The television license fee in the UK is set by Parliament and changes each year

A television license in the UK is not the same thing as a driver's license. It is a yearly fee you pay to the government if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer to watch or record anything — whether it is live or not. The fee goes to the BBC to fund its television, radio, and online services.

As of April 2024, the standard license costs £159 per year for a colour television and £53.50 per year for a black and white television. These amounts change each April, set by Parliament rather than by the BBC itself. The fee applies to each household, not to each person or each television set — one license covers all the televisions and devices in your home.

You do not need a license if you only watch on-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube, or if you watch recorded programmes on BBC iPlayer. You only need one if you are watching or recording live television as it is broadcast, or using BBC iPlayer at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • The television license fee is £159 per year for colour television as of April 2024, and this amount changes each April when Parliament sets a new rate.
  • One license covers your entire household, regardless of how many televisions or devices you own.
  • You need a license only if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer for anything — live or recorded.
  • You can pay the license fee in one lump sum, or split it into monthly payments of around £13.25.

Who has to pay and who does not

You must have a license if anyone in your household watches or records live television on any channel — not just the BBC. This includes watching on a television set, a computer, a tablet, or a phone. It also includes recording programmes to watch later using a digital recorder or the red button on your remote.

You must also have a license if you use BBC iPlayer at all, even if you only watch recorded programmes that are not live. BBC iPlayer is the BBC's streaming service, and using it for any content — whether broadcast live or uploaded as on-demand — requires a license.

You do not need a license if you only watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, NOW TV, or YouTube. You also do not need one if you only listen to BBC radio or use BBC Sounds, the BBC's audio streaming service. Some people over 75 years old are may have access to to a free license, though this entitlement is being phased out and now applies only to those who were born before September 1948.

How to pay your television license fee

You can pay your license fee in several ways. The most common is a direct debit from your bank account, which you can set up to pay monthly (around £13.25), quarterly, or annually. You can also pay by credit card, debit card, or cheque through the TV Licensing website or by phone.

When you first get a license, you will need to provide your name, address, and the details of the person in the household who watches television. You do not need to list every person or every device — just confirm that someone at that address watches or records live television or uses BBC iPlayer.

If you move house, you need to tell TV Licensing your new address. Your license does not transfer automatically. You can do this online, by phone, or by post. If you are moving out of the UK or no longer watch live television or use BBC iPlayer, you can cancel your license and may receive a refund for any unused portion of your fee.

What happens if you do not have a license

Watching or recording live television without a license is against the law in the UK. TV Licensing sends inspectors to investigate households that are suspected of not having a license. If an inspector finds that you are watching live television or using BBC iPlayer without a valid license, you can be prosecuted in court.

The penalty for not having a license can be a fine of up to £1,000. This is separate from any fine for obstruction if you refuse to let an inspector into your home. In practice, most people who are caught without a license are given the chance to buy one before prosecution, but this is not may provide.

If you genuinely do not watch live television or use BBC iPlayer, you can declare this to TV Licensing. You will then not need a license, but you must tell them if your situation changes — for example, if you start watching live television or using BBC iPlayer in the future.

The difference between a television license and other UK licenses

A television license is completely separate from a driver's license, a passport, or any other form of identification. It is not a document you carry with you. Instead, it is a record held by TV Licensing that shows you have paid the fee for your address. You may receive a paper license certificate in the post, but you do not need to show it to anyone — the record is what matters.

The television license is also different from a broadcasting license, which is what television and radio stations need in order to transmit. A broadcasting license is held by the company that runs the station, not by viewers or listeners. As a household, you only need to worry about the television license fee.

When your license expires and how to renew it

Your television license lasts for one year from the date it starts. TV Licensing will send you a reminder before your license expires, usually about a month before the renewal date. You can renew online, by phone, or by post. If you pay by direct debit, your renewal happens automatically unless you cancel it.

If your license expires and you do not renew it, you are no longer covered. If you continue to watch live television or use BBC iPlayer after your license has expired, you are breaking the law, even if you have only missed the renewal by a few days. It is worth setting a reminder on your phone or calendar so you do not accidentally let it lapse.

The fee you pay when you renew may be different from what you paid the year before, because Parliament sets a new rate each April. TV Licensing will tell you the new amount when they send your renewal reminder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for each television in my house?

No. One license covers your entire household, no matter how many televisions, computers, tablets, or phones you own. You pay once per address, not once per device.

What if I only watch BBC iPlayer and never watch live television?

You still need a license. BBC iPlayer requires a license for any content — live or recorded. If you use BBC iPlayer at all, you must have a valid license, even if you never watch live television on any channel.

Can I get a refund if I move out of the UK?

Yes. If you move permanently outside the UK and no longer need a license, you can cancel it and receive a refund for any unused portion of your fee. You will need to provide proof of your move, such as a forwarding address or travel documents.

What if I cannot afford the full license fee?

You can pay by monthly direct debit instead of paying the full amount upfront. This spreads the cost to around £13.25 per month. If you are on a very low income, you may be may have access to to help — contact TV Licensing directly to discuss your situation.

How do I know if I am watching live television or on-demand?

Live television is anything broadcast as it happens — news, sports, entertainment shows as they air. On-demand is anything you choose to watch after it has been recorded or uploaded. If you are unsure whether something is live, check the channel's schedule or the service's description of the content.