NewsUK & WorldBBCA regular colour TV License currently costs £180 every year07:04, 12 Jul 2026Could you be unnecessarily paying for a TV Licence? A little-known rule means some UK households can legitimately avoid the extra cost, although there's one important condition to bear in mind.‌A standard colour TV Licence costs £180 per year and is required if you watch or record live television on any channel or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer. This obligation exists whether you're watching on a television, laptop, tablet or smartphone.‌However, not everyone needs to buy a second licence. Under TV Licensing rules, certain households with specific types of additional property can rely on their existing licence instead, as long as they meet particular conditions.‌This represents positive new