With the TV licence fee now costing £174.50 a year following an inflation-linked rise in April, many households are questioning whether they still need to pay it. As budgets remain tight, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for a refund, especially since nearly half of UK adults aren’t clear on what the licence covers.
A nationally representative survey by FCA-regulated credit broker Viva Money found that 43% of UK adults don’t fully understand what the TV licence covers. While it’s mandatory for anyone streaming live TV or using BBC iPlayer – with non-payment risking a hefty fine – those who mainly watch services like Netflix, Disney+, or non-BBC catch-up platforms may not need one at all. This means they could cancel their licence and potentially claim a refund.
When do I need a TV licence?
In the UK, you need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel, or if you use BBC iPlayer – whether it’s live, on catch-up, or on demand. This applies no matter what device you’re using, including a TV, laptop, tablet, or phone.
You also need a licence to stream live content through platforms like ITVX, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, or Sky Go. However, if you only ever use these services for on-demand or catch-up (excluding BBC iPlayer), a licence isn’t required.
Services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube don’t require a TV licence – unless you’re watching something being broadcast live, such as a live sports event or news stream.
If you’re thinking about cancelling your TV licence, make sure no one in your household is watching anything that would require one, as breaking the rules can lead to a fine.
How to cancel a TV licence
If you’re confident your household no longer needs a TV licence, you can cancel it by completing a refund and cancellation request form through TV Licensing.
An inspector may visit to verify your claim, and it’s worth noting that one in five checks reveal the household still requires a licence. If it turns out a licence is needed, you’ll have to pay the full fee and could face prosecution. Fines can reach up to £1,000 on the UK mainland, £2,000 in Guernsey, and £500 in Jersey.
How to request a TV licence refund
You may be eligible for a TV licence refund if you no longer need your licence before it expires and have at least one full month remaining.
Refunds are typically granted in cases such as:
- No longer using TV receiving equipment
- Another licence already covers the address
- The licence was bought in error or replaced
- The licence holder has passed away
- The licence holder moving abroad
- A free or blind concession licence has been applied for
You can apply for a refund up to 14 days before you stop needing the licence. If it’s already expired, you may still qualify provided it expired less than two years ago.
To apply, complete the online refund form and provide any necessary evidence. TV Licensing will assess your claim and issue any refund – based on full unused months – via cheque or direct deposit. To check your licence expiry date, simply log into your online account.
Some people may also be able to apply for a discount on their TV licences, ranging between 50% and even 100%. Find out more about this here.
