How Much Does the TV Licence Cost in the UK?
The UK TV Licence costs £169.50 per year (April 2025 onwards), which works out to approximately £14.13 per month. The licence is legally required to watch or record live TV on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer. According to the BBC, approximately 24.5 million UK households hold a TV Licence.
| Payment Option | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (one payment) | £169.50 | Once per year |
| Quarterly (direct debit) | £42.38 | Every 3 months |
| Monthly (direct debit) | £14.13 | Every month |
| Weekly (savings stamps) | £3.26 | Every week |
A black and white TV Licence costs £57.00/year. Over-75 households where someone receives Pension Credit qualify for a free licence. Students living away from home may be covered by their parents' licence if they only use battery-powered devices.
Compare all options on our UK TV & Sport subscriptions page.
Does the TV Licence Auto-Renew?
Yes, if you pay by direct debit (monthly or quarterly), your TV Licence auto-renews. Annual payers receive a renewal notice approximately one month before expiry. TV Licensing sends reminder letters and emails before renewal.
The licence covers all devices in one household — TVs, laptops, phones, and tablets. According to TV Licensing, 93% of UK households hold a valid licence.
How to Cancel the TV Licence in the UK
You can legally cancel your TV Licence if you no longer watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. A refund for unused whole months may be available.
Step-by-step cancellation
- Go to tvlicensing.co.uk
- Select I don't need a TV Licence
- Complete the declaration confirming you no longer watch live TV or use iPlayer
- TV Licensing may inspect your property to verify
- Any refund for unused months is processed automatically
You do NOT need a licence to watch: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video (on-demand only), or any other streaming service — as long as you are not watching live broadcasts or BBC iPlayer content.
Is the TV Licence Worth It in 2026?
The TV Licence funds the BBC — including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio, BBC Sounds, and BBC News. Whether it is worth £169.50/year depends on how much BBC content you consume.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Funds BBC TV, radio, online, and news services | Legally required even if you only watch BBC once |
| BBC iPlayer has a strong content library | £169.50/year is more than many streaming services |
| No adverts on any BBC service | Enforcement and inspection letters feel aggressive |
| Covers all devices in the household | Cannot opt out of specific BBC services |
| BBC is a globally respected news source | Many younger viewers use streaming instead |
If you only watch streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube) and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you can legally go without. According to Ofcom, 1.5 million UK households cancelled their TV Licence between 2020 and 2025.
Track Your TV Licence with Prunely
Prunely lets you add your TV Licence to track renewal dates. Set reminders before your annual or quarterly payment. Track alongside all your subscriptions — no bank connection needed. Prunely is free for up to 5 subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the TV Licence per month?
The TV Licence costs £14.13/month (£169.50/year) if paying by monthly direct debit. Quarterly payments are £42.38. Annual payment is £169.50 as a single sum.
Do I need a TV Licence for Netflix?
No. You do not need a TV Licence to watch Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video (on-demand), YouTube, or any other streaming service — as long as you are not watching live broadcasts or BBC iPlayer.
Can I cancel my TV Licence?
Yes, if you no longer watch live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Complete a declaration at tvlicensing.co.uk. A refund for unused whole months may apply. TV Licensing may inspect your property to verify.
Do students need a TV Licence?
Students living away from home may be covered by their parents' licence if they only watch on a device powered by its own battery (not plugged in). Otherwise, student accommodation requires its own licence. Shared houses typically need one licence per household.
What does the TV Licence pay for?
The TV Licence funds all BBC services: BBC One, Two, Three, Four, CBeebies, CBBC, BBC News, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio (1-6 plus local), BBC Sounds, and BBC Online. It also partially funds S4C (Welsh language TV) and broadband infrastructure.