Deregistering the broadcasting fee in the private sector

If you are no longer required to pay the license fee, you can report this or deregister online. The obligation to pay the license fee does not apply if you:

- live in a shared apartment or as another resident in an apartment and have previously paid broadcasting fees if a broadcasting fee is already paid for this apartment (one apartment - one fee)

- move into an apartment for which broadcasting fees are already paid or

- are entitled to exemption for certain social or health reasons.

ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Contribution Service
50656 Cologne

Service telephone for the contribution account:
Phone: +49 185 - 9995-0100

Service telephone for the broadcasting fee:
Phone: +49 185 - 9995-0888*
Fax: +49 185 - 9995-0105*

Service telephone hours:
Mon: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wed: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

* 6.5 cents/min. from German landlines, different prices for mobile phones

• Proof that the obligation to pay contributions has lapsed
• Certificate of registration

• If required:
  • Contribution number of the person already paying for the apartment
  • Power of attorney or power of attorney

The obligation to pay the license fee does not apply if you:

• live in an apartment as a cohabitant or other occupant and have paid broadcasting fees several times in the past
• move into an apartment for which broadcasting fees are already paid
• are entitled to exemption for certain social or health reasons

The obligation to pay the contribution ends at the end of the month in which the contributor ceases to occupy the apartment. However, not before the end of the month in which this has been notified.

Deregistration: free of charge

Further information: