If you’ve got a car that’s off the road and declared as SORN, you might be wondering whether you can scrap it — and if so, how. The good news is yes, you can scrap a SORN car, but there are a few things you need to know to make the process smooth, legal, and hassle-free.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is SORN, and Why Does It Matter?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s something you tell the DVLA when you’re not driving your vehicle and don’t want to pay road tax or insurance for it.
A SORN might apply if:
- Your car has failed its MOT
- You’re keeping it in a garage or on private land
- It’s not safe or economical to repair
- You’re planning to scrap it soon
Once a car is declared SORN, it can’t be used or parked on public roads — that includes the pavement outside your house. It must be stored on private land, such as a driveway, garage, or private car park.
Can You Scrap a Car That’s SORN?
Yes — absolutely. Scrapping a SORN vehicle is perfectly legal, and in many cases, it’s a smart move. If the car is just gathering dust, it might as well earn you some cash.
That said, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Key Things to Know Before Scrapping a SORN Vehicle
1. Use a reputable scrap car dealer
You can’t just hand your car over to anyone. Make sure you scrap it through a reputable company with lots of good reviews. They’ll make sure everything is done legally and in an environmentally safe way.
You’ll get a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) once the process is complete — this confirms your car is officially scrapped and no longer your responsibility.
2. It Must Be Collected (Unless You Can Transport It)
Since the car is off-road and SORN’d, you can’t drive it to the scrapyard — not even to drop it off. Doing so would be illegal unless you re-tax and insure the vehicle (which kind of defeats the point).
Luckily, most professional scrap companies offer free collection, and they’re used to picking up SORN vehicles.
3. You’ll Need to Provide ID and Proof of Ownership
Even if the car isn’t taxed or insured, you’ll still need to prove it belongs to you. This usually means showing:
- A photo ID (like your driving licence or passport)
- Proof of address
- The V5C logbook (if you have it)
Don’t have a V5C? You can still scrap the car, but you’ll need to provide a written statement and extra ID. We can guide you through this.
4. You May Be Entitled to a Tax Refund
Because your car is SORN, it’s already untaxed — but if you applied for SORN part-way through the month and still had unused tax left, you could be due a refund.
Once the DVLA processes the Certificate of Destruction, they’ll automatically refund any full remaining months of tax.
Common Questions
Can I scrap a SORN car that doesn’t start or is badly damaged?
Yes. Scrap yards don’t expect the car to be in working order — whether it’s missing parts, has flat tyres, or hasn’t run in years, it can still be collected and scrapped.
What if the car has sentimental value or personal items inside?
Before the vehicle is taken away, make sure to remove any personal belongings. Double-check the glovebox, boot, under the seats — even the CD player if you’re old-school. Once it’s gone, you won’t get it back.
Do I need to tell the DVLA myself?
In most cases, the company will handle the paperwork and notify the DVLA for you. But it’s still worth double-checking a few weeks after to make sure it’s been processed. You don’t want to be fined for a car you no longer own.
Final Thoughts: SORN or Not, Scrapping Is Easy
Scrapping a SORN car is a straightforward way to clear space and put a bit of cash back in your pocket — without the stress of dealing with repairs or paperwork.
Just remember:
- Use a reputable scrap dealer
- Arrange collection (don’t drive it)
- Have your ID and details ready
- Make sure the DVLA is updated
Thinking about scrapping your SORN car? Get a quote online.
