Has your car been marked as SORN and destined for the scrap heap? Our helpful guide breaks down the methods to declare a car as SORN, what you need to do with the DVLA and how to book your car for collection despite being SORN.
If you sell or scrap a vehicle with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), its off-road status will be removed, and the SORN will be cancelled automatically. However, if you plan to sell a SORN-registered vehicle, remember that the new owner must apply for SORN separately, as this status cannot be transferred between owners.
Keep on reading to find out more!
Before we break down the methods for scrapping or selling a SORN car and what is required, it’s best we recap what a SORN car is!
SORN standards for a statutory off-road notice.
As the name suggests, a SORN car is a means to notify the DVLA that a vehicle will not be driven on any UK road.
The vehicle can be parked on private property while the SORN is in use.
Why SORN a Car?
A car is usually declared as SORN when it is not required to be in use. Such instances include long periods where the vehicle isn’t required, such as a long holiday.
Another reason may be that the vehicle has failed its MOT, and cannot be fixed anytime soon.
Another reason is that a SORN vehicle is to be driven to a place for repairs, is not taxed or insured, or is being kept off the road for decorative purposes.
SORN Vehicles typically do not have insurance as this is not required and is an additional, unnecessary cost.
Where can you keep your SORN vehicle?
A SORN vehicle is typically kept on private property. However, You can keep your vehicle anywhere else. Other areas where you can keep a SORN car include a garage (both on/off-site from where you live).
This is particularly useful when protecting your old vehicle from the elements, suspicious activity/theft and damages.
It is important to note that you cannot store a SORN vehicle at a car park, public garden or roadside (including pavements). This is important as you can receive a penalty!
If your vehicle involved in a collision has received a fail grade from the MOT garage or is not fit for economical repair, you will consider Declaring a car as SORN.
To do this, you are required to complete 2 main components.
You can then mark your car as SORN through the following methods:
If you’ve misplaced your logbook, you can still mark your car as SORN however will need to take a few steps beforehand. Some additional costs are also involved.
To mark your car as SORN, you must provide the following documents.
With the above, you can continue to mark your car as SORN following the steps with the DVLA.
If you want to sell your car for either scrap or salvage, you must do the following.
Selling a SORN Car For Scrap
Selling a SORN Car for scrap means the statutory off-road notice will be removed and cancelled upon scrappage.
If you sell a SORN car that will be salvaged, the new owner will need to reapply, as the owner can’t transfer a SORN vehicle to another owner.
In most cases, if your vehicle is collected and scrapped, you aren’t required to do anything on your part.
Many methods are used to sell a SORN car. The most popular ones include:
That’s pretty much it! Selling a SORN car is pretty simple when you know what’s required.
In Summary:
If you sell or scrap a vehicle with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), its off-road status will be removed, and the SORN will be cancelled automatically.
However, if you plan to sell a SORN-registered vehicle, remember that the new owner must apply for SORN separately, as this status cannot be transferred between owners.
We hope our guide has explained the ins and outs of a SORN car and what to do when looking to sell or scrap a SORN vehicle.
The process can be easy to follow and, with the right provider, can be made ever so easier.
Scrap Local’s approved network of licenced, trusted vehicle buyers does just that.
We’ve helped motorists (just like you!) remove thousands of SORN vehicles, collecting fast and free at your convenience.
Once collected, we’ll ensure your vehicle has been removed professionally, with any required paperwork provided for peace of mind.
If you want to sell your SORN car for scrap or salvage, contact our team today for a guaranteed price without hidden fees.
Whether you’re a scrap metal dealer, vehicle recycler or even a scrap collector, joining Scrap Local today will give you access to thousands of new enquiries each month!Â
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