Can I sell a SORN car?
July 04, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle

Wondering 鈥淐an I sell a SORN car?鈥 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 莲花直播.. We鈥檙e 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鈥檝e 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鈥檒l automatically get a refund of any road tax that鈥檚 been paid for any full remaining months.
In case the name wasn鈥檛 a giveaway though, this means you cannot drive the car on public roads 鈥 the only exception being if you鈥檙e driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment.
If you鈥檙e driving a SORN car for any other reason, you could face court prosecution and a fine of up to 拢2,500.
Can I sell a SORN car?
The good news is that it鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 legally drive the car until it鈥檚 taxed and insured.
- No test drives on public roads: Be aware that this might put off some buyers or raise doubts about the car鈥檚 condition.
- Transport is needed: Unless taxed and insured, the car has to be collected by trailer or flatbed.
- SORN doesn鈥檛 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鈥檚 willing to pay for the car.
- Easier with tax and insurance: To make the sale smoother, it鈥檚 often best to sort tax and insurance beforehand.
Ways to sell a SORN car
1. Sell your car with 莲花直播
You can sell your car online with 莲花直播 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鈥檙e 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鈥檚 V5C logbook to let the DVLA know of the change of owner (this can now also be done online). Here鈥檚 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 莲花直播 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鈥檛 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鈥檛 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鈥檛 need to SORN a car before selling it. If you鈥檙e selling it, just it鈥檚 been sold 鈥 no need to bother with a SORN.
Car change? 莲花直播!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With 莲花直播 you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price 鈥 as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you鈥檙e looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, 莲花直播 is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Click to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.