How to Cancel a TV Licence After a Death
TV Licensing can issue a refund for any complete remaining quarters on the licence. This guide walks you through the simple process of cancelling or transferring it.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓TV licence number (found on the licence or payment correspondence)
- ✓Property postcode
- ✓Deceased’s full name
- ✓Date of death
Phone script
You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.
I’m calling to cancel the TV licence for [full name] at [property address], following their death on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate.
What to ask for
- –Confirm the licence is being cancelled
- –Whether a refund is due for any remaining complete months
- –How and when the refund will be issued, and to whom
- –If someone still lives at the property and will continue watching TV, ask about transferring the licence or updating the account holder
Watch out
Refunds are only issued for complete unused months. If the licence was free (for over-75s on Pension Credit), there is no refund, but the coverage continues for surviving household members until the licence expires. Do not cancel the Direct Debit yourself - TV Licensing will cancel it when the account is closed or transferred.
Email template
Subject: Cancellation of TV licence - [full name]
Template letter
You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.
[your name]
[your address]
[your phone number]
[your email]
[Organisation name]
[Organisation address]
[today's date]
Re: Cancellation of TV licence - [full name]
Get personalised scripts with your details filled in
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