Guides › Broadband, Phone and Mobile Contracts › TV Licence Refund: When You Can Get One
TV Licence Refund: When You Can Get One
TV Licensing says you can ask for a refund if you will not need your licence again before it expires and you have at least one complete month left. You can apply online up to 14 days before you stop needing it. It aims to issue refunds within 21 days.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Getting a Refund
Who Can Get One
You can request a refund if you will not need the licence again before it expires and you have at least one complete month left, for example if you no longer watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, or you are moving abroad. Let TV Licensing know if the licence holder has died. source
How to Apply
Use the online refund and cancellation form, up to 14 days before you no longer need the licence. TV Licensing aims to issue refunds within 21 days of receiving your application, by cheque or BACS transfer. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 21 daysTV Licensing aims to issue a refundFrom receiving your application
- 14 daysApply in advanceBefore you no longer need the licence
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check you have at least one complete month left on the licence.
Step 2 of 5
Make sure you will not need it again before it expires (no live TV or BBC iPlayer).
Step 3 of 5
Apply on the TV Licensing website using its refund and cancellation form.
Step 4 of 5
Cancel any Direct Debit only once TV Licensing confirms.
Step 5 of 5
If the refund has not arrived after 21 days, contact TV Licensing.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
TV Licensing
Apply for the refund and contact it if it is late.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice if you are stuck.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
TV Licensing works out the refund amount for you.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/cancellations-and-refunds-top7 Checked 13 October 2026