The DVLA has urged motorists to “tell” officials one thing immediately, as many road users are likely owed car tax refunds. Drivers considering taking their vehicles off the road should apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This tells the DVLA that a vehicle is not being used and is no longer liable to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) fees.
As well as not paying any monthly or annual fees to use the road, drivers could even be handed money back. Road users who decided to pay for their VED upfront will have any remaining months paid back meaning road users could be owed hundreds of pounds.
Posting on X, the DVLA wrote: “Need to take your vehicle off the road? Tell us online at http://gov.uk/make-a-sorn. You’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax!”
The DVLA added: “Tell DVLA you’re taking your vehicle off the road, for example, if you’re keeping it in a garage. This is sometimes called a ‘Statutory Off Road Notification’ (SORN).
“You’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax. You cannot use the vehicle on the road until you tax it again.
“You do not need to make a SORN for a vehicle you’ve already sold. Tell DVLA you’ve sold a vehicle instead.”
According to GOV.UK, drivers SORN will usually start on the first day of the following month.
Motorists can apply for a SORN online in minutes if road users provide their 11-digit vehicle log book (V5C) number and 16-digit vehicle tax reminder reference number.
However, road users not comfortable using the internet can also secure a SORN by calling the DVLA’s 24-hour phone line.
A V890 application form can also be filled out and sent to the DVLA with road users given the option to take their vehicle off the road this month, next month or the month after.
GOV.UK explained: “Your vehicle tax will be cancelled by DVLA. If you pay by Direct Debit, the Direct Debit will be cancelled automatically.
“You’ll automatically get a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax. The refund is calculated from the date DVLA gets your information. The cheque is sent to the name and address on the vehicle log book.”