TV Licensing

• watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
• watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
• download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer.

This applies to any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

You may also need a licence if:

• they use their own devices that are plugged into the mains, or
• they use their own devices not plugged into the mains, and are not covered by a licence at their home address.

When you don’t need a TV Licence

You don’t need a TV Licence if:

• No one at your property watches or records live TV programmes on any channel or device, or downloads or watches BBC programmes on iPlayer.
• Staff, customers or visitors only use their own devices that are not plugged into the mains, and are covered by a licence at their home address.
• Devices are only used to view CCTV, DVDs, Blu-ray, VHS or on demand services other than BBC iPlayer.

If you only have one property, you only need one TV Licence to cover every person and device at that address.

If you have more than one property, you may need a licence for each address.

Get the right TV Licence for your business

For a single property like a shop or an office, only one licence is needed. If you have more than one address, you may need more than one licence. Special rules may also apply to certain business types.

Special rules for your type of business

Find out if special rules apply to your business, or if it is eligible for a TV Licence concession.

Shops and offices

Hotels, hostels, mobile units and campsites

Residential landlords

Residential care homes and sheltered accommodation

Clubs and community groups

Schools and colleges

Hospitality

TV dealers

Armed forces

Hospitals

Need to cover more than one property?

The simplest way to license more than one property is with a Company Group TV Licence. There are no forms to fill in or any qualifying criteria. Plus, you only need to make one annual payment and you’ll receive only one reminder sent to the address specified by you.

Call us on 0300 790 6165* to buy a Company Group TV Licence or find out more.

Alternatively, you can pay in full by BACS, or by sending a cheque (payable to TV Licensing) to:

TV Licensing
Hotel & Company Group Licensing
Darlington DL98 1TL

There are different rules for hotels, hostels, mobile units and campsites. Please see how this affects you.

Pay for your licence

Ways to pay

A single TV Licence costs £159. You can pay in one go or spread the cost quarterly, monthly or weekly.

Ways to pay

To license more than one address with a Company Group TV Licence, please call 0300 790 6165*.

Can you send me an invoice or bill for the TV Licence?

We don’t provide invoices or bills, unfortunately, but one of the following should be suitable as a record of your expense:

A letter from TV Licensing

If we’ve sent you a letter about buying or renewing a licence, it will show the total amount to be paid and explain the purpose of the licence.

Your TV Licence online

If you have already paid for a TV Licence, then you will also have a licence online, which you can access at any time. Simply sign in using the licence number, name and postcode on the licence. Then you’ll see the total cost and expiry date of your licence.

Don't know your licence number?

Payment confirmation email

If you pay for your TV Licence online, we will send you an email confirming the payment and your licence number.

Tell us you don’t need a TV Licence

If you don’t need a TV Licence, or if your property is empty, please let us know. This means we won’t send you any letters for up to three years, unless we believe your circumstances have changed.

Just so you know, paying for a TV Licence will make sure all your staff, customers and visitors are covered at your address. Find out more about watching live TV and BBC iPlayer.

Tell us you don't need a licence

Update your address or licence details

If your business is changing address

You can let us know your new address up to three months before you move. You’ll need:

• Your licence number
• Name on the licence
• Postcode of where the licence is registered at the moment
• Your new address.

To update your Company Group TV Licence (for businesses with multiple addresses) please call us on 0300 790 6165*.

Already moved?

If you already have a licence, let us know you've already moved and we’ll move it to your new address. You’ll need:

• Your licence number
• Name on the licence
• Postcode of where the licence was originally registered
• Your new address.

To update your Company Group TV Licence (for businesses with multiple addresses) please call us on 0300 790 6165*.

Updating other details

You can also update other details such as your business name, contact details and the name on the TV Licence. You’ll need:

• Your licence number
• Name on the licence
• Postcode of where the licence was originally registered
• Your new address.

To update your Company Group TV Licence (for businesses with multiple addresses) you must call us on 0300 790 6165*.

Help and more information

Workplace viewing policy

You can use this handy template to set out the TV viewing policy for your business. By sharing this with employees and visitors, you can let them know:

 

• Whether or not your business is covered by a TV Licence.
• Whether or not you allow staff, customers and visitors to watch live TV on any channel or BBC programmes on iPlayer.

Workplace Viewing Policy (PDF 332 Kb opens in a new window)

FAQs

If you still have questions take a look at TV Licensing FAQs where you can find all the answers in one place.

Ways to contact us

Find out how to get in touch.