Failure to notify SORN

PMcB

Hi,
I am looking for advice on SORN declaration. My son bought a vehicle in January 2019 with 5 months MOT remaining and no TAX before passing his driving test. Partly due to covid-19 and partly due to being slow with the lessons etc, his car has not been on the road in the past 2 years. We waited for a new V5C log book as it was assumed he had completed the paperwork and none ever came. We found the V5C log book yesterday when looking for other paperwork so it is now obvious the vehicle remains registered in the name of the previous keeper. I intend to complete the log book and send this to DVLA but the car has now been sitting on our property for 2 years and I am fearful that there will be an attempt to back date TAX or fine for the 2 years the vehicle has disappeared from the system. Proof of sale mileage and present day mileage will show the car has done only a handful of miles on private property. Any advice would be most welcome.

PMcB

I should also add that I have attempted and failed to SORN the vehicle on the DVLA website. It is not possible due to vehicle registration issues apparently. 

williamgriffin

First step is to apply for a log book in his name. 

AdrianC

First off, look at https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/ and see when the last V5C was issued.

Your son has the main section of the V5C there, in the previous keeper's name? So the vendor handed it over, and your son failed to do the keeper change... Get it changed over asap.

Will they pursue a failure to SORN? Probably not - because, technically, all the failure is in the vendor's part. It was their legal responsibility to change keeper, and the keeper's to keep the car SORNed or taxed at all times.

PMcB

AdrianC said:

Your son has the main section of the V5C there, in the previous keeper's name? So the vendor handed it over, and your son failed to do the keeper change... Get it changed over asap.

AdrianC....appreciate your help. Thanks. Yes the keeper signed the V5C when transferring to the car dealer, the car dealer then passed the signed V5C to us when we likely should have just received the Part 10 to tax the vehicle. Lost it among other paperwork until now but the car hasn't been on the road in 2 years. Thanks again.