If you're planning to scrap your car, you may be wondering whether you need to declare it as SORN first. The Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) is a declaration made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) stating that a vehicle is registered as off the road, which means it cannot be driven on a public highway.

Two separate processes

It's worth noting that SORN and scrapping a car are two separate processes, and you don't necessarily need to SORN your car before scrapping it. However, there are some things to consider depending on whether your car is currently SORN'd or not.

Certificate of Destruction

If your car is not currently SORN'd, you can legally scrap it as normal by driving it to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) or arranging for it to be collected. Once the vehicle is scrapped, a Certificate of Destruction will be generated, and the DVLA will be notified to update their records.

Free collections

If your car is currently SORN'd, you won't be able to drive it to the scrapyard or ATF. Instead, you'll need to arrange for legal transportation of the vehicle to the scrap centre. Many services offer free collections making the task very straightforward, including our own! (You can find out how much we can offer for your car here.)

However, if you plan to remove any parts before scrapping the car, you'll need to check with your ATF before beginning the scrapping process. This is because removing parts may reduce the value of the scrap car. If too many parts are removed, the ATF may not be able to offer a collection service or pay for the remains of the car.

Summary

You don't necessarily need to SORN your car before scrapping it. However, it's worth understanding the process involved and any potential impact on the value of the scrap car if you plan to remove any parts. If you're unsure, it's always best to contact a reputable scrap service for guidance, such as Motorwise.