Do I need a TV licence?

Do I need a TV licence?
20+ TV licence fee tips

Previously, owning a television required a TV license, but nowadays, you can avoid the £159 annual fee – which will increase to £169.50 in April 2024 – if you limit your viewing to specific channels on catch-up. You must have a license to watch BBC iPlayer, but it’s not necessary for other channels’ catch-up services. If this sounds confusing, don’t worry – this guide will clarify whether you need to pay, no matter what device you use to watch.

TV Licence Fee to Increase to £169.50 Annually Starting April 2024

Starting 1 April 2024, the cost of an annual colour TV licence will rise to £169.50, the Government has announced. This marks an increase of £10.50 from the current fee of £159 per year and represents the first adjustment since April 2021.

For those who are paying for their licence in instalments, whether through direct debit or a payment card, the total amount will remain £159 until the licence is up for renewal after 1 April 2024. The new rate will apply only upon renewal.

Since the increase is a few months away as of this writing, we will use the current fee of £159 in this guide, which aims to help you determine if you need a licence to watch TV legally.

1 – If you watch TV as it’s being broadcast you need a TV licence

If you watch or record television programs as they are broadcast in the UK (‘live TV’), you must have a TV licence. This requirement also applies if you use BBC iPlayer.

Many people may not be aware that this rule applies to any device used for watching. For instance, viewing live TV on a mobile phone requires a licence. However, if you already have a licence for your home, you won’t need an additional one for a mobile device used outside of your residence.

The regulation is clear: whether you are watching live TV on a TV set, computer, tablet, gaming console, smartphone, or any other device, a TV licence is necessary.

You do not need a TV license if you only watch content that has already been broadcasted – EXCEPT if you use BBC iPlayer. TV shows downloaded or streamed post-broadcast on other catch-up services do not require a license.

You can buy or renew your TV licence online on the TV Licensing website.

– What counts as ‘live TV’?

The TV Licensing website states that you require a TV licence if:

• You watch or record shows as they air on television, regardless of the channel. For instance, this includes watching or recording an episode of The Chase on ITV as it is broadcast.
• You stream or watch programs live on an online TV service, such as ITVX, Now, or YouTube. For example, if you watch an episode of The Chase on ITVX simultaneously with its live broadcast on ITV.
• You watch or download any content on BBC iPlayer. This requirement extends to all channels (including +1 channels) on any mainstream TV platform, such as Freeview, Sky, or Virgin.

This also applies to watching ‘live TV’ via internet-only services like Amazon Prime Video and Now, but only if you are watching content that is being shown live on a TV channel or is actually broadcast live, such as a Premier League football match.

However, if you use online services solely to watch content on demand, like cat videos on YouTube or The Crown on Netflix, you do not need a TV licence.

– How many licences do I need?

Your TV license extends to your entire household, regardless of the number of televisions you own. However, the regulations vary for shared student housing.

Moreover, if you have a TV license at your home, it also covers you when using a mobile device away from home (with certain conditions – refer to the section on mobile devices below).

When relocating, you can either update your contact information or apply for a refund for any completely unused quarter. For more details, see How to get a refund.

– Where does my money go?

The cash funds public broadcasting by the BBC, allowing it to run without the interruption of adverts. It makes up about 71% of the BBC’s income.

The BBC contracts the collection and administration of the TV licence out to TV Licensing. According to the BBC, the money you pay is split as follows:

• Television (55%)
• Radio (16%)
• BBC Online (10%)
• BBC World Service (10%)
• Other services and production costs (5%)
• Licence fee collection and pension deficit cost (4%)

For a more detailed breakdown, see page 55 of the BBC’s Annual Report and Accounts 2021/2022. (While the BBC’s Annual Report and Accounts 2022/2023 are the latest available, they don’t include this information, so we’ve asked the BBC to supply us with it and will update here when we hear back.)

