topDo I need a TV licence to watch TV in United Kingdom !..
YES, except If you don’t watch or record television programmes as they are being shown on TV, on any device, you don’t need a TV Licence.
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| The law states that you need to be covered by a TV
Licence if you watch or record television programmes, on any device, as
they're being shown on TV. This includes TVs, computers, mobile phones,
games consoles, digital boxes and Blu-ray/DVD/VHS recorders. You don't need a licence if you don't use any of these devices to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV - for example, if you use your TV only to watch DVDs or play video games, or you only watch ‘catch up’ services like BBC iPlayer or 4oD. |
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It costs £145.50 for colour and £49.00 for a black and white TV Licence.
You usually need one TV Licence to cover your household. However, there are some situations when you’ll need more than one licence. The table below explains this in more detail.
| Students | Your halls of residence licence only covers communal areas. You need a separate TV Licence to watch or record TV, as it is being broadcast, in your room. If you live in a shared house, you need to check that you’re covered to watch TV, (this includes on a computer/laptop) 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. |
| Aged 74 and over | You’re entitled to a free over 75 TV Licence when you turn 75. If you‘re 74, you can apply for a short-term licence to cover you up to your 75th birthday. |
| 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’re entitled to a 50% reduced fee TV Licence if you’re blind or severely sight impaired. |
| Armed Forces personnel | You need a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV in MOD accommodation, on or off base. 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. |
| 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. |
But just remember, whatever you’re watching live online, you’ll need to be covered by a TV Licence – no matter what device you use. Your hall's licence won’t cover you, and you may not be covered by your parents’ licence. Thankfully, it’s easy to buy your own.
First, check below to find out if you need one. Then, buy a licence so you can be sure you’re enjoying all your favourite programmes legally from the day you start uni. Please let us know if you change address.
Pay in a way that suits you.
You can pay it all at once with your credit or debit card (£145.50 for colour) or spread the cost with Direct Debit or a cash payment card.
You may even be able to get a refund during the summer holidays, so you’ll only need to pay for the TV you watch for the rest of the year.
You need a TV Licence if... |
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| You watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV - online, on a TV, or on any device (even a laptop) | This is the case whatever device you use – whether a laptop, PC, mobile phone, games console, digital box, VHS/DVD recorder or anything else. It also includes programmes you watch online at the same time as they’re being shown on TV, for example live sport. (However, if your mobile device isn’t plugged in, you’ll still be covered by your parents’ licence.) |
| And you live in halls of residence | Your hall probably has a licence covering communal areas but you’ll also need to be covered for your room. |
| Or you live in a shared house |
If there’s a joint tenancy
agreement for the whole house,
you may only need one licence.
However, you may need your own
licence if your accommodation is
self-contained – i.e. you have
exclusive access to washing
facilities or you have your own
entrance to the property. If
you’re not sure whether or not
you need one, please contact
TV Licensing....
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You don’t need a TV Licence if |
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You don’t watch
or record television programmes
as they’re being shown on TV –
on any device |
If you don’t
watch or record television
programmes, or you only stream
TV programmes online after
they’ve been broadcast –
through on-demand services like
YouTube, BBC iPlayer and 4oD –
you don’t need to be covered by
a TV Licence. |
| Or all of these are true |
Your out-of-term
address is covered by a TV Licence AND you only use TV receiving equipment that is powered solely by its own internal batteries AND you have not connected it to an aerial or plugged it into the mains. |
Your parents' TV Licence will not cover you while you are away at university unless you only use a device that's powered solely by its own internal batteries. You must not plug it into the mains when using it to receive TV.
If you don’t
need a TV Licence...
Please
let us know. We may confirm this
with a quick visit. We need to do this
because, when we make contact on visits,
almost a fifth of people are found to
need a
TV Licence.
