Martin Lewis’ MSE team recently shared a reminder online for people to check if they could save
Millions of homes in the UK will have a TV, meaning many will likely need to pay a UK TV Licence fee. But experts at Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) have shared the criteria that some people could meet to avoid paying up to £180.
The TV Licence fee was updated on April 1, 2026, increasing the cost of a colour licence to £180, while a black-and-white licence now stands at £60.50. This charge can be settled in a single payment or through monthly instalments when signing up online.
A recent Instagram post by @Moneysavingexp reveals that students may be able to avoid the fee. It said: “This bizarre loophole is hidden in the TV Licence’s ‘for students’ guide, but means you can watch live TV and BBC iPlayer without needing to shell out for it! But do make sure you meet all the criteria first.”
The student’s guide to arranging a TV Licence contains guidance that could render many young people exempt from payment, reports the Mirror. It said: “You may already be covered by a licence at your out-of-term address if you only watch on devices (such as a laptop, phone or tablet) that aren’t plugged into the mains.”
In this instance, students should formally declare online that there is ‘No Licence Needed’ at their accommodation. This action must be completed rather than simply taking no action at all.
The MSE guide clarifies that any device used to watch TV must be powered solely by its internal batteries, meaning a smartphone or laptop would qualify. Crucially, someone must hold a valid TV Licence at an out-of-term address — in most cases, this will be a parent or legal guardian.
There are circumstances in which most students will need to apply for a TV Licence online, including:
- Living in halls: You’ll need to be covered by a licence for your room. You’ll be able to watch TV in shared areas as well.
- House or flat shares: You’ll need your own licence if the place where you live is self-contained, such as a separate flat or annex. Or if you have a separate contract for your room.
- Property with joint tenancy: You’ll need one licence for the address. Ask your landlord if you’re already covered.
- Living at home: If you commute to university from home, that property must have a licence.
Having a valid TV Licence is required to watch or record programs as they are shown on any TV channel. Homes must have one if they watch live shows on streaming apps or websites (like YouTube, Sky Go, or ITVX) as well as any content on BBC iPlayer.
What proof do I need to declare that I don’t need a TV Licence?
You are not required to provide any proof or documentation when submitting a No Licence Needed declaration in the UK. You can notify TV Licensing online via the TV Licensing Declaration Page or by telephone.
You need only supply your name and address so that their records can be updated and reminder letters will stop. You are not legally obliged to demonstrate that you do not watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, according to the TV Licensing website.
A No Licence Needed declaration remains valid for up to two years. Once it expires, you will need to redeclare, though this is straightforward to do online simply by confirming your details remain unchanged.
