How do I tell them I don't need a TV Licence?

To tell TV Licensing you don't need a license, you must complete their official "No Licence Needed" declaration online or by phone, confirming you don't watch live TV, any channel, or BBC iPlayer on any device, or you can cancel an existing one via their website for a refund. Be sure you genuinely don't need one (e.g., just gaming/DVDs), as they can visit to check, and you could face prosecution if you're wrong.

How do I say I don't need a TV Licence?

Please call a member of our team on 0300 131 1260*.

Please enter your 10-digit reference number, this will be on any letter or email we've sent you about your no licence needed declaration.

How to avoid paying TV Licence?

You don't need a TV Licence if you never watch live on any channel, pay TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer*. This includes recording and downloading. On any device.

How do they prove you don't have a TV license?

There are a number of ways we can find out. At the heart of our operation is the TV Licensing database of approximately 31 million home and business addresses, telling us which of these have TV Licences. All of our visiting officers have access to this database and will check whether or not you have a licence.

Can I opt out of paying my TV Licence?

You can cancel your licence and may be eligible for a refund if, before your licence expires, you won't be: watching TV on any channel, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels.

Declaring No TV Licence Needed

What are valid reasons to cancel a TV Licence?

There are a few reasons why you might need to cancel your TV Licence:

• You don't watch or record live TV on any channel or device and you don't download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer any more.
• You are moving to an address that already has a TV Licence.
• You are moving into a care home.
• You are moving abroad.

Should I pay a TV license if I only watch Netflix?

You do not need a TV Licence to watch: streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus.

Do TV detector vans actually exist?

There are no TV detector vans. It was originally a PR stunt to frighten people into thinking they could be detected and then pursued for not having a TV licence. There are still no TV detector vans.

Do TV licences know when you're watching TV without a licence?

A TV Licence Officer visits you when we have no record of a licence at your address, and we haven't received a reply to our previous letters. We need to check if you've been watching, recording or downloading TV without a licence.

Can I cancel my TV Licence if I only watch Netflix?

Yes, you can cancel your TV licence if you only watch on-demand content like Netflix and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, as you only need a license for watching live broadcasts on any channel/service or using BBC iPlayer. You must formally tell TV Licensing you don't need one by confirming you won't watch live TV or use iPlayer, then cancel any Direct Debit, but be prepared for them to ask questions during cancellation. 

What if I only watch catch-up TV?

You do not need a TV license if you are solely watching non-live, catch-up content on platforms that do not feature any live broadcasts.

Can I watch DVDs without a TV license?

No. You don't need a TV Licence if you only use your TV for gaming or DVDs.

How can I be exempt from a TV license?

There are concessions available for:

1. People who are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit.
2. People who are blind (severely sight impaired).
3. People who live in qualifying residential care and are disabled or over 60 and retired.

How do I get away with not having a TV license?

If you don't have a TV Licence, you can legally watch:

1. Catch up programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer, such as ITVX, All4 and My5.
2. On demand films or TV shows that you watch, rent or buy online from providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky, EE TV, Sky, Apple TV+, Disney+ or Now.
3. S4C programmes on demand.

Do I have to pay to watch YouTube on my TV?

Connect your favorite devices and start watching what you love. $82.99/mo $59.99/mo for your first 2 months, $82.99/mo thereafter for YouTube TV Base Plan. Cancel anytime. New users only.

Who is eligible for TV license refund?

You may be eligible for a TV licence refund if: You will not need the licence for at least one full month. The licence has one or more unused full months left (worth more than one-twelfth of the fee) You've moved into a care home, gone abroad, or no longer watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.

Can they prove you don't have a TV license?

All our visiting officers have access to this database. This means they can check if you have a licence or not. If you tell us that you do not need a TV Licence, our officers may still visit you to confirm this.

Can they track if you don't have a TV license?

There are a number of ways we can find out. At the heart of our operation is the TV Licensing database of approximately 31 million home and business addresses, telling us which of these have TV Licences. All of our visiting officers have access to this database and will check whether or not you have a licence.

Can your TV viewing be tracked?

Device Usage Data collects information on how you use the TV for advertising and marketing purposes. Collect App and Over-the-Air Usage Data collects info on what you watch if you use an antenna, and the frequency and duration of your use of third-party apps.

Do TVs have trackers?

Your internet-connected TV has Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) features that track what you watch. Here's how to disable it, along with smart privacy advice from security experts. Smart televisions offer internet access, streaming apps, and sometimes even built-in cameras and microphones.

Do you need a TV Licence if you only watch Amazon Prime?

Do you need a TV Licence to watch Amazon Prime? If you're watching TV showing live on Amazon Prime, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don't need a TV Licence if you're only watching on demand programmes on Amazon Prime.

What channels can you watch without a TV Licence?

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch TV channels live on any TV service or streaming service - such as ITVX, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now or Sky Go. You don't need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer*.

How do I opt out of a TV Licence?

How to cancel your licence

1. If you pay by Direct Debit or all in one go, you can cancel your licence online now.
2. Once you've done this, make sure you cancel your Direct Debit with your bank, if this is how you pay.
3. If you pay with a TV Licensing payment card you will need to contact us.

Do not want to renew my TV license.?

Got a licence you want to cancel? If you're sure you no longer need your licence, please let us know by completing our online cancellation form. Cancel your TV Licence.