The current TV licence fee and who pays it

A UK TV licence costs £159.50 per year for a colour television licence as of April 2024. A black and white licence costs £53.50 per year. You need a licence if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer to watch or record anything — even on-demand programmes — regardless of what channel they are on.

The licence fee is set by Parliament and reviewed every few years. The amount you pay does not change based on how many televisions you own or how much you watch. One licence covers all the televisions and devices in your household, as long as they are in the same residence.

You do not need a licence if you only watch on-demand content on services like Netflix, YouTube, or other streaming platforms that are not BBC iPlayer. You also do not need one if you only listen to BBC radio or use BBC online services that are not iPlayer.

Key Takeaways

  • A colour TV licence costs £159.50 per year and covers all televisions in one household.
  • You must have a licence to watch or record live television on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer for any content.
  • The licence fee is the same whether you own one television or ten, and it does not depend on how often you watch.
  • Black and white licences cost £53.50 per year and are available only if everyone in your household watches in black and white.
  • Streaming services like Netflix do not require a TV licence unless you use BBC iPlayer.

How to pay your TV licence

You can pay your TV licence fee in one lump sum of £159.50 or in ten monthly instalments of £15.95. Monthly payments are made by direct debit from your bank account. If you choose to pay in full, you can do so online, by phone, by post, or in person at a Post Office.

When you buy or renew your licence, you will receive a licence certificate in the post. Keep this somewhere safe — you may need to show it if a TV Licensing officer visits your home. Your licence runs for 12 months from the date you buy it, and the BBC will send you a reminder before it expires.

Discounts and payment help

If you are over 74 years old, you may be may have access to to a free TV licence. You must have been born on or before 31 May 1950 and be the licence holder. To claim, you need to contact TV Licensing and provide proof of your age and residency.

If you receive certain benefits — including Pension Credit, Income Support, or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance — you may be able to pay a reduced fee or receive help with the cost. Contact TV Licensing directly to discuss what support may be available to you based on your circumstances.

If you are struggling to pay the full amount, you can ask TV Licensing about a payment plan that spreads the cost over a longer period than the standard ten months. These arrangements are handled case by case.

What happens if you do not have a licence

Watching or recording live television without a valid licence is against the law in the UK. TV Licensing sends officers to visit homes where there is no licence, and they have the power to enter your property if they believe you are breaking the law. If you are found watching live television without a licence, you can be taken to court.

A court conviction for watching television without a licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000. A criminal record may also affect your employment, housing, or other areas of your life. The best way to avoid this is to buy a licence before you start watching live television or using BBC iPlayer.

Checking if you need a licence

You need a licence if you watch or record live television on any channel — BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, or any other broadcaster. You also need one if you use BBC iPlayer to watch or record anything, including catch-up programmes that are not live.

You do not need a licence if you only watch on-demand content on other platforms, listen to BBC radio, or use BBC online services that are not iPlayer. If you are unsure whether your viewing habits require a licence, the TV Licensing website has a tool to help you check.

Renewing your licence before it expires

The BBC sends a reminder letter about four weeks before your licence expires. This letter tells you the date your current licence ends and how to renew. You can renew online, by phone, by post, or at a Post Office.

If you renew before your licence expires, your new licence will start the day after the old one ends, so there is no gap in your cover. If you wait until after it expires and then buy a new one, you may have broken the law during the gap, even if it was only for a day. Renewing early is the safest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV licence to watch Netflix or other streaming services?

No, you do not need a TV licence for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or other streaming services. You only need a licence if you watch live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer for any content, including on-demand programmes.

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

Yes. If you move house or no longer need your licence, you can contact TV Licensing to cancel it and request a refund for any unused months. You will need to provide proof of your new address or reason for cancellation.

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

You still need a licence. BBC iPlayer requires a licence for any content you watch or record on it, whether it is live or on-demand. This applies even if you never watch live television on any other channel.

How do I know if a TV Licensing officer is real?

Real TV Licensing officers carry an official ID card with their photograph, name, and TV Licensing logo. They can only enter your home if you let them in or if they have a warrant from the court. You have the right to ask to see their ID before you let them inside.

Can I pay my TV licence in a different way if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. You can pay in full at a Post Office, by cheque, or by calling TV Licensing to arrange an alternative payment method. If you do not have a bank account, contact them directly to discuss your options.