Debt advice for residents

TV licensing

You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown.

These include programmes on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 plus cable and satellite channels. The equipment can be a TV set, set-top box, DVD or video recorder, computer, mobile phone or other portable device. If you only ever watch on-demand programmes, you don’t need a TV Licence.

On-demand includes catch-up TV

On-demand means any streaming or downloading programmes after they’ve been shown on live TV, or programmes available online before being shown on live TV. A television licence allows the person named on it and any member of their household to use one or more television sets or video recording equipment. You do not need a TV licence for catch-up services on the Internet that allow you to watch programmes after they have been broadcast.

If you have a black and white television, you will need a black and white television licence. If you have at least one colour television, DVD or video recorder, you will require a colour television licence. This applies even if the DVD or video recorder is used with a black-and-white television.

If you buy or rent a television set, DVD or video recorder, the seller or rental agent is under a legal obligation to notify TV Licensing. It is the licence-holder’s responsibility to tell TV Licensing when they move house. Failure to have a licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

TV licence fines

If you are detected using a TV without a licence, then your details will be taken and a summons sent to appear in the Magistrates Court. The magistrate will decide the penalty, however the fine should reflect the income of the non-payer, so it is important to attend the hearing and to provide proof of income. No one can be imprisoned for licence evasion but, if the fine is not paid then the magistrate has the power to impose a prison sentence.

Using a TV away from home

If you have a television set or DVD/video recorder which you use at another address on a temporary basis, for example at weekends or during holiday periods, you will need a separate licence for that address. This is true even if you already have a licence for a television in your main home.

Students

Before you take any action, it is important to seek advice. If you are a full-time student living away from home, you will usually need a television licence if you have a TV or DVD/video recorder, set-top box or computer with a TV card. This applies even if you live in shared accommodation but have a TV in your own room. Students can apply for a refund of an unused portion of their licence. If you have bought a licence at the beginning of the autumn term and do not stay in university accommodation or lodgings over the summer, you are entitled to a refund of any unused quarter of the year.

Concessions

In some circumstances, viewers may qualify for a concessionary licence.

  • Short-term licence: If you are 74 you can apply for a short-term licence to cover you until the month of your 75th birthday. At 75 years you become entitled to a free Over 75 Licence.
  • If you are blind, you can apply for a Blind Concessionary Licence at 50% of the full licence fee. If you have a sound-only receiver, no licence is required.
  • If you live in residential care, you may qualify for a reduced fee licence. If you are over 75 and live in a care home, the licence is free.

Ways to pay

  • Direct debit, debit or credit card
  • at a PayPoint, through TV Licensing Payment Card or Savings Card
  • at PayPoint outlets you can buy or renew your TV Licence, make a payment on your payment card if you have one, or add savings on your savings card.
  • Payment Card to spread the cost of your colour TV Licence. You can pay weekly or monthly.
  • Savings card if you already have a TV Licence and would like an easy way to save for your next licence. You can deposit savings whenever you like with a minimum amount of just £2. It’s free to apply for a card and there is no charge for using it.

Contact details

Customer Services, TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL

Licence costs will change over time, so it is important to check for up-to-date information.

TV licence debt advice line: 0121 303 2087

The information provided on this page is for guidance only.

Page last updated: 2 November 2023

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