Use our free SORN check tool to instantly see if a vehicle is declared off the road (SORN) in the UK. Simply enter the number plate to verify a car's legal road status — you can also check a car's tax status using the tool. Perfect for buyers, sellers, and owners storing vehicles. Avoid fines and drive legally.
Enter a UK vehicle registration number to check its SORN status and tax details with the DVLA.
✅ Free to use • ✅ No registration required • ✅ Official DVLA data
This SORN and tax check service uses data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). While we strive for accuracy, MySupermarketCompare.com is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always verify critical information with official DVLA sources. This service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, and it is a formal notification to the DVLA that a vehicle is not being driven or parked on public roads. Registering a vehicle as SORN allows the owner to avoid road tax and insurance costs, but the vehicle cannot legally be used on the road.
A SORN check shows whether a car, van or motorcycle has been officially declared off-road. This is useful if:
A SORN check helps you avoid fines or legal issues — and keeps your vehicle compliant with UK law.
Knowing the current SORN or tax status can help you:
Ensure your vehicle is legally road-worthy before driving
Avoid unnecessary tax and insurance payments for unused vehicles
Know the full legal status when buying or selling vehicles
SORN checks also help owners understand when a car can legally be driven again — and what needs to be done to get it road-ready.
To check a car's SORN or tax status:
You can do this anytime — it's free, fast, and doesn't require an account.
If you need more information about a vehicle's SORN or tax status, you can also contact the DVLA directly.
Our free tool connects to official DVLA data and displays:
When declaring SORN, having the right documents and details at hand is essential for a smooth process. The most important pieces of information you'll need are your vehicle registration number and your vehicle log book (V5C). The registration number is the unique identifier for your vehicle, and you'll use it to notify the DVLA of your SORN status.
You can find your vehicle registration number on your number plate, in your log book, or by checking the DVLA website. The log book (V5C) is the official document that proves you own the vehicle and contains all the key details needed for declaring SORN. If you've lost your log book, you can apply for a replacement from the DVLA—just be aware there may be a fee for this service.
Keeping your log book safe and ensuring your vehicle's records are current will help you avoid problems when declaring SORN, updating your status, or notifying the DVLA of any changes.
The Motor Insurance Database (MID) is a crucial part of the UK's vehicle registration and insurance system. Managed in partnership between the Police and the DVLA, the MID keeps track of whether a vehicle is insured or has been declared SORN. When you declare SORN, your vehicle is recorded on the MID as uninsured, but it's exempt from insurance requirements due to its SORN status.
The MID is regularly checked by the Police to ensure vehicles on the road are either properly insured or officially declared SORN. That's why it's vital to keep your vehicle's details up to date—if your records are incorrect, you could face fines or penalties for being uninsured or failing to declare SORN.
The MID plays a vital role in road safety and legal compliance, so understanding how it works—and how your SORN status affects your vehicle's listing—is key. Always make sure your vehicle's details are correct on the MID, and take action to declare SORN if your car is off the road.
Failing to SORN a vehicle that is untaxed or uninsured can lead to:
There are three ways to declare SORN: online, by phone, or by post. If your car is off the road and not being used, here's how to declare SORN:
Call: 0300 123 4321
Complete a V890 form and send to DVLA
No — unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT. Otherwise, you must tax and insure it before using it. If your vehicle is declared SORN, it must be stored on private land, such as a driveway or garage.
Make sure your SORN is removed, your car is taxed, and you're fully insured.
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