TV Licence 2026: Registration, Check, Renew, Pay & Manage Your TV Licence Online

TV Licence registration, check, renewal, payment and online account management

The South African TV Licence Check is administered through the SABC’s TV Licences service. The official website provides online payment, account management, FAQs, payment methods and customer-support information. A television licence is generally payable in advance and is valid for one year.

TV Licence Online Portal
How to Register for TV Licence

What Is a TV Licence in South Africa?

A TV licence is required for people or entities that possess or use a television set as defined by the applicable South African broadcasting legislation. The SABC states that the requirement applies even if the television is not actively being used to watch broadcasts. for more information visit my home page click here.

The official TV Licences website is:

SABC TV Licences Official Website

The online payment and account portal is:

SABC TV Licence Online Account

According to the current SABC information, the standard annual fee is R265, while the concessionary licence fee is R74.

What is a TV licence in South Africa and who needs one

How to Register for TV Licence

If you do not already have a Tv License Registration, you can begin the process through the SABC TV Licences service.

How to register for a TV licence online in South Africa

Step 1: Open the Official TV Licence Website

Visit the official SABC TV Licences website:

tvlic.co.za

Avoid entering personal or payment information on websites that are not associated with the SABC TV Licences service.

Open the official SABC TV Licence website in South Africa

Step 2: Select the Online Payment/Account Service

The official website provides a Pay now option that takes users to the SABC TV Licences online service.

Select the Online Payment/Account Service for TV Licence

Step 3: Create an Online Account

The current registration page asks for information including:

  • Licence/account-related selection
  • Email address
  • Cellphone number
  • Password
  • Password confirmation
  • Email OTP verification

The portal uses an OTP sent to the registered email address as part of the registration process.

Create an Online Account – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 4: Complete Your Details

Enter your information carefully. Make sure your contact details correspond with the information associated with your TV licence account.

Step 5: Complete the Verification

Follow the OTP instructions displayed on the website. Once registration is completed, use your new credentials to access the online account.

Step 6: Pay the Required Licence Fee

The SABC states that a first-time TV licence application requires the full annual fee of R265 for a standard licence.

TV Licence Application

A TV licence application is required when you become responsible for a television set and do not already have the appropriate licence.

The SABC currently identifies several licence categories, including:

  • Domestic licence
  • Concessionary domestic licence
  • Business licence
  • Dealer licence
  • Lessor licence
  • Mobile licence

For an ordinary household, the domestic licence is generally the relevant category.

Information You May Need

For a new application, applicants should have their identification and relevant personal/account information available. The TV Licence Regulations state that a natural person applying for a licence must produce an identity document or another form of identification acceptable to the SABC. If you qualify for a concessionary TV licence, additional documentation is required. The SABC lists supporting documentation for qualifying social-grant recipients and people aged 70 or older.

How to Check Your TV Licence Balance Online

The official TV Licences website provides an online Check Your Balance & Pay service.

Step 1: Go to the Online Portal

Open:

TV Licence Login

Step 2: Enter Your Login Details

The current login page accepts either your:

  • Email address, or
  • Cellphone number

along with your password.

Step 3: Sign In

Complete the security verification shown on the page and select the login option.

Step 4: Review Your Account

After signing in, review the information available for your TV licence account, including the amount that needs to be paid.

Step 5: Make a Payment if Required

If there is an outstanding amount, use an available payment option through the official service.

How to Renew Your TV Licence

A TV licence is valid for one year, and the SABC says renewals should be made annually before the licence expires.

Step-by-Step Renewal

  • Open the official TV Licences website.
  • Select Pay now.
  • Sign in to your online account.
  • Review your licence information.
  • Check the amount due.
  • Select the available payment method.
  • Complete the payment.
  • Keep your payment confirmation for your records.

The SABC says renewal notices are normally sent approximately two months before the licence expires, but not receiving a notice does not remove the responsibility to renew on time.

How to Pay Your TV Licence Online

The SABC currently supports online payment and also provides alternative payment channels.

Online Payment Steps

Step 1: Visit the official TV Licence portal.

Step 2: Log in using your email/cellphone number and password.

Step 3: Check your outstanding balance.

Step 4: Continue to the payment option.

Step 5: Enter the requested payment information.

Step 6: Confirm the transaction.

Step 7: Save the confirmation or receipt.

The SABC also lists banks, retailers, EasyPay outlets and other payment methods for people who prefer not to pay online.

How to Pay Your TV Licence Online in South Africa

TV Licence Fees 2026

The current SABC TV Licences information lists these annual fees:

TV Licence Fees in South Africa – Annual and Concessionary Fees
Licence TypeAnnual Fee
DomesticR265
BusinessR265
DealerR265
LessorR265
MobileR265
ConcessionaryR74

For a first-time standard application, the full R265 annual fee is payable. The SABC says a domestic licence can subsequently be paid monthly at R28 per month, with its current website noting that monthly payments result in a higher annual total.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Your TV Licence?

