Can I sell a SORN car?

Wondering “Can I sell a SORN car?” The short answer is yes, you can sell a SORN car, but there are a few extra steps to be aware of. This guide covers everything you need to know about selling a SORN car the right way.

Remember, you can sell your car right here on Carwow.. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What does SORN mean?

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, meaning you’ve declared a car off the road and thus legally being exempt from a monthly tax payment and insurance on it. When you declare it as

SORN, you’ll automatically get a refund of any road tax that’s been paid for any full remaining months.

In case the name wasn’t a giveaway though, this means you cannot drive the car on public roads – the only exception being if you’re driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.

If you’re driving a SORN car for any other reason, you could face court prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.

Can I sell a SORN car?

The good news is that it’s perfectly legal to sell a car that has a SORN, just like you would with any other car. You just need to be clear with the buyer that it’s officially off the road, and keep a few other important things in mind.

Key considerations when selling a SORN car

• No driving it away: The buyer can’t legally drive the car until it’s taxed and insured.
• No test drives on public roads: Be aware that this might put off some buyers or raise doubts about the car’s condition.
• Transport is needed: Unless taxed and insured, the car has to be collected by trailer or flatbed.
• SORN doesn’t carry over: The SORN is cancelled when the car is sold; the new owner must apply for a new one if needed.
• Potential impact on value: Limited access or doubts from buyers could reduce what someone’s willing to pay for the car.
• Easier with tax and insurance: To make the sale smoother, it’s often best to sort tax and insurance beforehand.

Ways to sell a SORN car

1. Sell your car with Carwow

You can sell your car online with Carwow even if it has been taken off the road. As mentioned above, taxing it and insuring it again will probably mean it will secure a higher price. See how thousands of our trusted dealers could bid on your car.

2. Sell as SORN privately

Just as with any other car, you’re able to sell a SORN one privately. Just ensure that buyers are aware the car is declared off the road and understand that this means they cannot drive it on public roads (or risk a fine) unless they tax and insure it first.

Therefore, the buyer will need to have the means to take the SORN car away without illegally driving it on the road, most likely by towing it on a trailer (unless they have a transporter). You should factor this into your asking price for the car to give it the best chance of a sale.

Once sold, the process of transferring ownership or a SORN car to the new owner is the same as any other vehicle: you need to use the car’s V5C logbook to let the DVLA know of the change of owner (this can now also be done online). Here’s our guide on how to transfer the ownership of your car from you to the buyer.

3. Sell directly to a dealer or part-exchange it

You can also sell your SORN car directly to a dealer or as a part exchange as long as you make its SORN status clear and can agree who will be responsible for it being collected or delivered to the dealer legally.

Sell your car online through Carwow and if you find an offer you like, the dealer will be able to arrange a collection of your SORN car, which should take the burden off you.

Can I scrap a SORN car?

You are able to scrap a SORN car, but bear in mind that you can’t drive it directly to a scrap yard as a SORN car cannot legally be driven on the road. Check out our guide on how to scrap a car to learn more.

Selling a SORN car FAQs

Can you drive a SORN car to sell it?

No, you can’t drive a SORN car on public roads just to sell it. If you want to move it, you must arrange for it to be transported, typically by a flatbed truck or trailer.

Should I SORN my car before selling?

No, you don’t need to SORN a car before selling it. If you’re selling it, just let the DVLA know it’s been sold – no need to bother with a SORN.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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