A TV licence is legally required to watch any television programme, on any channel, or stream any live television online.
But what if you decided you no longer watch live television, and don’t need to keep paying for a TV licence?
How do I cancel my TV licence?
You can cancel your TV licence in several different ways.
If you paid in full or pay by Direct Debit, you should use the contact form on the TV Licencing website.
You will have to explain why you are cancelling and state your current address.
You will also need to give your old address, if you have moved.
If you have paid by Direct Debit, you will then need to cancel this with your bank.
Alternatively, if you pay using a TV Licensing card, you should call 03005550286. Lines are open from 8:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Many people report problems trying to cancel their TV licence on the website, with it sending them round in circles.
If you’re getting nowhere online and you paid via Direct Debit or in full, you can call 0300 790 0368.
It is important to check that you won’t need your licence again before it expires.
Once it has expired, you will not be able to watch live TV, stream on services such as YouTube and Sky Go or watch or download from BBC iPlayer.
You will be breaking the law if you do any of this without a TV licence.
Once your licence has been cancelled, you can make a No Licence Needed Declaration online to stop letters being sent to the address for up to two years.
Can I just cancel my direct debit for my TV licence?
No. You need to let TV Licensing know that you want to cancel, and they will then stop your Direct Debit for you.
If TV Licensing doesn’t hear from you they will still send reminder letters to your address – as if it was unlicensed.
How do I ask for a refund?
People are eligible for a refund if they don’t need their licence again, but still have at least one month left before it expires.
You need to fill in a short form on the TV licencing website to apply.
TV Licensing may also ask for additional, supporting documents.
Refund amounts are calculated using information such as when the licence was issued, its expiry date and when you can show you don’t need it from.
Your application will then be assessed and, if successful, a refund will be offered.
But make sure you get the information correct the first time around. TV Licensing does not change refund amounts or reconsider claims once the application has been completed.
You should also not try to cancel your direct debit until after you’ve been refunded.
