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We generate and send your cancellation letter to TV Licence by registered mail
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Digital registered letter with receipt of acceptance
Subject : Cancellation of TV Licence agreement
Clear 2026 guide to cancel a TV Licence in the UK. Steps, refund rules, phone and postal addresses, and alternatives. Rating: not publicly disclosed.
| fastest method (name it + why) | Online via the TV Licensing website - fastest because you can submit a cancellation or refund request immediately and receive confirmation on-screen when completed |
| effective delay | Cancellation applied immediately on approval; refunds processed and issued within 21 days of receiving your application |
| notice period | At least 1 complete month must remain on the licence to apply for a refund |
| cancellation fee (amount or 0) | 0 |
| minimum commitment | No minimum contract term; licence must have at least one complete month remaining to qualify for a refund |
| phone + hours | 0300 790 6071 - hours not publicly disclosed by TV Licensing |
| postal address for registered letter | TV Licence, Street only, DL98 1TL Darlington, United Kingdom |
A TV Licence is the legal permission to watch or record live television on any channel or service and to use BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom. One licence covers a whole household, regardless of the number of devices.
There are a small number of licence types: a colour TV Licence, a black and white TV Licence, free licences for eligible people aged 75 on Pension Credit, and discounted licences for blind or residential care residents. The annual colour licence is £180 and the annual black and white licence is £60.50. A free licence applies to those aged 75 and receiving Pension Credit.
| Annual colour licence | £180 |
| Annual black and white licence | £60.50 |
| One licence covers | Entire household |
| Who enforces | TV Licensing (BBC) under the Communications Act 2003 |
For official guidance about whether you need a licence and how to buy or refund one, see the government page Official TV Licence guidance and the BBC fee information on the licence fee and finances at BBC annual report 2025-26.
| method | steps summary | estimated time | proof obtained | difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web | Use the official TV Licensing or gov.uk page to apply for cancellation or refund online | Immediate to complete form; refunds decided within 21 days | On-screen confirmation and reference number | Easy |
| iOS | Use mobile web browser to access the official site; no dedicated app published | Immediate to complete form | On-screen confirmation | Easy |
| Android | Use mobile web browser to access the official site; no dedicated app published | Immediate to complete form | On-screen confirmation | Easy |
| Phone | Call 0300 790 6071 to request cancellation or refund and to ask about documentation | Call duration plus processing time; refunds processed within 21 days | Call reference number if provided | Medium |
| TV Licensing does not publish a general cancellation email; use web or post or phone | Not published by TV Licensing | Not published by TV Licensing | Hard | |
| Post | Send a registered letter requesting cancellation or refund with supporting documents to the Darlington address | Delivery time plus processing up to 21 days for refunds | Proof of postage and any reply from TV Licensing | Medium |
Rule: If you move and the new address will be covered by another valid licence or you will not use TV receiving equipment, you can cancel the existing licence. Required proof: new address details and either a copy of the other household licence or written declaration that no TV receiving equipment will be used at the new address. Applicable law: Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004.
Rule: A licence may be cancelled and a refund considered following the death of the licence holder. Required proof: death certificate and the licence reference or account details. Applicable law: Section 365(3) of the Communications Act 2003 gives the BBC discretion to refund payments.
Rule: Refunds are considered where a licence was bought in error or a replacement licence has been purchased. Required proof: proof of both transactions and licence numbers. Applicable law: TV Licensing policy and Section 365(3) of the Communications Act 2003.
Rule: If TV receiving equipment is no longer used at the address, refunds are calculated in whole months for the remaining full months on the licence. Required proof: signed declaration or evidence that equipment has been removed or disconnected. Legal basis: Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004.
Rule: Blind concession refunds may be applied for at any time and for any length of time left on the licence. Free licences issued in error can be cancelled. Required proof: proof of blind registration or Pension Credit entitlement for free licences. Legal basis: TV Licensing policy and Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004.
Rule: TV Licensing may cancel licences where there is a demonstrable error or fraud. Required proof: documentation showing the error or investigation outcome. Legal basis: TV Licensing legislation and internal enforcement policy under the Communications Act 2003.
Retention offers from TV Licensing are not publicly reported in the research. To attempt retention or to seek a different outcome, call 0300 790 6071 and ask an advisor whether any remedies, corrections or discretionary options apply to your account. If you are disputing a charge or claiming a refund, give exact dates, licence numbers and documents that support your claim. If TV Licensing approves a refund, the licence is cancelled automatically.
Annual cost of a colour TV Licence: 12 x £15 = £180. Annual cost of a black and white TV Licence: 12 x £5.04 = £60.50.
Example savings when replacing TV Licence with an alternative:
The cheapest real alternative from the competitors listed is British IPTV at £51.99 per year, representing a potential yearly saving of £128.01 compared with a £180 colour licence.
The Communications Act 2003 and the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 define the legal basis for TV Licensing and licence offences. Ofcom regulates broadcasting content and Trading Standards enforces consumer protection rules. Section 365(3) of the Communications Act 2003 gives the BBC discretionary power to refund licence payments.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires services to be performed with reasonable care and skill. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide a 14-day cooling-off period for most online or off-premises contracts; however the TV Licence is a statutory licensing scheme with specific refund rules published by TV Licensing. The Competition and Markets Authority treats hard-to-cancel subscriptions and unclear auto-renewal terms as potential unfair practices; if you face unclear cancellation terms, contact Citizens Advice or Trading Standards for assistance. If you cannot resolve a dispute with TV Licensing, raise a complaint with BBC governance contacts and seek help from Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
After cancellation you must not watch or record live TV on any channel or service or use BBC iPlayer. Continued use of live TV or BBC iPlayer without a valid licence is an offence under Part 4 of the Communications Act 2003.
Keep your cancellation confirmation and any reference numbers. If you need a licence again you can buy one through the official GOV.UK page. Refunds, if approved, will be issued within 21 days by cheque or BACS transfer according to TV Licensing policy.
Follow this checklist to cancel correctly and protect your rights.
£15
/ mois
Required to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, and to use BBC iPlayer. One licence covers an entire household.
£5.04
/ mois
For black and white television sets. One licence covers an entire household.
£0
/ mois
Available for individuals aged 75 who receive Pension Credit.
No commitment. Billoff helps you cancel or adjust your TV Licence subscription without hunting down every detail alone.
Below are common alternatives people compare for this type of subscription.
£5.99
/ mois
On-demand library of series, films and originals; no live TV channels
£6.99
/ mois
Access to HBO series and Sky Originals with some minimum terms for certain passes
£10.99
/ mois
Large selection of live UK and international channels with flexible plans
TV Licence is available in many countries. Here are several frequently cited markets:
What you should know about TV Licence subscription and cancellation terms:
Automatic monthly or yearly renewal. Billing is handled by the primary account or the signup platform.
Renewal runs automatically at the end of each billing period while the subscription stays active.
Cancel from account settings or the app store used at signup. Access usually continues until the paid period ends.
Refunds depend on billing date, country, and payment channel.
The family plan admin can add or remove members per the service’s household and age rules.
Plan changes and cancellations follow the provider’s terms and local law.
Billoff simplifies cancellation: we handle the cancellation process for your TV Licence subscription, whichever payment method you use.
Cancel, adjust, or compare options in a few clicks.