TV licence fine

You need a TV licence if you:

• watch live broadcasts on any TV channel, including international channels
• use streaming services and click ‘watch live’
• record live TV on any device (including VHS recorders)
• watch any content on BBC iPlayer, whether live or on catch-up

You don’t need a TV licence if you’re watching:

• streaming services such as Disney Plus or Netflix
• on-demand TV via ITVX, Channel 4 or Amazon Prime Video
• YouTube videos
• DVDs, Blu-rays or videos
• a programme that has already aired and isn’t on BBC iPlayer

The basic rule of thumb to remember is that if you press ‘watch live’ and you don’t have a licence, you’re breaking the law.

If you decide you don’t need a licence, you should let TV Licensing know, or you might get letters asking why you don’t have one.

If you only watch on-demand shows on platforms other than BBC iPlayer, you can cancel your licence and keep the money in your pocket.

To make it official, go to the TV Licensing website and fill in a short form to confirm you don’t need a licence. 

They may contact you to check, but as long as you’re only watching on-demand, there’s nothing to worry about.

If TV Licensing believes you need a licence but don't have one, they may send letters asking you to buy a licence or explain why you do not need one.

Alternatively, they might visit your home and investigate if you’re watching TV without a licence.

If they believe an offence has been committed, they can begin court action.

So if you receive court papers, don't ignore them.

If you're found guilty of watching TV without a licence when one is required, the court can fine you up to £1,000.

You may also have to pay: 

• court costs and other charges
• an order to pay for a TV licence

But each case will be looked at on an individual basis, so not everyone will be fined the maximum possible amount.

No, you can’t go to prison if you don’t have a TV licence.

But if you receive a court fine and continually refuse to pay it, the court can take further action, such as: 

• using enforcement agents
• taking money from your wages
• taking money from certain benefits

If you’re struggling to pay for TV licence, then there are options available.

TV Licensing offers a Simple Payment Plan, which gives you options like: 

• spreading the cost into smaller payments
• paying weekly, fortnightly or monthly
• managing arrears over time
• avoiding larger one-off payments

The scheme is designed for people who find it difficult to pay the licence fee in full.

If you’re in arrears on your TV licence, contact TV Licensing as soon as possible and ask about payment options and support schemes.

And don’t ignore letters or requests or payments.

If you’ve fallen behind with your TV licence, it’s possible you may also be struggling with other essential expenses.

In that case, it could be worth speaking to a debt adviser to find out what options are open to you.

A TV Licence is treated as a priority debt, so it’s worth reaching out for help and advice without delay.

If you’re over 75 and you or your partner receives pension credit, you don’t have to pay. 

You might also be entitled to a 50% discount if you’re registered as blind or severely sight-impaired.

You may be able to cancel your licence and get a refund for any full unused months.

However, before cancelling, make sure you no longer need a licence.

Watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer without one could result in enforcement action and potentially a fine.