TV Licence in 2026/27: the £180 fee, who needs one and who pays less
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
A TV Licence costs £180 a year from 1 April 2026. This guide explains when one is needed, the legal penalty for watching without one, and the free or reduced licences that exist for some people.
What the licence is for
In the UK, a TV Licence is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live television on any channel or service, or who uses BBC iPlayer. This applies whatever device is used, such as a TV, laptop, tablet or phone.
Students are covered by the same rule. A student who watches live TV in their own room in university accommodation needs a licence for that room. Businesses that offer overnight accommodation also need a licence, and one licence can cover up to 15 rooms or units.
What it costs in 2026/27
The fee is set by the government and was confirmed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It rose by £5.50 on 1 April 2026.
Who can get a free or cheaper licence
There are a few schemes that lower the cost. Each one has its own rules, so it is worth reading the GOV.UK page before assuming that a household qualifies.
- Free licence: a person aged 75 or over who gets Pension Credit, or who lives with a partner who gets it. The licence then covers everyone at that address.
- 50% off: a person who is registered blind, or who lives with someone who is. The licence must be in the blind person's name. On the £180 fee this works out at £90.
- £7.50 licence: people who live in eligible residential care, supported housing or sheltered accommodation and who are either retired and over 60 or disabled. A housing manager can check eligibility and apply.
GOV.UK also mentions the Simple Payment Plan, which lets people spread the cost into smaller instalments, and support for households in severe financial difficulty.
Common questions
People sometimes wonder whether having Pension Credit alone is enough. It is not: the free licence is for people who are 75 or over as well as getting Pension Credit. A person aged 74 who already gets Pension Credit can apply early, but must keep paying until the end of the month before their 75th birthday.
For anyone who wants to cancel or ask for a refund, the licence page on GOV.UK points to the cancellations and refunds section of the TV Licensing website. Pages on GOV.UK do not set out the refund process in detail, so check that site for the current steps.
The fee has changed in the past and can change again, so it is worth checking the amount again each spring.
Who this guide applies to
This guide applies to households, students and accommodation businesses that watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer. It does not apply to anyone who does neither of those things.
Check before you act
Rules and fees change, and each person's circumstances differ. Please confirm the current details on the official pages linked below before relying on anything in this guide.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
