TV Licence UK Cost 2025: Complete Guide to Prices, Exemptions & Payments
A TV licence is a legal requirement for anyone in the UK who watches or records live television, or uses BBC iPlayer, regardless of the device they use. From April 2025, the standard fee has risen to £180 per year for a colour licence, making it more important than ever for households to understand the costs, exemptions, and payment options available.
For many, the £180 annual fee represents a significant expense. Yet a range of concessions exist for pensioners, people who are blind, and residents in care homes, which can reduce the bill to as little as zero. This guide brings together official information from TV Licensing, GOV.UK, and Age UK to provide a clear, factual overview of the TV licence cost in the UK.
How Much Does a TV Licence Cost in the UK?
Key insights on the TV licence cost
- The standard TV licence costs £180 per year, but monthly Direct Debit options make it £15 per month.
- Only a few groups are fully exempt: those aged 75+ receiving Pension Credit, blind people (half-price), and households with only black-and-white TVs.
- Students living in halls likely need a licence for individual accommodation – one licence may cover a shared house if everyone watches together.
- The TV licence fee is set to rise in 2026 – no official announcement yet, but it typically tracks inflation.
- You can contact TV Licensing by phone (0300 790 6078) or online; avoid premium-rate numbers.
| Cost Type | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (colour TV) | £180/year | All households with live TV or iPlayer |
| Standard (black & white) | £60.50/year | Households with only B&W TV |
| Over-75 (on Pension Credit) | Free | Must apply and provide Pension Credit proof |
| Blind / Severely Sight Impaired | 50% discount (£90/year) | Proof of blind registration required |
| Student in hall/shared house | Full cost (shared if joint TV) | No automatic discount |
Who is Exempt from Paying the TV Licence Fee?
Several groups of people are entitled to a free or reduced-price TV licence. Understanding the exact criteria is essential, as the rules changed significantly in 2020.
Over-75s and Pension Credit
The most well-known concession is for people aged 75 and over. However, since August 2020, the free licence is no longer universal. It is only available to households where the licence holder, or their partner living at the same address, receives Pension Credit. This includes Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. If you are eligible, you must apply – the free licence is not automatic. You can apply from the age of 74, with the free cover starting on your 75th birthday.
There is no general free TV licence for everyone over 75. If you are 75 or older but do not receive Pension Credit, you must pay the full £180 fee.
Blind and Severely Sight-Impaired Individuals
People who are registered blind or severely sight-impaired qualify for a 50% discount on their TV licence. This reduces the annual cost from £180 to £90 for a colour licence. To claim the discount, the licence should usually be in the name of the person who is blind or sight-impaired. You will need to provide proof of registration.
Students
Students do not receive a specific discount on the TV licence fee. However, there are some practical considerations. If you are living in university halls of residence, you will generally need a separate licence for your room if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. In a shared house, a single licence can cover the whole property if the tenancy is joint. If you are at your term-time address but your main home is already licensed, you may be covered for devices running on internal batteries only – but this is a narrow exemption.
Residential Care and Sheltered Accommodation
Residents in certain residential care homes, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation may qualify for a special Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence. This costs just £7.50 per year and is available to eligible residents who are retired and over 60, or who are disabled. The licence covers the resident’s own room or a shared lounge area, depending on the rules.
Do I Need a TV Licence?
The legal requirement for a TV licence in the UK is straightforward but sometimes misunderstood. You need a licence if you watch or record live television programmes as they are broadcast, on any channel, on any device. This includes satellite, cable, and internet-streamed live TV. You also need a licence if you use BBC iPlayer, even if you only watch catch-up or on-demand content.
If you only watch on-demand programmes on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube, and you never watch live TV or use iPlayer, you do not need a TV licence. Similarly, you do not need one if you only watch catch-up services (excluding iPlayer) on Channel 4, ITV Hub, or similar platforms.
If you watch any programme at the same time it is being broadcast, or you download or stream anything from BBC iPlayer, the law requires you to hold a valid TV licence. There is no exemption based on the type of device used.
