You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV, or to watch anything – whether it is live, or catch-up – on BBC iPlayer
The TV licence fee has risen to £174.50 but there are specific groups of people who don’t need to pay this, or can reduce their bill to zero.
TV licence is paid either monthly, quarterly or yearly. You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV, or to watch anything – whether it is live, or catch-up – on BBC iPlayer.
This is the case even if you’re watching something on a laptop, computer, tablet or phone. If you’re caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence, then you could be fined up to £1,000.
The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey, plus any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay. However, if you’re watching shows on catch-up using streaming services that aren’t BBC iPlayer.
This includes Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 – then you don’t need a TV licence.
If you’re tuning into live shows through these services, then you would need a TV licence. If you don’t need a TV licence, you can fill in a declaration on the TV Licensing website.
A message on the TV Licensing website reads: “We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence.
“If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.”
You can pay for and renew your TV licence over the phone, online, at any PayPoint, or with a TV Licensing payment card.
Are you eligible for free or cheap TV licence?
There are some specific groups of people who can get a free, or cheap, TV licence. Check below to see if you fall into one of these categories.
Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit: People aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.
Students living away from home: Students who are living away from home may also be covered if their parents have a TV licence, but only if they’re watching TV on a device that isn’t plugged into the mains, such as a phone, tablet or laptop.
People who are blind or severely sight-impaired: If someone in your household is blind or severely sight-impaired, you’ll get 50% off the cost of your TV licence.
Residential care or sheltered accommodation: If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a concessionary TV licence which costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.