2 – Only watch catch-up TV? You DON’T have to pay (unless you’re watching BBC iPlayer)

If you exclusively watch TV through other channels’ catch-up services and never tune into the BBC, you can legally avoid paying for a TV licence and save £159 annually, regardless of the device you use. Here’s why:

A TV licence is only required if you watch or record live TV broadcasts or use iPlayer. If you solely rely on other catch-up sites, you don’t need a licence.

A rule that came into force in September 2016 means you need a licence to legally use BBC iPlayer, even if you’re only watching catch-up TV. But that doesn’t apply to other catch-up services, so the likes of ITVX, Channel 4 and My5 are legal to use without a licence as long as you’re not using them to watch live TV.

You can view a wide array of content on these catch-up services, including cartoons, comedy, documentaries, drama, films, soaps, and sports. Services like ITVX are typically updated within an hour or even sooner, allowing you to watch the latest episode of Coronation Street shortly after it airs live on ITV.

However, as of 2016, TV Licensing reported that fewer than 2% of UK households exclusively watched catch-up TV. Therefore, it’s important not to cancel your TV licence unless you are certain you don’t require it.

How can I cancel my TV licence?

If you are certain that you no longer require a TV license, you can officially inform TV Licensing. While there is no legal requirement to notify them, doing so can help you avoid receiving a growing number of letters from them.

• Cancel your licence first. You can do this by filling out TV Licensing’s refund and cancellation request form. Once your request is approved, your licence will be cancelled and you’ll be refunded (if applicable) automatically. You don’t need to cancel your direct debit if you have one, TV Licencing will do it for you (though it’s good practice to check it’s done so). If you pay with a TV Licensing payment card, you’ll need to get touch using the TV Licensing contact form or by calling 0300 555 0286 (if you pay with a TV Licensing payment card) or 0300 790 0368 (if you pay by direct debit). Both numbers operate Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6.30pm.
• Then fill out the declaration. Anyone who no longer requires a TV licence can fill out a ‘no licence needed’ declaration form – including those who pay in cash at certain shops or post offices, who don’t need to do the above. After this, keep your confirmation email from TV Licensing as proof.
• TV Licensing may visit. Once you’ve cancelled, you might find you get a visit from TV Licensing to check whether you actually do need a TV licence – it’s previously said these inspections find one in five households do. If you do need a licence, you’ll need to pay the full fee, and you could risk prosecution plus a fine of up to £1,000 (up to £2,000 in Guernsey).

– What will TV Licensing do to check if I need a licence?

TV Licensing has stated that its enforcement methods have remained consistent, involving sending letters to addresses without a license and conducting visits from ‘enquiry officers’.

BBC iPlayer users are prompted with a message inquiring if they possess a license, offering them options to confirm they do, learn more, or purchase a license through the TV Licensing website.

Being caught using iPlayer without a license subjects you to the same penalties as watching live TV without one, which can result in prosecution and fines up to £1,000 (or up to £2,000 in Guernsey).

– Do I have to let TV Licensing into my home?

Enquiry officers lack legal authority to enter your home without a search warrant issued by a magistrate, or a sheriff if you reside in Scotland. Under common law, they possess an implied right to approach your front door to inform you of their presence.

While you are entitled to deny them entry, TV Licensing may resort to alternative measures, such as obtaining a court warrant or employing detection equipment, to determine if there is TV-receiving equipment in your residence.

– If I have a smart TV and only watch catch-up, do I need a licence?

Yes, if you’re using BBC iPlayer, but the situation is different if you only access other catch-up services. Proving otherwise can be challenging, particularly if your TV is connected to an aerial or satellite dish and can receive a signal. This setup could potentially lead to complicated situations.

3 – You need a licence to record live TV on any device

A TV licence is still required if you record ‘live TV’ content while it’s being broadcast, whether you’re using a digital recorder like Sky Q or Virgin TV 360, or even a traditional VHS recorder.

This is necessary because you’re capturing the content as it airs on a television channel. The timing of your viewing, the method of recording, or the device used for recording are irrelevant – a TV licence is required for recording live broadcasts.