You can get a refund if... |
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| You don’t need a licence during the summer holidays |
Good news. If you move out of
your term-time address for the
summer months, you can ask us to
give you back the cost of the
licence for that time – which
could be around £37. (As long as
your licence is still valid for
at least three full calendar
months and you don’t need it
again before it expires.) Apply for a refund. |
Tenants and
lodgers
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You must be covered by a valid TV Licence to watch or record television
programmes as they're being shown on TV if you’re a tenant or lodger. This
includes the use of devices such as a TV, computer, mobile phone, games console,
digital box and DVD/VHS recorder.
If you live in self contained accommodation such as a separate flat or annex,
then you need your own TV Licence.
It costs £145.50 for colour and £49.00 for a black and white TV Licence.
You need a TV Licence |
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| If you have a separate tenancy agreement for your room | Each tenant needs their own TV Licence if they watch or record TV. This licence will also cover the communal areas. |
| If you have a joint tenancy agreement | One TV
Licence may cover the whole house. However, there may be other reasons why you need your own separate licence, such as whether or not you have exclusive access to a toilet or washing facilities. If you are unsure whether this applies to your particular circumstances please contact TV Licensing... to find out more information. |
You don’t need a TV Licence |
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| If you’re a lodger and have a relationship with the homeowner – for example, a family member, common law partner, a nanny, au pair or housekeeper | You’re covered by the homeowner’s TV Licence if they have one, provided you live in the same building. If you live in self contained accommodation such as a separate flat or annex you need your own separate licence. |
If you are currently 74 and your licence is due for renewal, you should buy a short-term licence to cover you up to your 75th birthday. Please only apply online when you turn 74. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your application before then.
When you reach the age of 75, you may apply for a free over 75 TV Licence. We’ll send you this licence every three years, provided we have your National Insurance number.
A free over 75 TV Licence only covers your main home address. You’ll need to buy a separate TV Licence for any other properties. You can find more information on the Second homes page.
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When you’re 75 or over |
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If you’re the current licence holder |
You’re eligible to apply for a free over 75 TV Licence. We’ll automatically refund any money you have over paid for each full month after your 75th birthday. You’ll receive your refund when your over 75 TV Licence is issued. If you don’t already have one, apply now. |
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If you’re not the current licence holder |
Call us on 0300 790 6131 so that we can transfer the licence into your name and convert it into an over 75 Licence. |
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When you’re 74 |
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If your licence has expired |
You need to buy a short-term TV Licence to cover you up to your 75th birthday. Apply now |
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If you’ve already renewed your TV Licence |
You need to convert your licence to a short-term licence. We’ll automatically refund any money you have over paid for each full month after your 75th birthday. Apply now |
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Separate conditions apply if you live in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man |
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Isle of Man |
If you are 75 before your current licence expires you can apply for a short term licence. To do this call 0300 790 6131 (or 0300 555 0286 if you pay for your licence using a TV Licensing payment card or savings card). We will then automatically issue you with a free over 75 licence when it becomes due. If you are already over 75 and do not have a TV Licence or for all other over 75 licence queries, call us on 0300 790 6131. |
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Guernsey |
If you are 75 before your current licence expires you can apply for a short term licence. To do this call 0300 790 6131 (or 0300 555 0286 if you pay for your licence using a TV Licensing payment card or savings card). We will then automatically issue you with a free over 75 licence when it becomes due. If you are already over 75 and do not have a TV Licence or for all other over 75 licence queries, call us on 0300 790 6131. If you are a resident of Guernsey and are 65 or over receiving state benefits you may also be eligible to claim a free TV Licence. Please call Guernsey Social Security Department on 01481 732 539. |
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Jersey |
You can apply for a free over 75 TV Licence if you’re aged 75 years or over and you’re on a low income. Please call the Jersey Social Security Department on 01534 445505. |
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Sark |
There is no free over 75 TV Licence if you are over 75 or short term TV Licence if you are 74 years old. |
Where to find your National Insurance number
Your National Insurance number can normally be found on your pension book or on your bank statement, if your pension is paid into your bank account. If you don’t have a National Insurance number, please provide a copy of one of the following as evidence of your age:
Supplying your National Insurance number will speed up your application process.
