TV Licensing
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The law says you need to be covered by a TV Licence to:
- 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 you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
A standard colour TV Licence costs £157.50 and a black and white licence costs £53.
There are some situations when you’ll need more than one TV Licence. You may be able to apply for a concessionary (reduced fee) licence.
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| Students | Your halls of residence licence only covers communal areas. You’ll usually need a separate TV Licence to watch in your room. If you live in a shared house, you need to check that you’re covered in your room and communal areas. Even if your out-of-term address is licensed, you still might not be covered while you’re living in student accommodation. |
| Tenants and lodgers | You need your own TV Licence if you have a separate tenancy agreement for your room. This will also cover the communal areas. If you have a joint tenancy agreement one TV Licence may cover the whole house. |
| Over 75 TV Licence |
Anyone aged 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit is eligible to apply for a free over 75 TV Licence. Pension Credit can be in the name of the licence holder, or in their partner’s name if they’re a couple and live at the same address. Find out more. |
| Care home residents | Residents, staff and residents’ families all need a separate licence for their own living areas. Residents may qualify for a reduced fee TV Licence. |
| Blind (severely sight impaired) | You can apply for a 50% concession if you can provide evidence. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. |
| Armed forces | In MOD accommodation, on or off base, you usually need to be covered by a TV Licence. Your home TV Licence doesn’t cover you while you’re living on base, unless your equipment is powered solely by its own internal batteries and not plugged into the mains. |
| Second home | You may not be covered by your main home’s TV Licence. It depends on what type of second home you have. |
| Moving home | If you have recently moved home, or you are just about to move, you need to let us know to make sure you remain licensed. |