TV Licence Direct Debit: How to Change Bank Details, Payment Plans, and Update Your Address
Changing your TV Licence direct debit is one of those tasks that sounds complicated but takes about five minutes online. Whether you are switching bank accounts, moving home, changing your payment plan, or simply need to find your licence number, TV Licensing’s self-service portal handles almost everything without needing to call.
The TV Licence costs £169.50 per year from April 2025 and can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Here is everything you need to manage your licence account.
How to Change Your TV Licence Direct Debit Bank Details
You can change the bank account your TV Licence direct debit comes from entirely online. There is no need to phone TV Licensing or fill in a paper form.
Step-by-step: changing your direct debit bank details
- Go to tvlicensing.co.uk and select ‘Manage your licence’
- Log in using your TV Licence number and the postcode registered to your licence
- Select ‘Change my payment details’ or ‘Change bank account’
- Enter your new bank account number and sort code
- Confirm the change — you will receive a confirmation email
You will need your TV Licence number to log in. If you do not have it to hand, see the section below on how to find your licence number.
| Detail | Info |
| Where to change | tvlicensing.co.uk — ‘Manage your licence’ |
| What you need | TV Licence number + registered postcode |
| Time it takes | Approximately 5 minutes |
| Can you do it by phone? | Yes — 0300 790 6113 (Mon-Sat 8am-6:30pm) |
| Will direct debit cancel? | No — it continues from the new account |
| Confirmation | Email confirmation sent to registered address |
How to Find Your TV Licence Number
Your TV Licence number is a unique reference that starts with two letters followed by numbers — for example, AA1234567. You will need it to manage your account online.
Where to find it:
- On your TV Licence certificate (paper copy sent when you first bought the licence)
- In any email from TV Licensing — your licence number appears in the subject line or body
- On any payment reminder or renewal letter from TV Licensing
- In your online TV Licensing account if you registered one
If you cannot find your licence number anywhere, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113 with your name, address, and postcode. They can retrieve your licence number once your identity is confirmed.
The ARC TV Licence reference is a slightly different format sometimes seen on correspondence — ARC stands for Address Reference Code and relates to a specific property address rather than an individual account.
TV Licence Payment Plans: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual
| Payment Plan | How It Works | Best For |
| Annual (lump sum) | Pay £169.50 once a year | Those who prefer one payment; cheapest overall |
| Quarterly direct debit | £42.38 every 3 months (x4) | Spreading cost without monthly admin |
| Monthly direct debit | £14.13 per month (x12) | Easiest on monthly budget |
| Weekly (PayPoint) | ~£3.26 per week via Post Office/PayPoint | Those without a bank account or prefer cash |
| TV Licence Pay Plan (Simple Payment Plan) | Spreading payments for those in financial difficulty | Offered to some customers — contact TV Licensing |
The TV Licence Pay Plan (formerly called the Simple Payment Plan) allows some licence holders to spread payments into smaller instalments. It is typically offered to customers who contact TV Licensing about financial difficulty. There is no interest charged. Contact TV Licensing directly on 0300 790 6113 to discuss your options.
The TV Payment Card allows cash payments at Post Office branches and PayPoint outlets. This is available for licence holders who prefer not to use direct debit or do not have a bank account.
How to Change Your TV Licence Address (Moving Home)
If you move home, your TV Licence does not automatically transfer to your new address. You need to update your address with TV Licensing. Importantly: you do not need a new licence — you transfer your existing one.
Moving to a new address: what to do
- Go to tvlicensing.co.uk and select ‘Moving home’
- Enter your current licence number and your new address details
- If you are moving before your licence expires, the remaining value transfers to the new address
- If you are moving into a property that already has a TV Licence, that licence belongs to the previous occupant — you still need your own
You can also change your address by calling 0300 790 6113 or writing to TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL. Online is fastest.
Cancelling your licence when you move out
If you are moving out and will no longer be watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer at your old address, you can cancel your licence and claim a refund for any unused complete months. Do this via tvlicensing.co.uk/cancel or by calling the helpline.
Can You Transfer a TV Licence to Someone Else?
A TV Licence can be transferred between addresses (as above) but cannot be transferred to a different person. The licence covers a specific address, not an individual. Each household needs its own licence.
Exception: if you are moving into care or sheltered accommodation, specific rules apply — TV Licensing offers a concession rate for residents of qualifying care homes. Call 0300 790 6113 for details.
How to Change the Name on Your TV Licence
You can update the name on your TV Licence account through the self-service portal at tvlicensing.co.uk, or by contacting TV Licensing directly. You will need to provide your licence number and confirm the change. Name changes are commonly needed after marriage, divorce, or the death of the account holder.
Is There VAT on a TV Licence?
No — the TV Licence fee is exempt from VAT. It is a statutory charge set by Parliament, not a commercial product or service, so standard VAT rules do not apply. The £169.50 annual fee (from April 2025) is the full amount with no additional VAT to pay.
TV Licence for a Second Home
If you have a second home (holiday home, weekend property) and you watch live television or use BBC iPlayer there, you need a separate TV Licence for that address. Your main home licence does not cover a second property. However: if the second property is never used to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer — including on phones, tablets, or laptops — no licence is required there.
Need to know who actually needs a TV Licence and whether you can get one free? See our guide to free TV Licences and who qualifies — covering over-75s, blind concessions, and students.
Manage your TV Licence account — change direct debit, update address, or check your licence number — at the official TV Licensing portal: tvlicensing.co.uk.
Bottom Line
| Change direct debit | tvlicensing.co.uk > Manage your licence > Change bank account |
| Find licence number | On your certificate, renewal letter, or any TV Licensing email |
| Change address | tvlicensing.co.uk > Moving home — licence transfers, not a new one |
| Annual cost | £169.50 (from April 2025) |
| Monthly cost | £14.13/month by direct debit |
| VAT on TV Licence? | No — exempt from VAT |
| Second home | Needs its own licence if used for live TV or BBC iPlayer |
| Helpline | 0300 790 6113 (Mon-Sat, 8am-6:30pm) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my TV Licence direct debit bank details?
Go to tvlicensing.co.uk and select ‘Manage your licence.’ Log in with your TV Licence number and registered postcode, then select ‘Change payment details’ or ‘Change bank account.’ Enter your new bank account number and sort code and confirm. The change takes effect immediately and you will receive a confirmation email. Alternatively, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113.
How do I find my TV Licence number?
Your TV Licence number appears on your licence certificate, any renewal letters from TV Licensing, and in the subject line or body of TV Licensing emails. If you cannot find it, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113 with your name and address — they can retrieve it once your identity is confirmed.
What is the TV Licence Pay Plan?
The TV Licence Pay Plan (also called the Simple Payment Plan) allows some customers to spread their licence payments into smaller, more manageable instalments. It is typically offered to customers who contact TV Licensing about financial difficulty. There is no interest charged. Contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113 to enquire whether you qualify.
Do I need a new TV Licence when I move home?
No — you transfer your existing TV Licence to your new address. Go to tvlicensing.co.uk and select ‘Moving home.’ Enter your licence number and new address details. Any remaining value on your existing licence transfers to the new address. You do not pay again until your normal renewal date.
Is there VAT on the TV Licence?
No. The TV Licence fee is a statutory charge set by Parliament and is exempt from VAT. The £169.50 annual fee (from April 2025) is the total amount — there is no additional VAT on top.