Can I sell a SORN car

Key points:
• You can legally sell a SORN car • It’s best to explore all your options such as selling privately, part exchange and selling to a dealer when selling a SORN car • When selling a SORN car, you should be honest and transparent about the car’s condition

A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is a declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle is not being driven or parked on public roads. Cars are typically registered as SORN if they’re untaxed, uninsured, or not roadworthy.
Not sure if a car is SORN? You can check its status online at gov.uk using the vehicle’s registration number. Learn more about SORN cars in our full guide →

Yes, you can sell a car that’s SORN. However, there are few things you should keep in mind:
• Potential buyer won’t be able to do test drive your car as a SORN vehicle can’t legally be driven on public roads • SORN cars only attract very particular buyers who are looking for car parts or a project to work on • Buyers will need to arrange collection of the car or insure and tax the car before driving it away

There are a few ways you can sell your SORN car:

You can sell a SORN car just like any other vehicle, using one of the following methods:

Sell privately

Selling privately can get you the best price, but transparency is key. You should clearly mention that the car is SORN and describe its condition honestly. This avoids disputes and attracts serious buyers who are prepared to collect or trailer the car.

Part exchange

Many dealerships - especially those that specialise in used cars - accept SORN vehicles as part exchange. If the repairs required are minimal, they may still offer a competitive deal.

Sell to a dealer for free

You can sell your SORN car directly to another dealer for free, where dealers will bid on your vehicle. When creating your listing, you’ll be asked some basic questions about the car such as if there are any mechanical and electrical issues with the car. Be sure to highlight that the car is SORN and include any other issues in the listing to get accurate offers. Learn more on how to sell to a dealer

You could tax and insure your car to unSORN it. This could help you up the asking the price for the car, attract more buyers, and allow buyers to test drive your car.

3. Scrap the SORN car

SORN cars can be scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). Since the car can’t be driven, you or the scrapyard will need to arrange for it to be towed. Some scrapyards offer a free or paid collection service, so you should check with the facility first.
Read our guide on how to scrap a car Now that you how to sell a SORN car, it’s time to get started. Check out advertising prices or learn more about how to sell your car to a dealer for free.