go to GOV.UK directly.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does DVLA take to send a refund?
About 6 weeks. Contact DVLA if it has not arrived after 8 weeks.
Where does DVLA send the refund?
To the name and address on the vehicle log book (V5C).