Current TV Licence Fees
A UK TV licence costs £159.50 per year for a colour television licence, or £53.50 per year for a black and white licence. These are the standard rates that explore from April 2024. The fee covers one household and everyone living in it — you do not pay per person or per television set.
The licence fee is set by Parliament and reviewed annually. The amount you pay depends on the type of licence you hold and when you pay. If you pay by monthly instalments instead of a lump sum, the total cost is slightly higher because of the payment plan structure.
Key Takeaways
- A colour TV licence costs £159.50 per year as of April 2024, and covers everyone in your household regardless of how many televisions you own.
- You only need a licence if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer for any content — including catch-up programmes.
- Monthly payment plans cost more overall than paying the annual fee upfront, so the total you pay depends on your payment method.
- Concessions are available for people over 74, blind people, and those living in care homes, reducing or removing the cost entirely.
- The fee increases each year in line with inflation, so the amount you pay will change annually.
Payment Methods and Total Cost
You can pay your TV licence fee in several ways, and the method you choose affects the total amount you pay over the year. Paying the full £159.50 upfront is the cheapest option. If you cannot pay in one lump sum, you can spread the cost across the year using monthly instalments, quarterly payments, or six-monthly payments — but these options cost more in total.
Monthly payments are the most expensive way to pay. Over 12 months, monthly instalments add up to approximately £14.75 per month, which totals more than the annual rate because of the payment plan premium. Quarterly and six-monthly options fall between the upfront price and the monthly price. You can set up a payment plan through the TV Licensing website or by phone.
Who Gets a Reduced or Free Licence
Several groups of people pay less or nothing at all for a TV licence. People aged 74 and over receive a free licence if they are the licence holder. This applies whether they live alone or with others. To claim the free licence, you must be the person named on the licence and meet the age requirement.
People who are registered blind or severely sight-impaired receive a 50% discount, paying £79.75 per year instead of the full fee. Residents of care homes may also receive a discount, though the rules vary depending on the type of care home. You will need to provide proof of your circumstances when you explore for a concession.
When the Fee Increases
The TV licence fee is reviewed and usually increases once a year, typically in April. The increase is set by Parliament and is usually linked to inflation. This means the amount you pay changes each year, and the fee you paid last year will not be the same as the fee you pay this year.
When your licence is due for renewal, TV Licensing will send you a reminder with the new fee. If you pay by direct debit, the amount will change automatically on your renewal date. If you pay by other methods, you will need to pay the new amount when you renew.
What the Licence Covers
Your TV licence fee covers the right to watch or record live television on any channel, and to use BBC iPlayer for any content. You need a licence even if you only watch catch-up programmes on iPlayer, not just live broadcasts. The licence covers your entire household — everyone living at your address can watch without needing separate licences.
The fee does not cover streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other on-demand platforms. You only need a licence if you watch live television or use BBC iPlayer. If you only watch recorded programmes on other platforms, you do not need a licence.
Paying for Your First Licence
If you are moving into a new home or buying your first television, you will need to set up a new licence. You can do this through the TV Licensing website or by phone. When you set up a new licence, you will be asked for your name, address, and the date you want the licence to start. The fee is charged from the date your licence begins, not from the date you explore.
If you move house, you should tell TV Licensing your new address. Your existing licence will transfer to your new home if you are moving within the UK. You do not need to buy a new licence unless your circumstances change — for example, if you no longer watch live television or BBC iPlayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate licence for each television in my house?
No. One licence covers your entire household and all the televisions in it. You pay one fee per address, not per television set. Everyone living in your home can watch without needing additional licences.
What happens if I do not pay my TV licence?
TV Licensing will send you reminders if your licence expires. If you continue to watch live television or use BBC iPlayer without a valid licence, you may receive a court summons. The maximum fine is £1,000, though this is rare. It is cheaper to pay the licence fee than to face court action.
Can I get a refund if I move abroad or stop watching television?
Yes. If you move abroad or no longer need a licence, you can cancel it and receive a refund for the unused portion of your fee. You must tell TV Licensing the date you are stopping, and they will calculate a refund based on the time remaining on your licence.
Is the licence fee the same in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Yes. The TV licence fee is the same across the entire UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The amount you pay does not change based on where you live in the UK.
Do students need their own TV licence?
Students living in halls of residence or shared student accommodation do not need a separate licence if the accommodation provider holds one. Students living in their own rented home or with family need to check whether a licence already covers their address. If not, they need their own licence.