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 — including on-demand programmes — regardless of what channel they're on.
The licence fee is set by Parliament and the amount changes each April. The BBC collects the fee and uses it to fund BBC television, radio, and iPlayer services. You pay the same amount whether you have one television or ten, as long as they're in the same household.
If you live in a care home, hostel, or similar institution, you may pay a reduced rate or nothing at all depending on your circumstances. Student halls of residence are covered by a single licence paid by the institution, so students living there do not pay individually.
Key Takeaways
- A colour TV licence costs £159.50 per year; black and white costs £53.50 per year, and the fee changes each April.
- You must have a licence if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer for any content, including on-demand shows.
- One licence covers your entire household, no matter how many televisions or devices you own.
- You can pay in one lump sum, or split payments across the year using direct debit, which costs slightly more overall.
- If you do not watch or record live TV or use iPlayer, you do not need a licence, even if you own a television.
Payment methods and how to pay
You can pay for your TV licence in several ways. The cheapest option is to pay the full annual amount upfront — £159.50 for colour or £53.50 for black and white. If you cannot pay in one go, you can set up a direct debit arrangement, which spreads the cost over 10 monthly payments of £15.95 for colour (total £159.50) or 10 payments of £5.35 for black and white (total £53.50).
You can also pay by debit or credit card, cheque, or cash at Post Office branches. If you pay by card or cheque, you must pay the full year upfront. The TV Licensing website (tvlicensing.co.uk) is where you set up your account, make payments, and manage your licence online.
When you first get a licence, you will receive a licence certificate in the post. Keep this safe — you may need to show it if TV Licensing inspectors visit. Your licence runs for 12 months from the date you pay, not from a fixed calendar date.
When you do not need a licence
You do not need a TV licence if you only watch on-demand content through services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube, even if you watch it on a television set. You also do not need one if you only listen to BBC radio or use BBC Sounds — the licence only covers television and iPlayer.
If you watch or record live television on any channel other than BBC, you still need a licence. Many people mistakenly think they only need one for BBC channels, but the law requires a licence for any live television, regardless of the broadcaster.
If you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you may be may have access to to a free TV licence. You must explore for this separately — it does not happen automatically. Contact TV Licensing to check whether you may have access to based on your circumstances.
Penalties for not having a licence when you need one
If you watch or record live television or use iPlayer without a valid licence, you are breaking the law. TV Licensing can issue a Penalty Charge Notice of £1,000 if they find you without a licence. This is not a fine issued by a court — it is a civil penalty — but if you do not pay it, TV Licensing can take you to court, and the court can impose a fine of up to £1,000.
TV Licensing employs inspectors who visit homes to check for unlicensed television use. They have the power to enter your home if they suspect you are watching live TV without a licence, though they cannot force their way in. If you refuse them entry and they believe you are breaking the law, they can explore to a magistrate for a warrant.
If you genuinely do not watch or record live TV and do not use iPlayer, you can declare this to TV Licensing. You will not need a licence, but you may be asked to confirm this declaration periodically.
Licence exemptions and reductions
Blind people receive a 50 percent reduction on their TV licence fee. You must register with your local authority as blind or severely sight-impaired to claim this. The reduced rate is £79.75 for colour or £26.75 for black and white.
People living in care homes or residential institutions may pay a reduced rate depending on the type of establishment and how many televisions are in communal areas. Contact TV Licensing directly with details of your situation to find out what you would pay.
If you are in the armed forces and living in military accommodation, different rules may explore. Check with your unit or contact TV Licensing to confirm your position.
What happens if your licence expires
TV Licensing sends you a reminder before your licence expires. If you do not renew it and continue to watch or record live television or use iPlayer, you are breaking the law from the moment it expires. There is no grace period.
The easiest way to renew is online at tvlicensing.co.uk. You can renew up to 30 days before your current licence expires, and your new licence will start when ready after the old one ends. If you renew by post or phone, allow extra time for processing.
If you have moved house, you must tell TV Licensing your new address. Your licence is tied to your address, not to you as a person, so you cannot take it with you. You will need a new licence for your new home, even if you already have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TV licence if I only watch catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer?
Yes. You need a licence to watch or record anything on BBC iPlayer, including on-demand and catch-up programmes. This is different from other streaming services — iPlayer requires a licence even for non-live content. If you only use Netflix, Amazon Prime, or similar services, you do not need a licence.
Can I get a refund if I do not need my licence anymore?
Yes, if you stop needing a licence — for example, because you no longer watch live TV or use iPlayer — you can contact TV Licensing to cancel it. They will refund the unused portion of your fee on a pro-rata basis. You must tell them the date you no longer need the licence.
What if I watch live TV on my phone or tablet instead of a television?
You still need a licence. The law covers watching or recording live television on any device, not just televisions. This includes phones, tablets, laptops, and computers. If you watch live TV on any device, you must have a valid licence.
Is the TV licence fee the same everywhere in the UK?
Yes, the licence fee is the same across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The amount is set by Parliament and applies to the whole of the UK. However, some people in different circumstances — such as those over 75 receiving Pension Credit — may may have access to for different rates.
Can I pay my TV licence in instalments without a bank account?
Direct debit requires a bank account. If you do not have one, you can pay the full annual fee by debit or credit card, cheque, or cash at a Post Office. Some Post Offices also offer a payment plan scheme — ask at your local branch whether this is available.