The DVLA instructed drivers there are “no shortcuts”
DVLA clarify how you can pay car tax by Direct Debit
Motorists have been hit with a warning from the Driver and Car Licensing Company in the event that they need to get their vehicles again on the street.
In a no-nonsense alert, the DVLA instructed drivers there are “no shortcuts” when bringing a car again into use after declaring it off the street below a Statutory Off Street Notification (SORN). The company mentioned: “Need to use your car once more after telling DVLA it’s off the street (SORN)? You need to tax it first.”
The message is obvious – even when your automobile has been sitting unused in a storage or on a driveway, you can not merely begin driving it once more. Drivers should first undergo the official course of to tax the car earlier than it’s legally allowed again on the street.
And this rule applies even when no cost is due. The DVLA warns: it’s essential to tax your car even whether it is exempt from car tax, which means there is no such thing as a cost to pay.

The DVLA instructed drivers there are “no shortcuts” (Picture: Getty) Get motoring information and recommendation plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will embody adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Learn how to tax your car
Motorists can tax their car utilizing a reference quantity from one of many following:
If you happen to shouldn’t have any of those, you will want to use for a brand new log e book – though you possibly can nonetheless tax the car on the similar time.
Funds may be made by Direct Debit or card, whereas a 24-hour cellphone service can also be obtainable. Drivers also can go to a Submit Workplace that handles car tax.
Need to use your car once more after telling DVLA it’s off the street (SORN)?
You need to tax it first – get it sorted on-line at https://t.co/2blbaeYWTv #DVLADigital pic.twitter.com/J1vZb4MOla
— Driver and Car Licensing Company (@DVLAgovuk) April 22, 2026
Further checks earlier than you drive
The DVLA additionally stresses that taxing your car is only one a part of the method. Motorists should guarantee they meet all authorized necessities earlier than driving, together with having legitimate insurance coverage and an MOT the place required.
There may also be delays after an MOT take a look at, with it taking as much as two days for data to replace – which means drivers could not be capable of tax their car instantly after it passes.
SORN guidelines nonetheless catch drivers out
The warning comes amid concern that many motorists are unaware of the principles round SORN and car tax till they fall foul of them.
If a car is formally declared off the street, it doesn’t must be taxed – however the second you need to use it once more, the duty returns instantly.

















Leave a Reply