TV license

You usually need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel, or if you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. This includes watching on a TV, laptop, phone, tablet, games console or set-top box.

If you need a licence, you must buy one before you watch. If you watch without a valid licence, you could be fined up to £1,000 plus costs.

What you can do now

• Check if you need a TV licence
• Buy a licence and choose a way to pay
• If you do not need a licence, tell TV Licensing

Buy and pay for a licence

You can pay by Direct Debit, debit or credit card, weekly/fortnightly/monthly using a TV Licensing payment card, or by cheque or postal order.

If you need help choosing a payment option, TV Licensing can talk you through what is available.

Free or reduced-fee licences

You may be able to get a free or reduced-fee TV Licence if the licence holder is 75 or over and gets Pension Credit, or if the licence holder is blind (severely sight impaired).

If you do not need a licence

If you do not need a TV Licence, you should tell TV Licensing so they know you are covered.