If you watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV in your room, flat or bungalow, you'll need to make sure you're covered by a TV Licence. This is the case whether you use a TV, computer, mobile phone or any other device.
You may be able to get a concession on your licence. Please check the table below to see if you are eligible.
You'll need one of these licences: |
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| Accommodation for residential care (ARC) Concessionary TV Licence |
This costs £7.50 per room, flat
or bungalow. Both you and your accommodation must qualify. You can check below to see if you are eligible. Please speak to your care home managers to find out if your accommodation qualifies. They are responsible for arranging this type of licence. |
| Or a full fee TV Licence for your room, flat or bungalow |
This costs £145.50 for colour or
£49.00 for black and white. You’ll need one of these if neither you nor your care home qualifies for an ARC Concessionary licence. First though, see if you can get a concession. Have you already paid for a full fee licence and would like a refund? |
You qualify for an ARC Concessionary TV Licence if you are: |
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| Retired | You must be 60 years old or over. If you’re in paid work, this must be for no more than 15 hours per week. You can only work for more than 15 hours per week if you’ve had an ARC Concessionary TV Licence since 31 March 2004. |
| Or disabled | You must have substantially impaired sight, hearing or speech, a mental disorder or be substantially physically disabled by illness, any impairment present from birth or otherwise. |
| And living in an eligible accommodation | Please speak to your administrators to find out if your accommodation qualifies for this licence. |
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the ARC Concessionary TV Licence, please:
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You can apply for a concession on your full fee licence if you’re: |
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| 74 years old | You can get a short term TV Licence to cover you until your 75th birthday. |
| 75 years old or over | You may be eligible for a free TV Licence. |
| Blind or severely sight impaired | You may qualify for a 50% concession. |
| You can claim a refund on your full fee TV Licence if: | |
| You’ve already paid for a TV Licence and now qualify for an ARC Concessionary TV Licence |
Please ask your care home
manager to send these details to
TV Licensing, Bristol BS98 1TL:
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You can get a 50% reduction on the TV Licence fee if you’re blind/severely sight impaired. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you.
You need a TV Licence if you wish to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV. This includes the use of devices such as a TV, computer, mobile phone, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
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Qualify for a 50% blind concession |
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| If you’re registered blind or severely sight impaired | A blind
concession TV Licence costs £72.75 for colour and
£24.50 for a black and white TV Licence. Please provide us with a photocopy of ONE of these documents, to confirm that you’re certified as either blind or severely sight impaired:
You won’t need to provide this information again when you renew your TV Licence. |
| If you're partially sighted or sight-impaired | People who are partially sighted or sight-impaired do not qualify for a 50% blind concession. |
| If you live with someone who is blind or severely sight impaired | You can also benefit from the blind concession TV Licence. You just need to transfer the licence to the name of the blind person. To do this please fill in the form online and provide the existing TV Licence number at the address. You’ll need to print the completed form. |
How to apply for a blind concession |
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| Complete the application form | Please fill in the form online. You’ll need to print the completed form. |
| Then post documents that prove you’re certified as blind or severely sight impaired | Please send your
completed form, cheque payment and a photocopy of
your local authority document or ophthalmologist’s
certificate to: TV Licensing Please include either your licence renewal notice or TV Licence number if you have a current TV Licence. |
You don’t need a TV Licence |
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| If you have a digital box used to produce sounds only | Provided that it can't display TV programmes. |
You may be entitled to a refund |
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| If you've already paid the full fee for a TV Licence, but qualify for a blind concession | Please
fill in the
online refund form and we'll refund you the
difference. Please note that we can only offer refunds for TV Licences bought after 1 April 2000, when the blind concession was introduced. You’ll need proof that you were certified as either blind or severely sight impaired when you bought the licence. |
In Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation, on or off base, you need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record television programmes as they’re being shown on TV, no matter what device you use. This includes computers, laptops, TVs, mobile phones, games consoles, digital boxes and DVD/VHS recorders.
