How Much Does a
TV Licence Cost?
£180/year from 1 April 2026. But before you pay, check if you actually need one. Most streaming-only households don't.
Do you actually need a TV licence?
Most people who only use streaming services don't need one and can save £180/year.
Yes, you need one
If you do any of these:
- • Watch live TV on any channel
- • Use BBC iPlayer (live or catch-up)
- • Record live programmes
£180/year
No, you're fine
If you only:
- • Watch Netflix, Disney+, Prime
- • Watch YouTube
- • Use TV for gaming
- • Watch catch-up (not iPlayer)
£0save £180
Not sure?
Common edge cases:
- • Student in shared house
- • Watch ITV/C4 catch-up
- • Own a TV, don't use it live
Decision Flowchart
Quick Checker
Answer 3 questions. Takes 15 seconds.
Do you watch or record live TV on any channel?
This includes BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, and any other channel on any device.
The BBC iPlayer catch
BBC iPlayer is the only on-demand service that requires a TV licence. ITV Hub, Channel 4, and My5 catch-up are all fine without one. Only live broadcasts on those platforms require a licence. If you use iPlayer at all, even once, even on your phone, you need a licence.
Full iPlayer rulesTV Licence Fees 2026/27
New prices from 1 April 2026. All payment methods available.
Colour
£180
per year
Black & White
£60.50
per year
Payment Options
| Method | Amount | Frequency | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual lump sum | £180.00 | One payment | £180.00 |
| Monthly Direct Debit | £15.00 | Every month | £180.00 |
| Quarterly Direct Debit | £44.89 | Every 3 months | £179.56 + £5.00 surcharge |
| Weekly savings card | £3.46 | Every week | £179.92 |
Quarterly DD includes a £1.25/quarter surcharge (£5.00/year total). All other methods cost £180/year with no surcharge.
Cost Calculator
Check your exact cost including concessions.
Your situation
Your cost
Annual cost
£180.00
Payment options
What happens if you don't pay?
Consequences
- • Fine up to £1,000 plus court costs
- • Around 130,000 prosecutions per year
- • Enforcement officers may visit your address
Your rights
- • You do not have to let them in
- • No entry without a court warrant
- • You don't have to answer questions
Explore Our Guides
Do I Need One?
Streaming matrix, device guide, and edge cases
Exemptions & Concessions
Over 75s, blind discount, care home licences
Student Rules
Halls, shared houses, and the battery exception
Cancel & Refund
Step-by-step cancellation with refund calculator
Enforcement & Fines
Your rights, the letter cycle, and what really happens
iPlayer Rules
Why iPlayer is different from every other service
What Counts as Live TV?
Platform-by-platform guide to the legal definition
Payment Options
Monthly, quarterly, weekly, and the first-year catch
Fee Changes & History
2026 increase, price timeline, and will it be scrapped?