What about my TV license?

Utilities & Address Change

Feb 08, 2026

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Understanding Your TV Licence During a Move

Moving house in the UK means ensuring various administrative tasks are handled, and your TV Licence is one of them. A TV Licence is legally required for any property where live television is watched or recorded, on any device (including TVs, laptops, tablets, or phones), or where BBC iPlayer is used to watch programmes. The licence is specific to an address, not an individual.

Updating Your Address

When relocating, the most important step is to update your TV Licence address. This can be done quickly and easily via the official TV Licensing website. It is advisable to do this shortly before or around your moving day to ensure continuous coverage at your new abode.

Moving to a new property: If you are moving to a new house where no current TV Licence exists, your existing licence needs to be updated with your new address. This transfers the coverage from your old address to your new one.
Moving into a licensed property: If the new property you are moving into already has a valid TV Licence, for example, if you are moving in with housemates who already pay for one, you may be able to cancel your old licence and potentially claim a refund for any overlapping period.
Temporary accommodation: The requirement for a TV Licence extends to any place you reside, even temporarily, if you are watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer.

When a TV Licence Might Not Be Needed

It is a common misconception that every household needs a TV Licence. However, if no one at the property ever watches or records live television broadcasts, and does not use BBC iPlayer to watch any programmes, then a licence is not legally required. This applies regardless of whether a television set is present in the home. It is important to remember that using catch-up services from other broadcasters (e.g., ITVX, Channel 4, My5) does not require a licence, as long as it's not live content and not BBC iPlayer.

Overlap and Refunds

Should you find yourself with an overlap in licence coverage, for instance, if you move into a property that already has a valid licence, it is possible to apply for a refund for the unused portion of your existing licence. Details on eligibility and the refund process are available on the TV Licensing website. It is generally good practice to review all household subscriptions and administrative details as part of a comprehensive moving checklist.

Forward Planning for Removals Professionals

For man and van services and removals companies, an awareness of TV Licence requirements helps in advising customers during the planning stages. While not directly involved in the administrative process, understanding these details contributes to providing a thorough, helpful service, ensuring clients remember to handle such essential tasks alongside updating who else needs a new address.