TV License / Tax - Need to buy if buying a second hand TV?

Hi All,

I am planning on buying a second hand TV/LCD from someone on Gumtree - i haven't had a TV in the UK yet so I am wondering how this works... do I need to buy a TV license if I'm buying a used TV?  Will the original owners' TV license transfer to me?  I checked the TV license website but it is not very specific.

FWIW, i live in Marylebone NW1 - additionally i will not have cable, this will just be used with bunny ears to get the free TV as well as mostly a DVD monitor

Thanks

If it's a working TV then yes you do need a license. The original owner's license will not transfer to you, they go by address, not TV owner.

If it's a working TV then yes you do need a license. The original owner's license will not transfer to you, they go by address, not TV owner.

Also, the TV licence covers a whole household, no matter how many TVs are in the house, so even if you buy a second-hand unwanted TV from someone, the licence that covered that TV will still be covering any other TVs that person still owns or decides to buy as a replacement.

The licence has less to do with the fact that you own a TV, but more to do with the fact that the TV signal is being transmitted to your house and you are making use of the channel service. You are basically paying for the privilege of accessing the TV signal in your own home.

Btw, if you buy a digital LCD TV it will come with a Freeview tuner built into it and you will be able to watch about 30-40 TV channels and listen to about 20 radio stations through your TV for free, ie without a subscription.  You will still have to pay for the TV licence, however which is approximately £10/month.

All you want to know about TV licensing is here: http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/index.jsp