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TV Licence refunds

You need to buy a TV Licence, even if you only need it for part of the year. If you no longer need your licence, you may be entitled to a refund. This is as long as you don’t need your TV Licence again before it expires.

You may be entitled to a refund where:

You have unused quarters remaining on your licence, and:

You have unused quarters remaining on your licence, and:
You no longer use your TV equipment*

For example, you move abroad. Or you’re a student going away for the summer break.
You’re covered by another TV Licence*

For example, you move in with someone and they already have a TV Licence.

To check if you’re covered by another TV Licence, see For your home or For your business.
The licence holder has died*

The executor of the deceased licence holder's estate can apply for a refund.
You have unused months remaining on your licence, and:

You have unused months remaining on your licence, and:
Your TV Licence was purchased by mistake**

For example, you and your partner both buy a TV Licence for the same property and only one TV Licence is needed.
You’ve replaced your TV Licence with a different one**

For example, you upgrade from a black and white to a colour TV Licence.

Or you get a discounted TV Licence, such as:

  • ARC Concessionary TV Licence (see below)
  • Blind concession TV Licence (see below)
  • Free over 75 TV Licence
You have just turned 75**

You are entitled to a free TV Licence from your 75th birthday. You can be refunded for any complete months remaining on your existing licence.

*Refunds are available for complete unused quarters that remain on your TV Licence

**Refunds are available for complete unused months that remain on your TV Licence

How to claim a refund

How to claim a refund
If you believe you’re eligible for a refund

You need to complete an online refund form. The form will tell you whether you need to send us any evidence. If you do, then you need to print the completed form, sign it and send it with a photocopy of your evidence to:

The Refund Centre
PO Box 410
Bristol
BS99 5HPP

Please do not send in any original documents as we are unable to return them.

Your application must be submitted within two years of the expiry date of the licence for which you need a refund.
ARC Concessionary TV Licence

You may be entitled to a refund if you’ve recently moved in to a residential care home that is covered by our ARC scheme.  If you think this is the case, the manager of your residential care home can investigate this by writing to us with the following information:

  • Your TV Licence number
  • The date you moved in to your residential care home
  • Your previous address
  • Either confirmation of your age and retired status, or confirmation of your disability.
Blind concession licence

You can claim a 50% refund if you’ve bought a full TV Licence, but qualify for a blind concession.

Please fill in the online refund form.

Please note that we can only offer refunds for TV Licences bought after 1 April 2000, when the 50% blind concession was introduced. You’ll need proof that you were certified blind or severely sight impaired when you bought the licence.
Over 75 TV Licence

You can claim a refund if you’ve bought a full TV Licence that is still valid after your 75th birthday.

Please fill in the online refund form and we'll refund you for any time remaining on your old TV Licence.

Or contact us if you wish to write to us.

If you have any queries, please contact us

General information about TV Licensing is available in the following languages:

© 2010 TV Licensing