Do you even need one?
You only need a TV Licence if you do either of these:
You DO need a licence to:
- Watch or record live TV — any programme as it's being broadcast or streamed live, on any channel, any device (TV, laptop, phone, games console). Not just sport or news — soaps, films, anything shown live counts.
- Use BBC iPlayer — to watch or download anything on iPlayer, on any device.
You do NOT need a licence if you only:
- Watch on-demand programmes and films on services other than BBC iPlayer — Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All 4, YouTube (non-live), and so on.
- Never watch anything live and never use BBC iPlayer.
Tell them you don't need one
If you genuinely don't need a licence, you can make a free "No Licence Needed" declaration on the TV Licensing website. It stops the reminder letters — you're not breaking any rule by not having a licence if you only stream on demand.
What it costs in 2026
| Licence / situation | Cost |
|---|
| Colour TV Licence (from 1 April 2026) | £180/yr |
| Black & white licence | £60.50/yr |
| Registered blind (half price) | £90/yr |
| Qualifying residential care (ARC) | £7.50/yr |
| 75+ and on Pension Credit | Free |
You can pay the £180 in one go, or spread it by monthly or weekly Direct Debit at no extra cost. If you've struggled to pay before, there's also a Simple Payment Plan — see if you can't pay below.
Ways to pay less (or nothing)
Free — 75 or over and on Pension Credit
A free TV Licence is only for people aged 75 or over where you, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit. Since August 2020 it's no longer automatically free at 75 — you have to be getting Pension Credit and then apply for the free licence. You can apply from age 74 so it's in place for your 75th birthday.
Not sure if you qualify for Pension Credit? Loads of people who'd get it never claim — and claiming it can unlock the free licence on top. See Pension Credit or run a free benefits check.
Half price (£90) — registered blind
If you, or someone you live with, is registered blind (severely sight impaired), the licence is half price — £90 instead of £180. The licence must be in the name of the blind person (or transferred to them). You'll need to send evidence, such as a CVI (Certificate of Vision Impairment) or a letter from your local council or ophthalmologist.
£7.50 — qualifying residential care
People in qualifying residential care or sheltered accommodation may be covered by an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence costing just £7.50. The scheme manager or care provider usually arranges this for residents — ask them whether you're covered.
Getting a refund
If you no longer need a licence and you have at least one full month left before it expires, you can apply to TV Licensing for a refund of the full unused months. Common reasons:
- You've switched to streaming only and no longer watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
- The licence holder has moved into care or moved abroad.
- The licence holder has died — the estate can claim the unused months.
- A 75+ person now receives Pension Credit and switches to a free licence.
How to claim
Apply on the TV Licensing website (search "TV Licensing refund"). You'll usually be asked to confirm you won't watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer for the rest of the licence period. Refunds are paid back to you — you don't lose the months you've already used.
If you can't afford it
Talk to them before you fall behind
Don't just stop paying — contact TV Licensing as soon as money is tight. There are calmer ways to spread the cost, and a free licence or discount you might be missing.
- Spread the cost — monthly or weekly Direct Debit splits the £180 into smaller payments at no extra charge.
- Simple Payment Plan — for people who've found it hard to pay, this lets you pay in smaller fortnightly instalments over a longer period to get back on track.
- Check for free or discounted first — 75+ on Pension Credit (free), registered blind (£90), residential care (£7.50). Don't pay full price if you qualify for less.
- Run a benefits check — claiming Pension Credit can both raise your income and unlock the free licence.
What happens if you watch live TV without one
Watching or recording live TV (or using BBC iPlayer) without a valid licence can lead to prosecution in the magistrates' court and a fine of
up to £1,000. If you've had a court letter or fine about it and aren't sure what's real, don't ignore it — see
Can I ignore this? or
what happens next. Free advice from
Citizens Advice is a safer first step than panicking.
The TV Licensing scam — read this
Top UK phishing scam — be careful
Fake "TV Licensing" texts and emails are one of Britain's most common scams. They say things like "your TV Licence has expired", "your direct debit payment failed" or "you're due a refund — click here", with a link to a fake website that steals your card and bank details.
How to stay safe:
- TV Licensing will not ask for your bank or card details by text or email with a link. Don't click links in unexpected messages.
- Check the sender's email address — scam ones use odd domains (e.g. random or foreign endings). Genuine emails come from @tvlicensing.co.uk.
- If in doubt, go to the official site by typing tvlicensing.co.uk yourself, or call them — never use the number or link in the message.
- Report it: forward scam texts to 7726 (free), and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Not sure if a message is real? Paste it into Sorted's free scam check for a plain-English verdict.
Do this now
Do this now — free
- Only stream on demand (no live TV, no iPlayer)? Make a free "No Licence Needed" declaration — you don't need to pay.
- 75+ or registered blind, or in care? Check whether you qualify for a free, £90 or £7.50 licence before paying full price.
- Struggling to pay? Set up Direct Debit or ask about the Simple Payment Plan — and run a benefits check for Pension Credit.
Free UK support
- TV Licensing — 0300 790 6165. The official body for licences, free/discount applications, payment plans and refunds. Site: tvlicensing.co.uk.
- Age UK — 0800 678 1602. Free advice for older people on the free licence, Pension Credit and money worries.
- Citizens Advice — 0800 144 8848. Free help with bills, debt and what to do about a fine.
- Action Fraud — 0300 123 2040. Report a TV Licensing scam.