How to SORN online

The online service on GOV.UK is the quickest way to take a vehicle off the road. It's free, it works around the clock and you get confirmation straight away.

Checked against GOV.UK guidance · Updated 25 October 2026

Who can use the online service?

You can SORN online if the vehicle is registered in your name and you have either:

• the 11-digit document reference from your V5C log book, or
• the 16-digit reference from a vehicle tax reminder (V11 letter, email or text).

If the vehicle isn't in your name, or your address on the log book is out of date, see SORN by post and address wrong on V5C.

Step by step

1. Go to the official service at gov.uk/make-a-sorn and press Start now. Make sure the address bar shows gov.uk. Some sites charge for "SORN services" that are free on GOV.UK.
2. Enter your 11-digit V5C reference or 16-digit reminder reference.
3. Enter the vehicle registration number exactly as it appears on the number plate.
4. Check the make, model and colour DVLA shows. If they're wrong, stop and contact DVLA (contact numbers).
5. Confirm the vehicle will be kept off the public road.
6. Give an email address if you want email confirmation.
7. Submit. You'll see an on-screen confirmation. Take a screenshot or note the time.

When will my SORN start?

Online SORNs normally take effect immediately. The one exception: if you apply in the month your tax is due to expire, the SORN starts on the first day of the next month (see when does SORN start?). You can't backdate a SORN, so apply as soon as the vehicle comes off the road.

After you submit

• Your tax is cancelled and any Direct Debit stops automatically.
• You'll get a refund for each full month of tax left, sent to the name and address on the V5C.
• You can check the vehicle's SORN status online. It usually shows quickly, but give it a little time.

Common online errors and fixes

• "Reference number not recognised": check you're using the V5C document reference, not the registration or VIN. If you've just bought the car, the previous keeper's V5C reference won't work. Use your green new keeper slip to tax it, or SORN by post. See SORN not showing.
• The log book has been replaced: only the most recent V5C reference works. An older log book's reference will be rejected.
• Wrong vehicle details: don't continue. Contact DVLA Vehicle Enquiries on 0300 790 6802.
• Service unavailable: try again later, or use the 24-hour phone line.

Is the online SORN service really free?

Yes. DVLA doesn't charge for a SORN. If a website asks for card details to "process your SORN", you're not on the official service. SORN.co.uk is an independent guide and doesn't make SORNs on anyone's behalf.