The current TV licence fee and who pays it

A TV licence in the UK costs £159.50 per year for a colour licence as of April 2024. A black and white licence costs £53.50 per year. These are the standard rates set by the government, and the fee applies to anyone who watches or records live television on any channel, or uses BBC iPlayer to watch or record any programme — whether live or on-demand.

You need one licence per household, not per person or per television set. If you live alone, you pay one fee. If you share a house with five other people, the household still pays one fee — though one person must be named as the licence holder and take responsibility for it.

The fee is set by Parliament and reviewed every few years. The amount you pay does not change based on how many channels you watch, how many televisions you own, or how much you use iPlayer. It is a flat annual charge.

Key Takeaways

  • A colour TV licence costs £159.50 per year; a black and white licence costs £53.50 per year, as of April 2024.
  • You need a licence if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer for any programme, live or on-demand.
  • One licence covers your entire household, regardless of how many people live there or how many televisions you own.
  • You can pay in full, or split the cost into monthly instalments of £13.25 for colour or £4.46 for black and white.
  • Discounts are available for people over 75, blind people, and those in residential care homes.

How to pay your TV licence

You can pay for your TV licence online through the TV Licensing website, by phone, by post, or in person at a Post Office. If you pay online or by phone, you can choose to pay the full amount upfront or spread it across 10 monthly instalments. The monthly payment for a colour licence is £13.25; for black and white it is £4.46.

If you pay by Direct Debit (automatic monthly payments from your bank account), the fee is slightly lower: £12.75 per month for colour. This is the most common payment method because it is cheaper and you do not have to remember to renew each year — the payment continues automatically unless you cancel it.

When you first buy a licence, you will need to provide your name, address, and the television equipment you own. If you already have a licence and are renewing it, you can do so online in minutes without providing those details again.

Who does not need to pay

You do not need a TV licence if you only watch or record on-demand programmes on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube. You also do not need one if you only listen to radio, including BBC Radio. The licence is specifically for live television and BBC iPlayer.

People aged 75 and over receive a free TV licence if they are the householder and claim Pension Credit. Blind people and those with severe sight loss can claim a 50 percent discount. People living in care homes, residential homes for older people, or certain other institutions may also be may have access to to a discount or exemption — this depends on the type of home and the number of residents.

If you do not own a television and do not use BBC iPlayer, you do not need a licence. However, if anyone in your household watches live television or uses iPlayer, the household must have a licence.

What happens if you do not have a licence

Watching or recording live television without a licence is against the law in the UK. TV Licensing can issue a Compliance Notice, which gives you a important date to buy a licence or stop watching live television. If you do not comply, they can take you to court.

A court conviction can result in a fine of up to £1,000. TV Licensing also has the power to visit your home to check whether you have a valid licence, though they cannot enter without your permission. If you refuse entry and they suspect you are watching without a licence, they can explore for a warrant.

If you genuinely cannot afford a licence, you can contact TV Licensing to discuss payment options or hardship support. They may be able to offer a payment plan or point you toward other help.

Checking your licence status online

You can check whether you have a valid TV licence by visiting the TV Licensing website and entering your postcode and licence number. This will tell you the expiry date of your current licence and whether it is active.

If your licence is about to expire, you will receive a reminder letter in the post. You can renew online, by phone, or at a Post Office. Renewal usually takes effect when ready if you pay online, or within a few days if you pay by other methods.

Licence fee changes and when they happen

The TV licence fee is set by the government and reviewed periodically. The most recent change was in April 2024, when the fee increased from £159 to £159.50 for colour and from £53 to £53.50 for black and white. Future changes depend on government decisions and are usually announced several months in advance.

You will be notified by post if your licence fee increases. The increase applies when your licence renews, not when ready to all existing licences. If you have a Direct Debit payment set up, your monthly amount will adjust at your next renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV licence to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime?

No. You only need a TV licence if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others do not require a licence.

What if I only watch BBC iPlayer on-demand, not live?

You still need a licence. BBC iPlayer requires a licence for any programme you watch or record on it, whether it is broadcast live or available on-demand. This is different from other streaming services.

Can I get a refund if I move house or no longer need a licence?

Yes. If you cancel your licence before it expires, TV Licensing will refund the unused portion. You must notify them of your cancellation date. Refunds are usually processed within four weeks.

Is there a student discount on TV licences?

No. Students pay the full licence fee. However, if you live in student accommodation and share a kitchen with other students, only one licence is needed for the shared areas. Individual bedrooms would each need their own licence if they have a television.

What if I cannot afford the full £159.50?

You can pay in 10 monthly instalments of £13.25 by Direct Debit, which spreads the cost throughout the year. If you are struggling financially, contact TV Licensing to discuss payment options or hardship support.