TV Licence Cost History and Recent Changes
- 2024: The standard fee was £159, having been frozen from the 2023 level.
- April 2025: The fee increased to £180 per year for a colour licence, reflecting inflation.
- 2026 (forecast): The cost is expected to rise further, although no official announcement had been made at the time of writing. The government typically confirms the new fee in December or January.
- Ongoing: The over-75 exemption continues, but strictly limited to households receiving Pension Credit.
What We Know and What Remains Uncertain About TV Licence Costs
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Current standard TV licence cost is £180/year (2025). | Exact cost for 2026 is not yet announced; inflation adjustment is likely. |
| Direct Debit payment options are available (£15/month). | Future changes to the over-75 exemption policy may be debated in Parliament. |
| Exemptions exist for over-75s on Pension Credit and blind individuals. | Potential changes to iPlayer licensing are being discussed but not confirmed. |
| Black-and-white TV licence costs £60.50/year. | — |
Why Understanding the TV Licence Cost Matters
The TV licence is a legal requirement for watching or recording live TV in the UK, regardless of device. With costs rising, many households seek to understand their obligations, available discounts, and ways to pay. This guide consolidates official information from TV Licensing, GOV.UK, and Age UK to help readers make informed decisions. For more context on UK living costs, you might also read about budgeting essentials for UK households.
Sources and Official Statements
“A standard TV Licence costs £180. Most people spread the cost with a Direct Debit, from £15 per month.”
— TV Licensing (tvlicensing.co.uk)
“A TV Licence costs £180 (£60.50 for black and white TV sets) for both homes and businesses.”
— GOV.UK (gov.uk)
“A standard TV licence costs £180 per year. However, you might be eligible for a discount or even a free TV licence.”
— Age UK (ageuk.org.uk)
Summary of Key Points
The current cost of a UK TV licence is £180 per year for a colour set, with monthly payments available at £15. Concessions reduce the fee for several groups: over-75s on Pension Credit can get a free licence, blind individuals receive a 50% discount, and residential care residents may pay just £7.50. The 2026 fee is expected to rise but has not been confirmed. For a full breakdown of eligibility, visit the official Free and discounted TV licence page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TV Licence UK Cost
What is the TV Licence phone number (0300)?
The official TV Licensing contact number is 0300 790 6078. Calls from landlines and mobiles are charged at standard rates.
When is the TV licence due?
Your TV licence must be renewed each year. The due date depends on when you first purchased the licence. Check your renewal letter or online account for the exact date.
What to do about TV licence when moving house?
When moving, you need to notify TV Licensing of your new address. You can transfer your existing licence to the new home or cancel if no longer needed. Visit tvlicensing.co.uk/moving or call 0300 790 6078.
How do I cancel Sky TV?
Cancelling Sky TV is separate from the TV licence. Contact Sky directly to manage your subscription. Note: you may still need a TV licence if you watch live TV or use iPlayer.
Do I need a TV licence for iPlayer?
Yes, you need a TV licence to watch or download BBC iPlayer content, even if only on catch-up.
What is the cheapest way to pay for a TV licence?
Paying annually by Direct Debit or monthly by Direct Debit avoids the £5 quarterly surcharge. Quarterly Direct Debit is the most expensive payment method.
Can I get a refund if I already paid for a year but become eligible for a discount later?
Yes, if you become eligible for a free or discounted licence after paying the full fee, you may be able to claim a refund for the remaining months. Contact TV Licensing directly.
Do I need a TV licence for a second home?
If the second home contains a TV or device used to watch live TV or iPlayer, you generally need a separate licence for that address.
What happens if I don’t pay for a TV licence?
Watching live TV or iPlayer without a valid licence is a criminal offence. You could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
Is the TV licence going up in 2026?
An increase is expected in line with inflation, but the exact figure for 2026 had not been announced at the time of writing.
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Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering arts, culture, lifestyle and society.