TV Licensing
Sells and manages the TV Licence on behalf of the BBC. You need one to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
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TV Licence
You need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer. Buy it only from TV Licensing.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| TV Licensing www.tvlicensing.co.uk/ | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: TV Licence www.gov.uk/find-licences/tv-licence | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: free or discounted TV Licence www.gov.uk/free-discount-tv-licence | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Check if you need one: live TV on any channel or device, or BBC iPlayer, needs a licence. Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube and on demand services from other channels do not.
- In a shared house, you need your own licence if you have a separate tenancy and watch TV in your room. A joint tenancy or a single shared TV area can share one licence.
- Buy it on the TV Licensing website or by phone.
- If you move, update your address. If you stop needing it, you can cancel and ask for a refund on the TV Licensing website.
What you need
- Your address
- A payment method (card or Direct Debit)
Common mistakes
- Watching live TV on a laptop or phone without a licence, thinking it only applies to TV sets.
- Not checking if you can get it free or discounted: people aged 75 or over on Pension Credit, blind people and some care home residents may qualify.
- Buying through unofficial sites. Use only TV Licensing.