TV licence

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.

This could be on any device, including:

• TV
• desktop computer
• laptop
• mobile phone
• tablet
• games console
• digital box
• DVD/VHS recorder

If you do any of the above without a valid licence, you risk prosecution and a maximum penalty of up to £1000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay. You will also still have to buy a TV Licence if you need one.

Find out more on the TV License website.

There are lots of different ways to buy a TV Licence including:

• weekly cash payments
• your nearest PayPoint outlet
• spreading the cost with monthly, quarterly or yearly direct debit
• credit/debit card
• by post

Find more information on how to buy a TV License.

To qualify for a concession you, or someone you live with, must be:

• 75 years old or older. 
  You are eligible to apply for a free Over 75 TV Licence. Call 0300 790 6112 with your National Insurance number or visit TV License Information for the over 75s

• Blind and can provide the appropriate evidence. 
  You are eligible to apply for a 50% blind concession on your TV Licence. If you are partially sighted (sight impaired) you are not eligible. To find out more, go to TV License information for the blind

You should inform TV Licensing so that they can update their details and avoid sending you letters for approximately two years. Visit TV License not required