In the UK, having a TV licence is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live television, or uses BBC iPlayer. The good news is that getting a TV licence online is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to get a TV licence online, and provide you with all the information you need to know about TV licences in the UK.
What is a TV Licence and Who Needs One?
A TV licence is a fee that is used to fund the BBC and other public service broadcasters in the UK. It is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live television, or uses BBC iPlayer. This includes:
- Watching live TV on a TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Recording live TV on a digital video recorder (DVR) or other device
- Using BBC iPlayer to watch live, catch-up, or on-demand content
You do not need a TV licence if you only use your device to watch on-demand content on services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Now TV.
Who is Eligible for a Free TV Licence?
If you are 75 or over, you may be eligible for a free TV licence. To qualify, you must:
- Be 75 or over
- Live in a household where everyone is 75 or over
- Be in receipt of Pension Credit
If you think you may be eligible for a free TV licence, you can apply online or by phone.
How to Get a TV Licence Online
Getting a TV licence online is a quick and easy process. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to the TV Licensing Website
To get a TV licence online, you will need to go to the TV Licensing website. You can do this by typing www.tvlicensing.co.uk into your web browser.
Step 2: Click on “Buy a TV Licence”
Once you are on the TV Licensing website, click on the “Buy a TV Licence” button. This will take you to a page where you can start the application process.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
You will need to enter some personal details, including:
- Your name and address
- Your date of birth
- Your contact details (email address and phone number)
You will also need to provide some information about your household, including:
- The number of people who live in your household
- The number of TVs and devices you use to watch live TV
Step 4: Choose Your Payment Method
You can pay for your TV licence online using a credit or debit card. You can also set up a direct debit to pay for your licence in instalments.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application
Once you have entered all of your details and chosen your payment method, you will need to review and submit your application. Make sure you check all of your details carefully before submitting your application.
What Happens After You Apply
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from TV Licensing to confirm that your application has been received. Your TV licence will be sent to you in the post within a few days.
If you have set up a direct debit to pay for your licence, your payments will be taken automatically on the dates you have chosen.
What if I Don’t Have a Computer or Internet Access?
If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you can still get a TV licence. You can:
- Call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6112 to apply over the phone
- Visit a PayPoint outlet to apply in person
- Ask a friend or family member to apply online on your behalf
How Much Does a TV Licence Cost?
The cost of a TV licence varies depending on the type of licence you need. Here are the current prices:
| Licence Type | Price |
| — | — |
| Colour TV Licence | £159.00 |
| Black and White TV Licence | £53.00 |
You can pay for your TV licence in one go, or set up a direct debit to pay in instalments.
Can I Get a Refund if I Don’t Need a TV Licence?
If you don’t need a TV licence, you can apply for a refund. You can do this online or by phone. You will need to provide proof that you don’t need a TV licence, such as a letter from your landlord or a statement from your TV provider.
Conclusion
Getting a TV licence online is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are legally allowed to watch live TV and use BBC iPlayer. Remember to check if you are eligible for a free TV licence, and to set up a direct debit to pay for your licence in instalments.
What is a TV licence and do I need one?
A TV licence is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live television in the UK. It is used to fund the BBC and its services, as well as other public service broadcasting. If you watch live TV on any device, including a TV, computer, or mobile phone, you need a TV licence.
The cost of a TV licence is set by the UK government and is currently £159 per year for a colour TV licence. There are some exceptions, such as if you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, in which case you may be eligible for a free TV licence. You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website.
How do I apply for a TV licence online?
To apply for a TV licence online, you will need to visit the TV Licensing website and fill out the application form. You will need to provide some personal details, such as your name and address, as well as information about the devices you use to watch live TV. You will also need to provide payment details, such as a credit or debit card number.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirmation and your TV licence will be sent to you in the post. You can also view your TV licence online by logging into your TV Licensing account. If you have any problems with your application, you can contact TV Licensing customer service for help.
What information do I need to provide when applying for a TV licence online?
When applying for a TV licence online, you will need to provide some personal details, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to provide information about the devices you use to watch live TV, such as the type of device and the address where it is used.
You will also need to provide payment details, such as a credit or debit card number, to pay for your TV licence. If you are eligible for a discounted TV licence, such as if you are blind or severely sight impaired, you will need to provide proof of your eligibility. You can upload this documentation to the TV Licensing website as part of your application.
How long does it take to get a TV licence online?
It usually takes just a few minutes to apply for a TV licence online, and you will receive an email confirmation immediately after submitting your application. Your TV licence will be sent to you in the post within a few days, and you can also view it online by logging into your TV Licensing account.
If you need a TV licence urgently, you can pay for a licence online and print out a temporary licence to use until your permanent licence arrives. This temporary licence is valid for 14 days, giving you time to receive your permanent licence in the post.
Can I pay for my TV licence in instalments online?
Yes, you can pay for your TV licence in instalments online. TV Licensing offers a range of payment plans, including monthly, quarterly, and six-monthly payments. You can choose the payment plan that suits you best when you apply for your TV licence online.
To pay in instalments, you will need to provide your bank account details, including your account number and sort code. TV Licensing will then take the payments automatically from your account on the dates you have chosen. You can also change your payment plan or cancel your payments online if you need to.
What if I don’t have a computer or internet access to apply for a TV licence online?
If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you can still apply for a TV licence by phone or by post. You can call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6112 to apply over the phone, or you can download and print a paper application form from the TV Licensing website.
Alternatively, you can visit a PayPoint outlet or a Post Office branch to apply for a TV licence in person. You will need to take some identification and proof of address with you, as well as payment for your TV licence. Staff at the outlet or branch will be able to help you with your application.
How do I renew my TV licence online?
To renew your TV licence online, you will need to log into your TV Licensing account and follow the prompts to renew your licence. You will need to check that your details are up to date and make any necessary changes before submitting your renewal application.
You can also renew your TV licence online by visiting the TV Licensing website and entering your TV licence number and postcode. You will then be taken to a page where you can renew your licence and make a payment. If you have any problems renewing your licence online, you can contact TV Licensing customer service for help.