11 February 2024 , 07:00
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The price of a TV licence is due to rise from this April, in another cost of living blow for millions of UK households.
It'll soon cost you £169.50 for a TV licence, up from its current price of £159 - but not everyone needs a TV licence. You not need to pay for one if you don't watch live TV - the exception is if you watch catch-up on BBC iPlayer, in which case you will need one.
Some people are also eligible for a free or heavily reduced TV licence - we've rounded up all the discounts and ways to cut your TV licence bill. If you have a TV but don't watch it, you won't need a licence at all. But if you're caught watching live TV without a licence, then you'll be fined £1,000.
A TV licence is required if you watch or record live TV programmes, whether this be on a TV, desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. BBC iPlayer also requires a TV licence - and this applies to both live TV and watching shows on catch-up.
However, if you're watching shows on catch-up using other streaming services - such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 - then you don't need a TV licence. But if you’re watching live shows through these services, then you would need a TV licence.
TV licence rules explained for Netflix, Amazon Prime and Sky customers
How do I pay for a TV licence?
You can pay for and renew your TV licence over the phone, online, at any PayPoint, or with a TV Licensing payment card. You can choose to pay monthly, every three months - but do note there is an extra charge for this - or you can pay for your entire year upfront.
How to pay over the phone: Call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6165 to pay for your TV licence.
How to pay online:TV Licensing has an online page where you can make payments with your debit or credit card. You can also renew or set up a new licence through this webpage.
How to pay with TV Licensing payment card: This allows you to make smaller payments by debit or credit card. You can use this card at any PayPoint, over the phone, by text or online. You can apply for a TV Licensing card online or by calling 0300 555 0286.
How to pay at a PayPoint: You can pay via PayPoint by giving the person behind the counter your name, address and postcode.