How to Cancel TV Licence: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for how to cancel TV licence, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’ve stopped watching live TV, switched to streaming services, or are moving abroad, cancelling your TV licence can save you money. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, including eligibility requirements, cancellation methods, refund policies, and common questions.
Table of Contents
- Who Needs a TV Licence?
- When Can You Cancel Your TV Licence?
- How to Cancel Your TV Licence: Step-by-Step
- TV Licence Refund Policy
- What Happens After Cancellation?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs a TV Licence?
Before learning how to cancel TV licence, it’s important to understand whether you legally need one. In the UK, you must have a TV licence if you:
- Watch or record live TV on any channel or platform
- Use BBC iPlayer to watch or download programmes
- Stream live TV on services like ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video
You don’t need a TV licence if you only watch:
- On-demand or catch-up TV (except BBC iPlayer)
- Non-BBC programmes on streaming services like Netflix or Disney+
- YouTube videos (unless live content)
When Can You Cancel Your TV Licence?
You can cancel your TV licence in these common situations:
1. You No Longer Watch Live TV or Use BBC iPlayer
If you’ve switched entirely to streaming services that don’t require a licence, you can cancel.
2. You’re Moving House
If you’re moving to a new address, you can transfer or cancel your licence.
3. You’re Moving Abroad
TV licences are only valid in the UK, so you can cancel if leaving the country.
4. Someone in Your Household Has Passed Away
You can cancel the licence and may be eligible for a refund.
How to Cancel Your TV Licence: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for how to cancel TV licence properly:
Step 1: Gather Required Information
You’ll need:
- Your TV licence number
- Your name and address
- Bank details if requesting a refund
- Reason for cancellation
Step 2: Choose Your Cancellation Method
There are three ways to cancel:
- Online: Visit the TV Licensing website and use their cancellation form
- By Phone: Call 0300 790 6131 (UK) or +44 844 800 6736 (from abroad)
- By Post: Write to TV Licensing, Bristol BS98 1TL
Step 3: Complete the Cancellation Process
Provide all required information and specify your cancellation date. If eligible for a refund, request it during this process.
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
You’ll get written confirmation of your cancellation within 10 working days.
TV Licence Refund Policy
You may be eligible for a partial refund if:
- You have at least one full month remaining on your licence
- You’re moving to accommodation that already has a TV licence
- You no longer need a licence (and can prove it)
Refunds are calculated from the date your cancellation takes effect. For example, if you paid £159 for a yearly licence and cancel after 6 months, you’d receive approximately £79.50 back.
What Happens After Cancellation?
After successfully completing how to cancel TV licence process:
- You’ll stop receiving payment reminders
- Your direct debit (if applicable) will be cancelled
- You may receive a confirmation letter
- TV Licensing may follow up to verify your situation
Important: If TV Licensing believes you still need a licence, they may send enforcement officers to verify your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my TV licence at any time?
Yes, you can cancel anytime you no longer need it, but refunds only apply if you have at least one full month remaining.
How long does it take to process a cancellation?
Cancellations typically take 10 working days to process. Refunds may take an additional 21 days.
Will I be visited after cancelling?
TV Licensing may follow up to confirm you no longer need a licence, especially if you previously had one for many years.
Can I cancel just part of my licence?
No, TV licences are all-or-nothing. You can’t cancel for specific services while keeping others.
What if I change my mind after cancelling?
You can easily restart your TV licence by contacting TV Licensing or applying online.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cancel TV licence, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right choice for your situation. Remember that cancelling when you still legally need a licence could result in fines up to £1,000. If you’re certain you qualify for cancellation, follow the steps outlined above to stop payments and potentially receive a refund.
Have questions about your specific situation? Contact TV Licensing directly for personalized advice. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from this information.