How to tax a car after SORN

There's no form to "un-SORN" a vehicle. Taxing it cancels the SORN automatically. But you need an MOT and insurance first. Here's the order to do it in.

Checked against GOV.UK guidance · Updated 25 October 2026

Step 1: Check the MOT

You can't tax a vehicle that needs an MOT and doesn't have a valid one. GOV.UK says you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired (Getting an MOT).

• Check the expiry date and past results with a full MOT history check.
• If it has expired, book an MOT. You can legally drive a SORN vehicle on the road to and from a pre-booked MOT, as long as it's insured (MOT and SORN).
• Vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt from MOT. See classic cars and SORN.

Step 2: Insure it

Arrange insurance that starts on the day you'll first use the vehicle. If you're driving to a pre-booked MOT, the cover must be in place for that journey. You can check a vehicle shows as insured on the Motor Insurance Database at askMID.

Step 3: Tax it

Use GOV.UK's Tax your vehicle service with one of:

• the reference from a recent vehicle tax reminder or "last chance" letter
• the 11-digit reference from your V5C log book (it must be in your name)
• the green "new keeper" slip if you've just bought it

You can pay by debit or credit card, or by Direct Debit (monthly, 6-monthly or yearly). See reference numbers. Taxing is also possible by phone on DVLA's 24-hour line, 0300 123 4321.

When does the SORN end?

As soon as the vehicle is taxed. You don't need to tell DVLA separately, and there's nothing to cancel.

Which month does tax start?

Vehicle tax starts on the first day of the month you tax it, unless you choose the following month. If you re-tax mid-month you'll usually pay for the whole of that month. Plan around month ends if you can.

Common hiccups

• "MOT not found" when taxing: the MOT record can take a short time to show after a test. Wait and retry, or check the MOT history.
• No V5C: use the 16-digit reminder reference or apply for a log book (form V62, £25).
• Tax class changed: if the vehicle has turned 40 and qualifies as historic, you may be able to tax it with no fee. You must still tax it (classic cars).

Before your first drive

After months off the road, give the car a once-over: tyre pressures and condition, brakes (discs can rust), battery, fluids and lights. Our looking after a SORN car guide has a checklist.