Can I Cancel My TV License Before Moving Abroad?

If you live in the UK and watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer you will have a TV license. When planning your departure and sorting through your bills and outgoing payments you will likely see the TV license fee depending on how you pay.

If you’re moving outside of the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man you won’t need your license anymore. However, there are different options available depending on your circumstances.

If there will be people remaining in your home you may want to pass your TV license on to them. This is particularly important if they watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.

To get the ball rolling on transferring your TV license you will need to contact TV licensing. You will need to provide a letter giving written permission for them to transfer your license. The letter will need to contain:

This will need to be posted to TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL.

TV Licensing will handle the rest and get in touch with your named party to set up the new license.

If the TV license you hold will no longer be needed you can visit the TV licensing website to find out more about refund and cancellation. You will then receive email correspondence informing you that this has been completed.

If you request a refund do not cancel your Direct Debit. Your refund will be processed onto the payment card used.

In fact, you won’t need to cancel your Direct Debit even if you haven’t applied for a refund. The TV Licensing company will do this on your behalf. You can always check with your back to ensure this has been completed for peace of mind.

There we have it, the two options available for your TV license when you’re moving overseas. Whilst sorting out your admin here in the UK, don’t forget to start planning for your life abroad too. Invest in International Health Insurance, or another Expat Insurance product to ensure you’re protected when living as an expat.