The current TV license fee in the UK

A TV license in the UK costs £159.50 per year for a colour television and £53.50 per year for a black and white set. These are the rates as of April 2024. The fee is set by Parliament and changes annually, usually in April. You pay this single fee to the BBC to watch or record live television on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer to watch or read programmes — whether live or on-demand.

The licence is not a one-time purchase. You renew it every year, and the BBC sends you a reminder when your current licence is about to expire. If you do not renew before the expiry date, you are no longer legally permitted to watch or record live TV or use iPlayer.

The fee funds the BBC's television, radio, and online services. It is collected by a separate organisation called TV Licensing, which handles payments, renewals, and enforcement on behalf of the BBC.

Key Takeaways

  • A colour TV license costs £159.50 per year; black and white costs £53.50 per year, as of April 2024.
  • You must renew your license every 12 months, and the BBC sends reminders before expiry.
  • The fee covers watching or recording any live television and using BBC iPlayer on-demand.
  • Discounts are available for over-75s (free), some people on means-tested benefits, and those with certain disabilities.
  • You can pay the full year upfront, in monthly instalments, or in quarterly payments without extra charge.

Who does and does not need a TV license

You need a TV license if you watch or record live television on any channel — not just the BBC — or if you use BBC iPlayer to watch or read any programme, including on-demand content. "Live" means broadcast as it happens, whether you are watching it at the time or recording it to watch later.

You do not need a license if you only watch on-demand programmes on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube, or if you watch recorded programmes that are not live. You also do not need one if you listen to BBC radio or use BBC Sounds, even though those are BBC services.

The requirement applies to each household, not each person. If you live in a shared house or flat, one license covers everyone in that property. If you live alone or with a partner, you need one license between you.

Discounts and free licenses for certain groups

People aged 75 and over receive a free TV license. You must explore for it; it does not happen automatically. The process is made through TV Licensing, and you will need proof of age and proof of your address.

Some people on means-tested benefits — such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit (if your monthly income is below a certain threshold) — may receive a 50% discount on the licence fee. You must explore and provide evidence of your benefit status. The discount is not automatic.

People who are blind or severely sight-impaired can also receive a 50% discount. You will need to provide proof of your registration with your local authority or a letter from an eye specialist confirming your condition.

Payment methods and instalment options

You can pay for your TV license in several ways. The most common are paying the full year upfront (£159.50 for colour), paying in 10 monthly instalments of £15.99, or paying in quarterly payments of £40.25. There is no extra charge for paying by instalments.

You can pay by debit card, credit card, or direct debit. If you pay by direct debit, the BBC will collect the money automatically each month or quarter, depending on which option you choose. You can set up or change your payment method through the TV Licensing website or by phone.

If you are struggling to pay, TV Licensing has a scheme called TV License Online Payment Arrangement, which allows you to spread the cost over a longer period or negotiate a payment plan if you have fallen behind.

How to renew your license

The BBC sends renewal reminders about four weeks before your license expires. You can renew online through the TV Licensing website, by phone, or by post. Online renewal is the fastest method and usually takes a few minutes.

When you renew, you will need your TV license number (which appears on your reminder letter) and your payment details. If your circumstances have changed — for example, you have moved house or your address is different — you should update this information at the same time.

If you renew online or by phone before your current license expires, your new license usually starts when ready after the old one ends, with no gap in cover. If you renew by post, allow at least two weeks for processing.

What happens if you do not have a valid license

Watching or recording live television without a valid license is against the law in the UK. TV Licensing can issue a Penalty Charge Notice of £1,000 if they find you watching live TV without a license. If the case goes to court, the maximum fine is £1,000, though courts can impose lower fines depending on the circumstances.

TV Licensing uses detector vans and visits to homes to check for unlicensed viewing, though the number of enforcement visits has declined in recent years. If an officer visits your home, you are not obliged to let them in without a warrant. You can ask to see their identification and ask them to return with a warrant if you wish.

If you genuinely do not watch live TV or use iPlayer, you can declare this to TV Licensing and request a Licence Exemption Certificate. This is free and means you will not receive reminders or enforcement visits, provided your circumstances do not change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV license to watch Netflix or YouTube?

No. You only need a license if you watch live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Watching on-demand programmes on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, or other streaming services does not require a license.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my license partway through the year?

Yes. If you cancel your license, TV Licensing will refund the unused portion of your fee, minus a small administration charge. You must notify them in writing or through their website to cancel.

What if I move house during my license year?

You should tell TV Licensing your new address as soon as possible. Your license remains valid; you just need to update your details. You can do this online, by phone, or by post. There is no charge for changing your address.

Is the TV license fee the same everywhere in the UK?

Yes. The fee is the same in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is set by Parliament and applies across the whole of the UK.

Can I watch live TV on my phone or tablet without a license?

No. If you watch live television on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or television set — you need a valid license. The device does not matter; the requirement is about watching live TV itself.