Paying for your TV licence

If you watch television, you will probably need a TV licence. It doesn’t matter how you watch it, or which channels you watch.

If you’re worried about paying for your TV licence, you might be able to get a discount. You might even qualify for a free licence.

Do I need a TV licence?

You must have a valid TV licence if you:

  • watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on any channel
  • download or watch programmes on BBC iPlayer
  • watch or stream live programmes on an online TV service, such as All 4 or ITVX.

Even if you don’t have a television, you may still need a TV licence for other devices – for example, a computer, laptop, tablet, digital box, games console or DVD recorder.

You can  check if you need a TV licence on the TV licensing website.

If you're moving home, you will need to change the address on your TV licence. You can do this up to three months before you move.

Can I get a free TV licence if I'm over 75?

The free TV licence scheme for people aged 75 or over changed in August 2020. You can only apply for a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, is getting Pension Credit. This can be Savings Credit or Guarantee Pension Credit.

The TV licence must be in the name of the person at your address who is aged 75 or older and getting Pension Credit.

How to apply

You won’t get a free licence automatically. You can check whether you can get a free TV licence by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071. You can also apply this way.

If you apply online or by post, you’ll need two pieces of evidence that you’re getting Pension Credit and are aged 75 or over. You can normally use your passport or driving licence as one piece of evidence. You’ll also need a copy of one of the following: 

  • your decision letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Pension Service
  • your Pension Credit Uprating letter
  • your Proof of benefit letter from the DWP
  • a Warm Home Discount letter.

The letter you send as evidence should be from the last 12 months.

Make sure the name you use to apply for your free TV licence matches the name held by the DWP. If the licence at your address is currently in someone else's name, you’ll need the current licence number when you apply for your free licence.

If you get a free TV licence, it covers you and anyone else you live with, no matter how old they are. If no one in your household is receiving Pension Credit, you’ll need to pay for your TV licence.

To find out if you qualify for Pension Credit, use our benefits calculator or call our Helpline to speak to an adviser.

Are there any discounts?

If you’re registered as severely sight impaired (blind), you can apply for a 50% discount on your TV licence. The licence will also cover anyone else who lives with you.

You’ll need to send a copy of one of the following:

  • a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)
  • a BD8 certificate
  • a certificate or document from your local council that shows you’re registered as severely sight impaired (blind)
  • a certificate from an eye specialist (consultant ophthalmologist), stating that you’re severely sight impaired (blind).

Read the full list of acceptable documents.

You won’t be able to get a discount if you’re sight impaired (partially sighted).

If you need information in Braille or audio, or you need other adjustments because of a disability, contact TV Licensing online or by calling 0300 790 6076.

Do I need a TV licence if I live in a care home or supported housing?

If you live in a care home, or supported or sheltered housing, you may qualify for an accommodation for residential care (ARC) consessionary TV Licence. This is a special TV licence that costs £7.50 a year per room, flat or bungalow. You must be over 60 and retired (or working no more than 15 hours per week), or disabled. The place where you live must also qualify. Speak to the manager or warden to find out if your home qualifies, and to ask for them to arrange this concession for you.

You won’t need a licence if you only watch television in common areas, such as a residents’ lounge.

If you’re struggling to pay for your TV licence

You can apply for a TV licence on the TV Licensing website or by post, phone or at any PayPoint. There are different ways to pay. If you find it difficult to pay for your licence, you could spread the costs by setting up a Direct Debit or using a TV licensing payment card.

In some situations, you may qualify for a Simple Payment Plan. You can’t apply for this yourself – you need a referral from certain charities or debt advice agencies. These include Citizens Advice, National Debtline and Money Advice Scotland. You can find local debt advice agencies on the MoneyHelper website. Call our free Helpline on 0800 319 6789 for more information.

If you watch television without a valid TV licence, you may be prosecuted. Contact TV Licensing and ask them to help you work out the best way for you to pay. TV Licensing has more information about what to do if you're struggling to pay.

Beware of TV licence scams

Scammers sometimes target TV Licensing customers. They may call you or send letters, emails or texts telling you that:

  • your licence is about to expire
  • you need to make an urgent payment, or
  • you’re entitled to a refund.

Scams can be very convincing. TV Licensing has advice on how to spot and report a TV licence scam.

To find out more about how you can protect yourself and what to do if you have been scammed, visit our scams pages.

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Next steps

For more information, visit the TV Licensing website.

To find out if you qualify for Pension Credit, read our free guide or call our Helpline to speak to an adviser.

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