4 – You don’t need a licence for watching on-demand content online (apart from on BBC iPlayer)

In addition to catch-up TV (excluding BBC iPlayer), you can stream shows and movies online on any device without requiring a TV licence, provided that you are not watching live broadcasts or content that is simultaneously airing on TV channels.

For instance, a TV licence is not necessary for Netflix, as it offers on-demand content. Similarly, you don’t need a licence for Amazon Prime Video as long as you stick to on-demand programming. However, if you decide to watch live sports or opt for one of its live add-on Prime Video Channels, a licence will be required.

For detailed information on available options, refer to our guide on watching movies and TV online.

5 – If you don’t pay you could face a £1,000 fine

Viewing ‘live TV’ without a valid license is illegal. TV Licensing employs enforcement officers who conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Individuals who avoid paying the license fee may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey, if found watching ‘live TV’ or using BBC iPlayer without the required license.

While direct imprisonment for TV license evasion is not a penalty, failure to pay a court-imposed fine can lead to imprisonment.

6 – If you have a TV but don’t watch it, you don’t need a licence

There’s a common misconception that owning a TV set or equipment capable of receiving live broadcasts requires a TV licence, even if you don’t actively use it to watch live TV. In reality, you only need a TV licence if you actually watch live television broadcasts or use BBC iPlayer.

Therefore, if you have an aerial, satellite dish, or a television set but do not use them to watch live TV or access BBC iPlayer, you are not required to have a TV licence.

7 – Colour costs £100+ more

The Government determines the cost of the TV licence. At present, a colour TV licence is priced at £159, while a black and white licence is significantly cheaper at £53.50 per year. According to TV Licensing data from March 2023, there are still 4,000 households in the UK that exclusively watch TV in black and white.

8 – Trick for students to watch live telly and use BBC iPlayer without a licence

As a university student, you might not need to obtain a separate TV licence for your own accommodation, depending on how you consume television content.

It’s a bizarre rule, which is hidden in TV Licensing’s advice for students guide (p.3), and it says you won’t need your own licence if:

1. Your ‘out-of-term address’ (for example, your parents’ or guardians’ address) is covered by a TV Licence.

2. And you only use TV-receiving equipment (like a smartphone, tablet or laptop) that is powered solely by its own internal batteries.

3. AND you’re not watching TV on that device while it’s connected it to an aerial or plugged into the mains.

Students whose parents or guardians hold a TV license can use BBC iPlayer and watch live TV on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop (provided the device is not charging at that time) without needing to obtain their own TV license, as long as their parents’ address is their primary residence outside of term time.

On the other hand, if you are watching live TV or accessing BBC iPlayer on a desktop computer, games console, or television, a TV license will be required. Whether you need to acquire one personally depends on your living situation.

• Halls of residence. If you’re in halls of residence you’ll probably be covered for communal areas but not your own room. Check with your university.
• Private accommodation. If you’re living out of halls in a shared house and have signed a joint tenancy agreement, you’ll need only one licence for the household. However, if you have separate agreements, you’ll need one for your room.

Keep in mind that if you are only watching catch-up content and not using BBC iPlayer, you are not required to have a TV licence, no matter your location.

However, if you do hold a TV licence, you might be eligible for a summer refund as a student.

9 – Check if you’re due a refund

It may be possible to get a refund on your TV licence, if one of the following applies:

• If you’re moving in with someone who already has a TV licence or moving somewhere where you won’t watch ‘live TV’ or use BBC iPlayer.
• If you’re moving abroad.
• If you’re 75 or over and receiving pension credit (or living with someone who is).
• If you’re moving into a care home.
• If the TV licence holder has died, a refund may be due to the estate.
• If you have two licences for the same address.
• If you have a licence, but will not watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or use BBC iPlayer before your licence expires.
• If you’ve changed the type of licence to a cheaper one, such as a black-and-white licence, you may be due a partial refund.

