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When someone dies, notifying TV Licence is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long TV Licence takes to process a bereavement notification.
TV Licence bereavement contact details
Phone: 0300 790 6143 — Mon–Fri 8:30am–6:30pm, Sat 8:30am–5pm
Online: TV Licence bereavement refund and cancellation
Last verified: May 2026
Spotted a change? Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.
Call 0300 790 6143 or visit tvlicensing.co.uk to cancel the TV Licence. If the property will be empty and no one will watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, the licence can be cancelled from the date of death.
TV Licences are paid in advance. If there are full quarters remaining on the licence, a refund can be claimed. Visit the refund page at tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/refunds/TPB10 or call 0300 790 6143 to apply.
If someone is moving into or continuing to live in the property and will watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, they will need their own TV Licence. A TV Licence cannot be transferred between people.
If the licence was paid by direct debit, cancel the direct debit separately through the bank once the licence has been formally cancelled with TV Licensing.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
TV Licence typically takes 1–2 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
If the deceased lived alone and paid for their own TV Licence, the licence becomes invalid on their death. Stop any further payments immediately. If TV Licensing contacts the property after cancellation, quote the cancellation reference number.
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Once TV Licence receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
TV Licence will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying TV Licence
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying TV Licence promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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