You are not usually covered by your home TV Licence while living on base. You’re only covered by your home licence if you watch TV using a device that’s powered solely by its own internal batteries, and it is not plugged into the mains or an aerial.
If you’ve bought a TV Licence and you’re posted to another location in the UK, you need to let us know so we can transfer your TV Licence to your new address.
If you do not need a TV Licence, please let us know, or if you already have one but no longer need it, you may be entitled to a refund. See below for more details.
You can update your contact details at any time online with your TV Licence number to hand.
The MOD fully supports us in administering TV Licensing legislation.
It costs £145.50 for colour & £49.00 for a black and white TV Licence.
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Your base’s TV Licence will cover |
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| Working areas | Cookhouse, guardroom, classrooms and communal areas in junior ranks accommodation blocks. |
Your base’s TV Licence won’t cover you if |
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| You live in service family or single living accommodation | You need to be licensed separately. |
| You live in a multi-occupancy room | You only need one TV Licence to cover all TV sets in each room. |
| You’re part of a non-service organisation (e.g. a contractor) | You must be covered by a separate TV Licence. One TV Licence is required for each room or office where TV is being used. |
| You’re a member of the visiting forces and you watch only non-UK satellite TV programmes | If you watch or
record television programmes that are broadcast from
outside the UK, you still need a TV Licence. The exception is if you are watching programmes that are only available to UK audiences on the internet and are not broadcast as part of a satellite or other domestic distribution service. |
You don’t need a TV Licence if: |
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| You’re posted overseas | You can claim a
refund for every three consecutive months that you
don't use your TV Licence. This is provided that you
don’t need to watch or record TV again in the UK
before it expires. You have up to two years from the expiry date of your TV Licence to claim your refund. To apply for a refund, please visit the refunds page. |
| You watch TV in communal areas | Responsibility for licensing communal areas within messes, accommodation blocks, clubs or third party (contractors) accommodation lies with the unit, mess or club manager or contractor. |
| You’re stationed outside the UK | Those stationed abroad do not require a TV Licence. |
| You only watch ‘Catch-up’ TV or ‘video clips’ | You don’t need a TV Licence to watch programmes after they’ve been shown on TV, like those on YouTube or 4oD. If you’re watching programmes online at the same time as they are shown on TV, like iPlayer live streaming, you’ll need to be covered by a TV Licence. |
You may need to be covered by a separate TV Licence if you watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV in your second home. This includes the use of devices such as a TV, computer, mobile phone, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
In some cases your main home’s TV Licence may cover your second home. However, you can’t move your licence to cover your second home while you’re there and then move it back again.
Please check below to see which types of second home need a separate licence.
You need a separate TV Licence for |
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| Houses, flats, bungalows or cottages | You will need a separate TV Licence to watch or record TV in your second home. |
Any device powered solely by its own internal batteries (i.e. it is not connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains). Your main home’s TV Licence will cover this.
Boats, touring caravans or vehicles as they’re already covered by your main home’s TV Licence.
Static caravans, mobile homes or moveable chalets. Your main home’s TV Licence will cover you provided you don’t watch TV in both homes at the same time. In this case you would need to complete a declaration form.
How to move your TV Licence to your new address
In most cases you can simply change the address of your TV Licence online, up to three months before you move. You just need your TV Licence number.
You can also update other details online at the same time. For example, you may have changed your name, email address or telephone number when you moved.
If you are not moving in straight away you can tell us the property is empty.
How to cancel a TV Licence when you move
What should I do if I have received a letter for a previous occupier?
You can get in touch using the, TV Licence contact form. Please tell us the name and address that appears in the envelope window. Please do not open the envelope.
Once you have let us know these details
you can destroy the letter.
You may also find TV Licensing's tips for home movers useful.
