Can I sell my car with no road tax?

Does road tax transfer to the new owner when you sell your car?

No, road tax is now non-transferrable, which means that if you sell your car, its road tax is no longer transferred to the new owner at the point of sale.

Instead, you’ll need to tell the DVLA you’ve sold your car. From here, it’s the responsibility of the new owner to pay road tax for the vehicle.

You can update the DVLA immediately via the gov.uk website.

Once the DVLA has been notified of the change in ownership, you will receive a road tax refund for any full months’ outstanding cover.

You can’t tax a car without an MOT, which means the new owner must make sure the vehicle is covered by a valid MOT certificate before they drive it.

Can I sell a SORN car?

Yes, it’s perfectly legal to sell a car with SORN status.

However, SORN cars can’t be driven or even parked on public roads, which can complicate the private selling process.

How to sell a SORN car privately (step-by-step)

1. Gather all the documents needed to sell your car (e.g. the V5C logbook and service history).

2. Take a series of good quality interior and exterior photos, ideally in clear daylight.

3. Create an ad, including the photos, and a clear description of your car. Your ad should clearly state that the car is SORN and cannot be driven on public roads.

4. Car advertising websites offer a range of free and premium listing options. You can also use traditional advertising mediums such as local newspapers and community noticeboards.

5. When meeting prospective buyers, answer any questions honestly, and clearly explain the considerations for purchasing a SORN car.

6. Remember, you cannot facilitate a test drive in a SORN car. You can demonstrate the vehicle on your own land, providing it is not accessible to the public.

7. Be prepared to negotiate. It’s likely that the buyer will request a discount based on the car’s condition and SORN status.

8. Make sure you sell your car safely, avoiding scams, and taking payment in a secure manner. (We recommend bank transfer.) Whichever method you accept, don’t hand over the keys until the cash is in your account.

9. After selling your SORN car, it’s your responsibility to transfer ownership to the buyer. You can do this instantly via the DVLA website. It’s also possible to transfer ownership by post, but the process takes longer.

Key considerations when selling a SORN car

• A SORN status may raise questions about your car’s condition and reliability, reducing its resale value.

• As SORN cars cannot be driven on public roads, the new buyer will need to arrange for it to be transported, which will incur additional costs.

• If your car isn’t roadworthy and/or doesn’t have a valid MOT, you must disclose this. Failing to do so could land you in legal trouble.

• A car with SORN status may be more difficult to sell on the private market. If you want a quick sale, consider alternative methods, such as selling to a car buying service or a dealership.

webuyanycar offers a simpler way to sell your SORN car

Want to avoid the hassle of selling your SORN car privately? webuyanycar offers a simple, hassle-free solution. Here’s how it works:

1. Enter your reg number into our free car valuation tool to get a quote in under 30 seconds.

2. Book your appointment at any of our 500+ UK branches.

3. Whilst you can’t legally drive your a SORN car, a local vehicle recovery service can tow or transport it to your local webuyanycar branch. Happy to sell? We’ll send the cash to your bank.

With webuyanycar, you’ll also benefit from a guaranteed sale. We can buy your car, regardless of its condition or tax status.

Unsure whether your car is taxed? Find out in an instant with our free car tax check tool.