You must have a TV Licence if you:

watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they’re broadcast

download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand

A TV Licence costs £157.50 (£53 for black and white TV sets) for both homes and businesses.

What’s covered

A single TV Licence covers all of the following in a single property:

TV sets

computers

laptops

tablets

mobile phones

any other device that can receive a TV signal

You do not need a TV Licence to watch:

non-BBC programmes on online catch-up services

videos or DVDs

clips on websites like YouTube

closed circuit television (CCTV)

Find out if you need a TV Licence on the TV Licensing website.

Free and discounted TV licences

You can get a free licence if you’re 75 or older.

You can get a discounted licence if you have a severe vision impairment.

If you live in a residential care home, the person who is in charge of the home can apply for a licence for you.

Fines and penalties