Bought a car a few months ago, now saying "unlicensed"

MarkAtkins67

I bought a car a few months ago through private sale that was SORN at the time. Signed all the paper work etc and a few weeks later received my V5. Just did some work on it and took it for an MOT, but when I do an online check it says "Vehicle Status: Unlicensed"

I did a search online and apparently when you buy a SORN car it automatically makes the SORN expire and I may have to pay an £80 fine and the tax for the last 5 months I've had the car. I've searched the Direct Gov website and can find no mention of the SORN expiring when you buy a car.

I've had no letters, tax reminders, SORN reminders or any fines come through from the DVLA, all I've had is the V5. Will I have any problems taxing it when I go to the Post Office? How do they expect you to know these things if they don't tell you?

spacey2012

A SORN is a declaration.
A declaration can not be made by someone else on your behalf.
When you became registered keeper you became responsible for your own paper work and obligations.
signing the vc5 discharges any responsibilities or declarations made by the previous keeper to the new keeper.
Yes, you must either pay the excise licence or declare the vehicle sorn.
Somebody else can not do it for you .
Your car, your responsibility.

AdrianC

MarkAtkins67 wrote: »

I've searched the Direct Gov website and can find no mention of the SORN expiring when you buy a car.

How do they expect you to know these things if they don't tell you?

https://www.gov.uk/register-sorn-statutory-off-road-notification
"Your SORN is valid until your vehicle is taxed, sold or scrapped."

...and...
(in bold, with a nice big exclamation mark icon, to help ensure you don't miss it)
"If you buy a vehicle that already has a SORN from its previous keeper, the SORN will finish as soon as you buy the vehicle. You will need to make a new SORN."