You can apply online for a refund up to two years after the expiry date of your licence. You may have to print the refund form and supply evidence. There’s full information on the TV Licensing website, with details on how to cancel and the online refund form.

10 – Some are eligible for a cheaper licence

Based on your situation, you might be able to secure a discount on your license.

Review the information provided below to determine if any of these conditions apply to you. If they do, contact TV Licensing to find out if you qualify for a refund.

You’re 75 or older

All over-75s used to get a free TV licence, but the rules changed in August 2020 and free licences are now only available to over-75s who receive the pension credit benefit.

For full help on whether you need to pay or not, see the TV Licensing website or call its over-75s information line free on 0800 232 1382.

The TV licence rules for over-75s living on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are slightly different:

• Isle of Man: Over-75s can claim a free licence if they get income support. The Isle of Man Government funds TV Licences for those who are aged 75 and over who don’t receive Income Support. See full info.
• Jersey: Over-75s can claim a free licence paid for by the BBC if they are on a low income (plus under-75s if they permanently live with someone who’s eligible). Full info on how to claim on the Government of Jersey website.
• Guernsey and Alderney: Over-75s receiving income support can claim a free licence paid for by the BBC. If you’re between pension age and 75 and receiving income support you may also be eligible for a free licence. To apply, contact States of Guernsey social security.
• Sark: Over-75s receiving financial assistance from the Procureur of Sark can claim a free licence paid for by the BBC by contacting the Procureur.

You’re blind or severely sight-impaired

If you or a household member is blind or has severe visual impairment, you are eligible for a 50% discount on the TV licence fee. This means you will pay £79.50 for a colour licence or £26.75 for a black and white licence.

To apply for this discount, you need to send TV Licensing a photocopy of one of the following documents to prove your certification as blind or severely sight-impaired:

• The certificate or document issued by or on behalf of your local authority.
• The certificate from your ophthalmologist.

If you’re only partially sighted or sight-impaired, you won’t qualify for the concession. Details on how to apply for the discount are available on the TV Licensing website.

You live in a care home or sheltered accommodation

If you live in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation and watch TV in your own room or flat, then you need a licence. You may be able to apply for an ARC (accommodation for residential care) concessionary TV Licence though, if you qualify.

This costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow. Both you and your accommodation must qualify. Check the TV Licensing website to see if you are eligible, and speak to your care home manager to apply, as they are responsible for arranging this type of licence.

If your residence is not eligible, you’ll need to cover the entire £159 licence fee, or £53.50 if you watch in black and white. However, if you are blind or have severe sight impairment, you can benefit from a 50% discount.

11 – Save by paying the right way, for example, don’t pay by quarterly direct debit

You can pay by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, online and through TV Licensing’s own savings scheme. However, some payment methods charge more than others. Here are a few handy tips…

• DON’T pay by quarterly direct debit. If you choose this option, you’ll incur an additional cost of £1.25 per quarter (£5 annually) compared to paying via monthly direct debit, utilizing TV Licensing’s savings scheme, or making a single lump sum payment.
• Pay on a cashback debit or credit card. You won’t incur additional fees for using a credit card for payment. If you have a cashback credit card, take advantage of it by paying over the phone or online (as long as you pay off the balance IN FULL each month), and you can earn a portion of your cashback rewards.

At present, it isn’t possible to use an American Express card for your license payments, despite it being a top choice for cashback rewards. For excellent non-Amex options, including a debit card that offers 1% cashback on your purchases, check out our guide on credit card rewards.

• Pay by cash payment scheme. You have the option to make payments for your TV license either on a weekly or fortnightly basis (with the first license fee split into 26 weekly payments, and subsequent payments made every two weeks) or on a monthly basis (with the first license fee spread over six monthly payments, followed by 12 months to complete the remaining payments). These payments can be made at PayPoint locations, commonly located in newsagents and convenience stores, using a TV Licensing payment card.

Once you’ve set up paying this way, you can also pay over the phone, by text message, online or via the TVL Pay app, available for Android or iOS devices.

