Guides / Free TV
TV licence 2026: £180 a year, and when you need one
November 2026. Desk research from the sources listed below.
A colour TV licence costs £180 a year from 1st April 2026, up from £174.50. A black and white licence costs £60.50.
How the fee has changed
| From | Colour licence | Change |
|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | £159 | Frozen for two years |
| 1st April 2024 | £169.50 | +£10.50 |
| 1st April 2025 | £174.50 | +£5.00 |
| 1st April 2026 | £180.00 | +£5.50 |
That is £21 a year more than in 2023. Spread over the year, the licence now works out at £15 a month.
When you need a licence
You need a TV licence to watch or record programmes as they're shown live on any channel or streaming service, and to watch or download anything on BBC iPlayer. That applies on any device: a TV, laptop, phone or tablet.
You don't need one to watch only on-demand programmes from other services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video or catch-up on ITVX or Channel 4, as long as you never watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
Concessions
- Free for people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit.
- A discount for people who are blind.
- A reduced licence for some people living in residential care.
Check the details and apply at GOV.UK. The fee for April 2027 hasn't been announced yet; we'll add it to our TV Licence price page when it is.
Sources: GOV.UK and DCMS announcements (fees for 2024, 2025 and 2026); GOV.UK (when you need a licence, and concessions).