What is a TV licence and who needs one?

Who needs a TV licence?

You need a TV licence if you:

Watch or record live TV:

• On any device (TV, computer, tablet, phone, games console)
• From any broadcaster (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, etc.)
• At the time it's being broadcast
• Even if you're watching via streaming services like YouTube TV or Now TV

Use BBC iPlayer:

• To watch or download any BBC programmes on-demand
• This includes catch-up, box sets, or live streaming
• Applies even if you never watch live TV

You don't need a licence if you only:

• Watch on-demand content from other services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.)
• Watch YouTube videos (unless they're live streams)
• Use streaming services that don't include live TV
• Watch DVDs or Blu-rays
• Play video games

How much does it cost?

Standard TV licence:

• £169.50 per year (as of 2024)
• Can be paid annually, monthly, or quarterly
• Monthly payments are usually around £14.13 per month
• There's a small surcharge for paying quarterly or monthly

Black and white TV licence:

• £57 per year - For black and white TVs only
• Very few people have these now

The cost is set by the government and usually increases slightly each year.

Who is exempt or gets a discount?

Free TV licence (over 75):

• If you're 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you can get a free licence
• Otherwise, over-75s must pay the full fee
• You need to apply for the free licence

50% discount (blind or severely sight impaired):

• If you're registered blind or severely sight impaired
• You get 50% off the standard fee
• You need to provide proof of registration

Accommodation for residential care:

• If you live in certain types of residential care, you may be eligible for a reduced fee
• Check with TV Licensing for details

Students:

• If you're a student living away from home, you may be covered by your parents' licence
• Only if your main home address is covered by a licence
• If you live in halls of residence, you usually need your own licence
• Check the specific rules for your situation

How do I pay?

You can pay for a TV licence:

• Online - TV Licensing website
• By phone - Automated payment line
• By direct debit - Monthly, quarterly, or annually
• At a PayPoint - Using cash at certain shops
• By post - Cheque or postal order

Monthly direct debit is the most convenient option for most people.

What happens if I don't have a licence?

If you need a licence but don't have one:

Enforcement:

• TV Licensing can detect if you're watching live TV without a licence
• They use detection equipment and database checks
• You may receive letters or visits from enforcement officers

Penalties:

• Fine of up to £1,000 - If you're caught watching without a licence
• Plus court costs - You may have to pay additional fees
• Criminal record - Watching without a licence is a criminal offence

Detection:

• TV Licensing has detection vans that can identify unlicensed TV use
• They also check addresses against databases
• They may visit your property if they suspect unlicensed viewing

It's a criminal offence to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer without a valid licence.

Do I need a licence for each TV?

No - one licence covers:

• All TVs and devices in your home
• All people living at that address
• All devices you use to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer

You need a separate licence if:

• You have a second home where you watch live TV
• You're a student living away from home (in most cases)
• You live in a separate self-contained property (even if on the same site)

One licence covers one address, regardless of how many TVs or devices you have.

What if I only watch streaming services?

You don't need a licence if you only watch:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney+
• YouTube (non-live content)
• Other on-demand streaming services
• DVDs or Blu-rays

You do need a licence if you:

• Watch any live TV (even via streaming services)
• Use BBC iPlayer for any content
• Record live TV programmes

The key distinction is whether content is "live" (broadcast at the time you watch) or "on-demand" (available to watch anytime).

Can I cancel my licence?

You can cancel your TV licence if:

• You no longer watch live TV on any device
• You no longer use BBC iPlayer
• You only watch on-demand content from other services

To cancel:

• Contact TV Licensing
• Declare that you don't need a licence
• You may need to confirm this periodically
• You can reapply if your circumstances change

If you cancel but then start watching live TV or BBC iPlayer again, you must get a new licence immediately.

Summary

• You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV on any device, or use BBC iPlayer
• The standard cost is £169.50 per year (as of 2024)
• One licence covers all devices and people at one address
• Over-75s on Pension Credit can get a free licence
• Blind or severely sight impaired people get 50% discount
• Watching without a licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record
• You don't need a licence if you only watch on-demand content from services like Netflix
• You can cancel your licence if you stop watching live TV and BBC iPlayer
• TV Licensing uses detection equipment and can visit properties to check for unlicensed viewing