Opting for this payment method offers the benefit of avoiding a single large payment or direct debit. Instead, you’ll complete the payment for the first year’s license within six months. After this initial period, you’ll be six months ahead, and will then have a full 12 months to cover the cost of your subsequent license.

12 – New annual licences DON’T usually last a full year – so time it right

You might assume that an annual license would be valid for a full year, but that’s not always the case. When you purchase a new license, it typically expires at the end of the month preceding the one in which you bought it, rather than exactly one year from the purchase date.

For example, if you purchase a license on October 12, 2023, it will be valid for the rest of October and through the next 11 months, expiring on September 30, 2024.

To ensure you receive the full 12 months of coverage, it’s best to make your purchase at the start of the month. Doing so will help avoid any gaps in your license coverage and maximize the value of your purchase.

TV Licensing explains that setting licenses to expire at the end of the month helps keep operational costs down, allowing more funds to be directed towards BBC programming and services. While this might seem a bit inconvenient, if you’re renewing your license, you’ll be doing so at the start of the month anyway, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

13 – If you don’t pay, TV Licensing can check

TV Licensing utilizes a database containing approximately 31 million addresses as a primary means for identifying those evading the license fee. According to their data, they manage to detect more than 1,000 individuals daily who are watching television without a valid license.

If TV Licensing suspects that you are watching ‘live TV’ or using BBC iPlayer without the required license, their investigation officers might come to your residence. While they cannot enter your home without your consent, they can request a search warrant if necessary.

In their efforts to uncover unlicensed viewers, they might employ various detection tools, including specialized vans and handheld devices. However, TV Licensing chooses not to disclose the specifics of their detection techniques, stating, “We prefer not to provide information that could assist potential evaders.”

14 – Your licence covers you outside your home for a mobile device

Your TV license extends beyond simply watching television at home. It also encompasses the act of viewing or recording live broadcasts on TV or via BBC iPlayer across any of the following devices:

• Computers, including laptops and tablets
• Mobile phones
• Games consoles
• Digital boxes, including Freeview, Sky and Virgin
• Blu-ray, DVD and VHS recorders

If your home address is licensed, you are permitted to watch TV outside your residence using devices that run on their internal batteries only and are not connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains. This encompasses devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.

The same rule applies to students who are studying away from home. They are covered by their parents’ TV licence, provided their parents’ address is their primary residence outside of term time, and their device is not connected to an aerial or mains power while viewing.

However, if you own a second property, the TV licence for your main residence does not cover the second home. You will need to purchase a separate licence for each property. For further details, refer to the section on licences for multiple homes.

15 – Even if you pay Sky or Virgin, you still need to cough up

Apologies, but it’s a legal requirement. According to the Communications Act 2003 and the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004, a TV licence is necessary regardless of how you access television programs.

This means that even if you are subscribing to TV services through providers like BT, Now, Sky, TalkTalk, or Virgin Media, you will still be required to purchase a TV licence.

You need a licence if you’re watching pay-per-view TV

If you’re subscribing to view a program and are watching it live with others who are also paying for it, you’ll need a license – this requirement stands even if you don’t watch any other live TV and regardless of whether you’ve already paid for the content.

For instance, if you purchase access to a boxing event on Sky Sports Box Office or an NFL game on DAZN, you will need a license to view it live, as it is being broadcast at a set time.

16 – Some students with a licence can get a refund for summer

If you’re a student who purchased a TV licence for the academic year and you’re heading home for the summer or concluding your studies, you might qualify for a refund if you’re leaving your university accommodation, especially if you’ve paid for the period you’ll be absent.

For those on a monthly payment plan, just reach out to TV Licensing to inform them that you no longer require the licence and request to halt your payments.

How much can you get back?

You can only claim for complete calendar months when you’re not residing in student accommodation. For example, if you return home from university on June 22, 2024, and your license is valid until September 1, 2024, you can claim the cost for the entire months of July and August. However, if your license expires on August 25, 2024, you would only be eligible to claim for the full month of July.

