Respond to a TV Licence letter
TV Licensing letters often imply more authority than they have. You're not required to engage unless they obtain a court summons or search warrant.
Your legal position
- You only need a TV licence to watch live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer
- You can lawfully watch Netflix, YouTube, on-demand non-BBC content without a licence
- TV Licensing officers have no right of entry without a warrant
- You don't have to confirm or deny anything by post
When to write back
If you genuinely don't need a licence, a clear "no licence needed" declaration stops the letters. Tykkets writes one that's factual and firm.
If you get a court summons
This is a criminal matter. Get legal advice before responding. Tykkets won't help you write to a court.
Generate your appeal letter
Free to find out if you've got grounds. Letter ready in five minutes.
Start your appeal →Frequently asked
Will they send someone to my house?
An enquiry visit is possible but you don't have to let them in. Without a warrant, they have no more rights than any other visitor.
Do I need a licence for streaming?
Only for BBC iPlayer or anything broadcast live. Catch-up on ITV, Netflix, YouTube etc don't need one.