The BBC licence fee is currently

£174.50 for a colour TV licence.

It is payable by those who watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer.

Discounts are available for people who are blind, live in sheltered accommodation, or are over 75 and receive a Pension Credit.

Payments can be made monthly via Direct Debit or annually.

A separate black and white licence costs £58.50.

Anyone in the UK who watches live TV on any channel or streaming service, or uses BBC iPlayer on any device, must have a TV Licence. This includes watching on a TV, computer, tablet, phone, or games console. A single household TV Licence covers all devices used in that home.

PENALTIES.

In the UK, not having a TV licence when you are required to have one is a criminal offence that can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 (or up to £2,000 in Guernsey) plus any additional legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.

Enforcement

  • TV Licensing officers may visit your address if there is no record of a licence.

  • Officers cannot force entry without a search warrant, which is only granted if there is sufficient evidence that unlicensed activity is taking place.

  • Ignoring letters from TV Licensing does not have direct legal consequences on its own, but it will likely lead to further enforcement actions, including a potential visit or prosecution process if they have evidence of evasion.

If you do not watch or record live TV on any channel, or download/stream programmes on BBC iPlayer, you are not required to have a TV licence and can inform TV Licensing of this declaration.

  • TV licence expert shares how people avoid paying annual feeEnforcement

    • TV Licensing officers may visit your address if there is no record of a licence.

    • Officers cannot force entry without a search warrant, which is only granted if there is sufficient evidence that unlicensed activity is taking place.

    • Ignoring letters from TV Licensing does not have direct legal consequences on its own, but it will likely lead to further enforcement actions, including a potential visit or prosecution process if they have evidence of evasion.

    If you do not watch or record live TV on any channel, or download/stream programmes on BBC iPlayer, you are not required to have a TV licence and can inform TV Licensing of this declaration.

    AI responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. Learn more

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