Claims can be made for up to 11 months retroactively, and you have up to two years following the expiration of your license to file a claim. Typically, you can reclaim what you have paid, which is usually £13.25 per month, although this amount may vary depending on your payment method.

You can only get a refund if moving to a property with a licence

Refunds can only be issued if you are relocating to a licensed address during the break, such as your parents’ or guardians’ residence. If you are moving directly to a new address that does not have a license, you will not be eligible for a refund, unless you intend to stop watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer altogether. But you can take your TV licence with you by changing your address.

How to claim

You need to complete the online refund form. You may need to provide supporting evidence, in which case you might have to print out your request and send it off by post if you’re asked for paper copies of bank statements or bills. Find details on how to get the refund, plus other info for students, in the TV Licensing advice for students guide.

Can I get a retrospective refund? Indeed, there’s positive news: you are eligible to make a retroactive claim for any full months during which you no longer required the license, as long as it has been less than two years since the license expired. For instance, if you vacated your student accommodation on June 25, 2023, and your license ended on August 28, 2023, you can still request a refund for July 2023 until August 27, 2025.

How do I prove when I moved out? To prove that you no longer require your license, you must provide evidence of when your need for it ended. Acceptable documents include a tenancy agreement, a council tax bill, a final water bill, or a confirmation letter from your university indicating your term dates.

17 – Using other BBC websites doesn’t require a licence

To watch or record ‘live’ television broadcasts or use BBC iPlayer, a TV licence is required. However, if you do not engage in these activities, you do not need a licence.

For instance, you are not required to have a licence to view content on the BBC News website or watch video clips on the BBC Sport app or website.

Nevertheless, if you access content through the BBC iPlayer website or app, a TV licence is necessary. This requirement has been in place since 2016 and covers both live TV and catch-up services.

18 – Renters need a licence, lodgers don’t

If you’re renting a property—whether it’s an entire unit or just a room in a shared house—you need to ensure you have a valid TV licence to watch or record TV shows as they air or to use BBC iPlayer.

Typically, you’ll need to arrange this yourself (or collectively if you’re in a shared living situation). However, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord first to see if the property already has a licence in place.

For those residing in self-contained units like a separate flat or annex, you will need to obtain your own TV licence.

If you are a lodger or have a close relationship with the property owner (such as being a family member, partner, nanny, au pair, or housekeeper), you will be covered by their TV licence, provided you live in the same building and do not have your own separate cooking or laundry facilities.

For more info if you’re renting, see the guidance for tenants and lodgers on the TV Licensing website.

19 – You may need a separate licence if you have a second home

If you own a secondary residence and plan to watch or record television programs as they air or use BBC iPlayer while you’re there, you’ll need a separate TV license for that location.

The sole exception is if your secondary residence is a static caravan, mobile home, or portable chalet, provided that no one is watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer at that location simultaneously with your main home. In this situation, you won’t require an additional TV license, but you’ll need to complete a declaration confirming this arrangement.

If your second home is a boat or touring caravan/vehicle, you won’t need a separate licence. There’s full info on the TV Licensing website.

20 – Listening to the radio doesn’t require a licence

Until 1971, owning a radio required you to have a radio licence, even if you didn’t have a television. Today, however, you don’t need a licence to listen to the radio, including BBC channels, regardless of how you tune in—whether through a TV or BBC iPlayer—so long as you’re not also using these devices to watch television.

The reason for this is rooted in legislation: the Communications Act 2003 mandates that a “television receiver” cannot be used or installed without a licence. However, the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 clarify that a television receiver is defined as a device used to receive “any television programme service.” Thus, if you’re only using your TV for radio listening, it does not fall under the definition of a TV receiver.

21 – Watching live foreign TV in the UK does require a licence

If you are viewing ‘live TV’ from a channel that isn’t broadcast in the UK—whether it’s accessed via satellite or online—you are required to have a valid TV licence.

This obligation applies irrespective of where the channel originates from or the language it is broadcast in.