TV Licensing

What is a BBC Licence?

You may sometimes hear the TV Licence referred to as a BBC Licence - however, there is no such thing as a BBC Licence, or BBC Licence Fee. Parliament created the licence fee and made the BBC responsible for collecting it.

The BBC’s services, including TV, radio and online, are primarily funded by the TV Licence, supplemented by income from its commercial subsidiaries.

But a TV Licence covers much more than BBC TV channels.

If you watch TV channels on any TV service, watch live TV on any streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer*, you'll need a licence. This applies to any device you use.

Check if you need a TV Licence

Ways to pay for a TV Licence

TV Licence types and costs

What does your licence fee pay for?

Live TV and how you watch it