How to Cancel Your TV Licence and Get a Refund
You can cancel at any time and get a pro-rata refund for remaining months. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step-by-Step Cancellation
Decide if you still need one
Make sure you will not be watching any live TV broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer after cancellation. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other streaming services are fine without a licence.
Cancel online or by phone
Go to tvlicensing.co.uk and use the cancellation form, or call 0300 790 6165. You will need your licence number (on your confirmation email or letter).
Confirm your refund
If you have full months remaining, TV Licensing will calculate your refund. They will tell you the amount during the cancellation process.
Wait for your refund
Refunds are processed within 21 days. Payment is by cheque or BACS transfer to your bank account if you paid by Direct Debit.
Declare you don't need one
After cancelling, declare at tvlicensing.co.uk that you no longer need a licence. This stops enforcement letters arriving at your address for approximately 2 years.
Refund Examples
| Scenario | Months Used | Months Refunded | Refund Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancel after 3 months | 3 | 9 | £135.00 |
| Cancel after 6 months | 6 | 6 | £90.00 |
| Cancel after 9 months | 9 | 3 | £45.00 |
| Cancel after 11 months | 11 | 1 | £15.00 |
Based on £180/year (£15/month). Refund is for complete remaining months only. Partial months are not refunded.
After Cancellation
What you CAN do
- • Watch Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube
- • Watch catch-up on ITVX, Channel 4, My5
- • Use your TV for gaming, DVDs, Blu-rays
- • Listen to BBC Radio and podcasts
What you CANNOT do
- • Watch live TV on any channel
- • Use BBC iPlayer (live or catch-up)
- • Record live TV programmes
- • Watch live broadcasts online
Enforcement letters
After cancellation, TV Licensing may start sending enforcement letters. This is normal. Declare online that you do not need a licence, and the letters will stop for about 2 years. Do not be alarmed by them.