Do I have to declare I don't need a TV licence?

No, you are not legally required to declare. However, if you don't, TV Licensing will continue sending enforcement letters to your address. Declaring stops the letters for approximately 2 years.

How to Declare You Don't Need a TV Licence

If you do not watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, declaring online stops the enforcement letters. It takes 5 minutes.

What the Declaration Does

A declaration tells TV Licensing that you do not need a licence because you do not watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. Once made, the automated enforcement letters stop for approximately 2 years. It is not a legal obligation, just a way to stop the letters.

Step-by-Step

Go to the TV Licensing website

Visit tvlicensing.co.uk and find the 'Tell us you don't need one' section. You can also search for 'TV licensing no licence needed' to find it directly.

Fill in your details

Enter your name, address, and email. The form asks for the address that does not need a licence. Make sure the address matches exactly.

Confirm what you are declaring

You are confirming that nobody at your address watches live TV (on any channel) or uses BBC iPlayer. This must be true - making a false declaration does not protect you.

Submit and save confirmation

You will receive an email confirmation. Save this in case you ever need to prove you declared. The letters should stop within a few weeks.

Go to the official declaration form

After You Declare

Letters stop

Enforcement letters will stop arriving. This usually takes 2-4 weeks. If letters continue after a month, contact TV Licensing to confirm your declaration was processed.

Visits may still happen

In rare cases, an enforcement officer may still visit to verify your declaration. You are under no obligation to let them in or answer questions. Your declaration is not affected by their visit.

Redeclare after 2 years

After approximately 2 years, letters may start arriving again. Simply redeclare online using the same process. There is no limit on how many times you can declare.

Changed your mind?

If you start watching live TV or using iPlayer, buy a licence immediately at tvlicensing.co.uk. There is no penalty for changing circumstances, only for watching without a valid licence.

Common Questions

Do I have to declare?

No. There is no legal requirement to tell TV Licensing anything. However, if you do not declare, the automated enforcement letters will keep arriving at your address. Declaring simply stops the letters. It takes 5 minutes and saves you the annoyance.

How often do I need to redeclare?

Declarations typically last about 2 years. After that period, TV Licensing may resume sending letters. When the letters start again, you can declare again online. There is no notification that your declaration has expired.

Can I be prosecuted after declaring?

Yes, if you made a false declaration. Declaring that you do not need a licence does not give you legal protection. If enforcement officers visit and find evidence that you watch live TV or use iPlayer, you can still be prosecuted. The declaration is a statement, not a shield.

What if my circumstances change?

If you start watching live TV or using iPlayer after declaring, you need to buy a licence immediately. You can do this at tvlicensing.co.uk. There is no penalty for changing your mind, only for watching without a licence.

Can I declare by phone or letter?

Yes. You can call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6165 or write to them at TV Licensing, Darlington DL98 1TL. However, the online form at tvlicensing.co.uk is the fastest method and gives you immediate confirmation.