TV Licence Exemption Guide
Instantly check whether you need a TV Licence, and whether you qualify for a free, discounted, or exempt licence based on your circumstances.
Check Your TV Licence Exemption Status
Tick whichever statements apply to you or your household, then see whether you’re exempt, entitled to a discount, or need a standard TV Licence.
Exemption Checker
Find out your TV Licence status in seconds.
How it Works
Understanding TV Licence exemptions
Review the Statements
Read through each exemption category and see which ones describe your situation.
Tick What Applies
Select every statement that’s true for you or your household — you can tick more than one.
See Your Status
Get an instant indication of whether you’re exempt, discounted, or need a full licence.
Apply if Eligible
Free and discounted licences must still be applied for directly through TV Licensing.
TV Licence Exemptions & Discounts
A general overview of who qualifies for reduced-cost or exempt TV Licences in the UK, and what evidence is typically required.
| Category | Who Qualifies | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| No Licence Needed | Only watch on-demand, non-live content and never use BBC iPlayer | No TV Licence required at all |
| Over 75 + Pension Credit | Household member aged 75+ receiving Pension Credit | Free TV Licence (must be applied for) |
| Residential Care Home | Resident of a qualifying registered care home | Concessionary licence (ARC scheme), typically a small fixed fee |
| Blind / Severely Sight Impaired | Registered blind, or licence held by a registered blind household member | 50% discount on the standard licence fee |
| Standard Licence | Anyone who watches or records live TV, or uses BBC iPlayer, and doesn’t fit another category | Full standard TV Licence fee applies |
TV Licence Exemption FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about TV Licence exemptions, discounts, and who needs a licence in the UK.
You do not need a TV Licence if you only watch on-demand content and never watch or record live television on any channel or service, and never use BBC iPlayer. As soon as you watch anything live, or use BBC iPlayer for any reason, a licence becomes compulsory.
Households where someone is aged 75 or over and receives Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence. The licence must be applied for; it is not automatically issued, and it covers the whole household at that address.
Yes. People who are registered blind, or who live with someone who is registered blind and the licence is in that person’s name, can apply for a 50% discount on their TV Licence. Evidence of registration is usually required.
Watching or recording live television, or using BBC iPlayer, without a valid TV Licence when one is required is a criminal offence in the UK and can result in a fine. TV Licensing uses detection methods to identify unlicensed premises, so it’s important to check your exemption status carefully.