TV Licensing letter explained in English
TV licence office. Collects the TV licence fee for the BBC. You need a licence to watch or record live TV on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer.
Letters you may get
- Renewal reminder — your licence runs out soon
- Letter to an unlicensed address — they think you need a licence
- Payment reminder — a payment for your licence is missing
What to do
- If you don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you don’t need a licence. You can tell TV Licensing online so the letters stop.
- People aged 75 or over who get Pension Credit can get a free licence.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”). See the template.
Words you may see
- TV Licence
- A yearly licence you need to watch or record live TV on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer.
Questions
What is the TV Licensing?
TV licence office. Collects the TV licence fee for the BBC. You need a licence to watch or record live TV on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the TV Licensing?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In the UK, a letter sent by first class post is usually treated as delivered on the second working day after it was posted. But many deadlines, for example for appeals, count from the date printed on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”).
Can I read a TV Licensing letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United Kingdom
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) · Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) · Council (borough, district or city council) · Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) · Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) · County Court / Magistrates’ Court / Tribunal (HMCTS) · Enforcement agents (bailiffs) · Debt collection agency