A TV license is a legal requirement in the UK if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer at any time — even if you're only watching on-demand content

The TV license is not a driving document or transport permit. It's a separate annual payment that funds the BBC and gives you the legal right to watch television in your home. If you watch live TV on any broadcaster (ITV, Channel 4, Sky, etc.) or access BBC iPlayer for any reason — including catch-up programs — you must have a valid TV license or face a fine of up to £1,000.

The license costs £159 per year for a colour television and £53.50 per year for black and white (though black and white sets are now rare). You pay TV Licensing, the organization that administers the scheme on behalf of the BBC, and the money goes directly to fund BBC services. Unlike a driver's license, which proves you're may have access to to drive, a TV license is straightforward proof of payment for the right to watch.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a TV license if you watch or record any live television, or use BBC iPlayer for any content including on-demand shows.
  • The annual cost is £159 for colour television or £53.50 for black and white, paid to TV Licensing.
  • You can pay in one lump sum, or split the cost into monthly payments of around £13.25.
  • If you don't have a license and watch live TV or use iPlayer, you can be fined up to £1,000.
  • Some people are exempt — including those over 75 receiving Pension Credit, and people in care homes or residential institutions.

Who actually needs a TV license

You need a TV license if you live in a household where anyone watches or records live television on any channel. This includes terrestrial channels (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5), satellite channels (Sky, Virgin Media), and streaming services that broadcast live content. The key word is live — if you only watch on-demand or recorded programs on most services, you don't need a license.

The exception is BBC iPlayer. You need a license to use iPlayer for anything — live programs, catch-up shows, or on-demand content. This applies even if you're watching something that aired weeks ago. If you use iPlayer at all, you must have a valid license.

You do not need a license if you only watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or other streaming services that don't broadcast live television. You also don't need one if you only listen to BBC Radio or use BBC Sounds — the license covers television only.

How to get a TV license

You can get a TV license online through the TV Licensing website (tvlicensing.co.uk), by phone on 0300 790 6117, or by post. Online is the fastest route — you can usually complete the process in about 10 minutes and receive your license when ready as a digital document.

When you explore, you'll need to provide your name, address, and date of birth. If you're paying by direct debit (the most common method), you'll also need your bank details. TV Licensing will ask whether you're paying for the first time, renewing an existing license, or changing payment method. You'll also declare that you understand the legal requirement and that someone in your household will be watching live TV or using iPlayer.

You can pay the full year upfront (£159 for colour), or spread it across 10 monthly payments of £15.90 by direct debit. Some people pay quarterly or by other methods, but direct debit is usually the cheapest option. Once you've paid, your license is active when ready online, though your physical license document arrives by post within a few days.

When your license expires and how to renew it

TV licenses run for 12 months from the date you buy them. TV Licensing will send you a reminder letter about a month before your license expires, usually to the address on your account. The reminder tells you the exact expiry date and how to renew.

You can renew online, by phone, or by post using the same methods as a new license. If you renew before your current license expires, the new one starts the day after the old one ends — there's no gap. If you let your license lapse and then renew, the new license starts from the date you pay, not retroactively.

If you move house, you need to update your address with TV Licensing. You don't need a new license — just notify them of the change. Your existing license remains valid; you're straightforward updating where they send your documents and correspondence.

Who is exempt from needing a TV license

Some groups don't need to pay for a TV license. People aged 75 or over are exempt if they receive Pension Credit — this is the main exemption. You'll need to provide proof of your Pension Credit award when you claim the exemption.

People living in care homes, residential institutions, or certain types of supported housing may also be exempt, depending on the type of facility and how television is provided. If you live in such a setting, contact TV Licensing directly to confirm whether you need a license — the rules vary by situation.

Blind people can claim a 50% discount on their TV license, reducing the cost to around £79.50 per year. You'll need to provide proof of your registered blind status when you claim the discount.

What happens if you don't have a valid license

TV Licensing enforcement officers can visit your home if they suspect you're watching live TV or using iPlayer without a license. They have the power to request entry between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., though you have the right to refuse. If they find evidence of unlicensed viewing, they can issue a Penalty Charge Notice (usually £70) or refer the case to court.

If the case goes to court and you're found guilty, the fine can be up to £1,000. This is separate from any Penalty Charge Notice you've already received. Court cases are relatively rare — most enforcement is handled through the penalty notice system — but they do happen, particularly in cases of repeated non-payment or refusal to cooperate.

The simplest approach is to get a license before you start watching. If you're unsure whether you need one, contact TV Licensing directly — they can advise based on what you actually watch. Getting a license costs less than a single penalty notice and removes any legal risk.

TV license costs and payment options

The standard annual cost is £159 for a colour television license. Black and white licenses cost £53.50 per year, though these are uncommon now. These prices are set by the BBC and can change — TV Licensing will notify you if there's an increase before your renewal date.

You can pay in several ways. Direct debit (10 monthly payments of £15.90) is the most popular and usually the cheapest option. You can also pay the full year upfront by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Some people pay quarterly (around £40 per quarter) or by other methods, though these typically cost slightly more than direct debit.

If you're on a low income, you may be able to claim a discount or payment arrangement through certain support schemes, though this varies. Contact TV Licensing directly to discuss your circumstances — they sometimes have options for people facing genuine hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV license if I only watch streaming services like Netflix?

No. You only need a license if you watch live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other on-demand streaming services don't require a license. The moment you watch anything live on any broadcaster, or access BBC iPlayer for any reason, you need a license.

What if I watch live TV on my phone or tablet instead of a television?

You still need a license. The rule is about watching or recording live television, not about the device you use. If you watch live TV on your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other device, you need a valid license. The only exception is if you're watching on a device that's not in your home — for example, watching on your phone while you're at work or on holiday.

Can I share a TV license with someone else or use one license for multiple properties?

No. One license covers one address only. If you have a second home, holiday property, or student accommodation, you need a separate license for each address where you watch live TV or use iPlayer. The license is tied to the address, not to a person, so you can't transfer it between homes.

What if I'm moving house — do I need to buy a new license?

No. Contact TV Licensing with your new address and they'll update your account. Your existing license remains valid; you're just changing where they send your documents. If your move happens close to your renewal date, they may adjust the timing so your new license starts when you move in.

How do I know if my license is still valid?

Check the expiry date on your physical license document, or log into your account on the TV Licensing website. You can also call them on 0300 790 6117. Your license is valid until the date printed on it — after that date, you're watching without a license unless you renew.