Unable to SORN. DVLA closed? Paperwork not recognised.

pippawood

My vehicle tax run out on March 27th 2020 so I couldn't take advantage of the extension. I took my vehicle to be MOT'd and it failed the MOT. I paid for a years worth of tax in March but as I now won't be using the vehicle I would like to SORN it. There are two methods of doing it online, either using the number from the v11 or from the v5. I have tried both with the same result.. it says that it hasn't been recognised and no such vehicle exists. I have called the DVLA within opening hours but it's they say the offices are closed.

Jeremy535897

Wait until Monday and try the webchat. They only speak to key workers by telephone.
https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/vehicle-tax-and-sorn

pippawood

I'll try that. Thank you, I hadn't heard of that.  I was hoping to avoid losing another month's refund, but still.

pippawood

Thought I'd try that now. A web bot stated " Due to the current situation regarding Covid-19, we are not currently able to offer a webchat service. I can try and help you with any frequently asked questions, or you can end our chat and contact us within the above hours to speak to an advisor. "  Though it did state keyworkers could use web chat but that counts me out.

It's beginning to look like there is no way to SORN unless you are a keyworker, which doesn't really make sense.

Jeremy535897

I think you can. Your problem seems to be that you can't use any of the normal automated systems because the numbers are not recognised. Try them again on Monday. If they still don't work, check the webchat message is still the same after 9.00am on Monday. If it is, download the V890 and write the letter as described in:
https://www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn

bradders1983

Failing that, ring up and claim you are a keyworker anyway. How do you propose they check this? 

pippawood

Okay. Thank you Jeremy and Bradders for your help.