When did the need for SORN Start?

One for UK members.... I have a 2-door last taxed in '97 does it need sorn?? Checking the database I get this,.... Date of Liability- 01 11 1997 Status - unlicensed I should know this but I'm having a senior moment trying to understand what it means..... CHeers Ger

Basically,AFAIK, only if you inform the DVLA and get the database updated. My car is in a similar state, same year. Just after the system was announced I spoke to a DVLA rep, they had a stand at an NEC classic show, probably November '97, and was told that because my car wasn't currently taxed it wouldn't apply when it came into force end of Jan '98. Later on the DVLA tried to get all untaxed cars onto the system and it was completly swamped. After that they had to change the rules I believe. I don't think there is any problem in getting a car's info updated as long as you have the docs. Probably easier if you're the registered owner of course. Once updated you'll then have to keep the SORN up to date to avoid a nasty fine. I suppose I should get mine sorted out..................

Phew....thought I was in for a slap from DVLA.... So all is well till it hits the road again...... I've actually done a deal with a mate hes getting the car in return for some spannering for me on my 4door, or on my new, (non volvo) project thats coming this weekend......:))

There is possibly one very simple answer, if it is your name and address is on the registration document and you don't get a licence reminder then your vehicle is not on the system and don't need to worry about SORN. Once you have licenced the vehicle and then take it off the road and cease to licence it then you will have to declare SORN. However to be more precise SORN does not apply if: "neither a vehicle licence nor a nil licence was in force for the vehicle on 31st January 1998". If you want to see the regulations where this is stated then paste this link into your browser:

When I re-SORN'd my 240 the other day the girl in the Post Office said she thought that an owner could only re-SORN their car for three times or so. Has anybody else heard this, cos if so, what happens then? Mind you, this could be yet another instance of the PO staff not being made fully aware of the latest regulations. Last year the clerk at a different PO said I needed to supply the log-book, in addition to the reminder, to re-SORN. Then there was my recent effort for my 164 which I KNEW was due but the reminder hadn't arrived: one PO advised I had to send off to Glasgow whereas another just re-did it on the log-book! With all this confusion, what does one do with a new acquisition, which had been SORN'd with the previous owner but you haven't got the V5 back in your name after a few weeks wait? Their computer isn't fussy when you cover yourself a different way: it merely issues you with a failure to SORN fine when you renew without a reminder. I know, as I've been fighting them on this for nearly a year now, and was advised by a Solicitor to take them to the small-claims court if they summons me for not having a SORN (even though I have a SORN receipt!). Interesting stuff, if such scatty bureaucracy doesn't get you down.... Paul