Failing to keep a licence account up to date can result in penalties. The SABC states that late accounts incur a 10% penalty per month, up to a maximum of 100% per annum, and overdue accounts may be referred for debt collection. For this reason, it is useful to check your account regularly and renew before the licence expires.

SABC TV Licence Fee Avoidance: What Is Actually Allowed?

People sometimes search for SABC TV licence fee avoidance because they no longer own a television or want to understand when they are legally exempt. The important distinction is between legitimate exemption/cancellation procedures and simply refusing to pay an existing liability.

According to the SABC’s FAQ:

  • If you possess a television set, the purpose for which you use it does not by itself remove the licence requirement.
  • Watching only videos does not automatically eliminate the requirement.
  • If television receiving equipment has been disposed of or appropriately denatured, the SABC provides procedures for notifying it of the changed circumstances.
  • A licence is not cancelled while money remains outstanding on the account.

If You No Longer Own a TV

If you have sold or otherwise disposed of your television set, the SABC says you should notify it using the prescribed process/affidavit concerning the changed circumstances. This is different from simply ignoring an outstanding TV licence account.

If Your TV Has Been Denatured

The SABC says that removing the receiving capability/tuner can make the equipment incapable of receiving a television signal. Its FAQ describes a formal notification, supporting documentation and inspection process for this situation. Because requirements and procedures can change, applicants should confirm the current process directly with TV Licences before submitting documentation.

How to Manage Your TV Licence Online

The online portal can be used to manage your TV Licence account. The official TV Licences website specifically provides a Manage your Account option for situations where account details have changed.

You Can Use the Portal To:

  • Sign in to your account
  • Check your balance
  • Make payments
  • Manage account information
  • Complete online registration
  • Reset your password if necessary

Changing Your Account Information

If your address or other relevant information changes, the SABC should be informed. Its FAQ states that a change of address should be reported in writing within 30 days.

How to Reset Your TV Licence Password

If you cannot remember your online account password, use the official reset page:

TV Licence Password Reset

The current reset page asks for information including an email address, cellphone number and new password details. (TV License Payment) Follow the on-screen instructions and avoid sharing your password or OTP with another person.

Other Ways to Pay a TV Licence

Online payment is not the only option. The official TV Licences website lists payment options through banks, retailers, Pay At outlets and EasyPay outlets.

For example, the listed physical payment network includes retailers such as:

  • Incredible Connection
  • Hi-Fi Corporation
  • Makro
  • Game
  • JD Group Stores

It also lists Pay At and EasyPay outlets including PEP, SPAR, Ackermans, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Boxer and Shoprite Checkers. When making a bank payment, use your correct TV Licence account number as the reference so that the payment can be allocated correctly.

TV Licence Payment Problems and Support

If you have a payment, account or registration problem, contact the SABC TV Licences department using its official contact details.

The SABC lists the TV Licences customer service number as:

011 330 9555

Its listed customer-service hours are 08:00–18:00 on weekdays and 08:00–13:00 on Saturdays, excluding Sundays and public holidays. The listed email address is [email protected]. When contacting TV Licences, have your TV Licence account number and relevant identification information available where appropriate.

Be Careful of TV Licence Scams

Use the official SABC TV Licences website when checking your account or making payments. The SABC has previously warned the public about fraudulent TV Licence correspondence. In one warning, it specifically advised people not to download statements from suspicious emails and directed users to the official TV Licences website instead. (SABC)

For safety:

  • Type the official website address yourself.
  • Check the website domain before entering personal information.
  • Do not provide your password or OTP to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
  • Be cautious about payment requests sent through unofficial channels.
  • Verify suspicious communications with the SABC TV Licences department.
Be Careful of TV Licence Scams in South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

To check your SABC TV Licence balance in South Africa, you can use several convenient options. Send your ID number or TV licence number by SMS to 44210 from a South African mobile number, with standard SMS charges applying. You can also visit the official SABC TV Licences website to access your account and view your current balance or payment status. If you need personal assistance, contact SABC TV Licences customer care on (011) 330-9555, available Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00. Always use the official SABC channels when checking licence information or making payments.

Yes. A TV licence is still legally required in South Africa for people or entities that possess or use a television set under the current Broadcasting Act framework. The South African Government states that anyone who owns a TV set must have a valid, paid-up television licence, while the SABC confirms that the current TV licence system remains in place. The current SABC FAQ also states that the licence requirement applies regardless of whether the television is actually being used. The SABC currently lists the standard annual TV licence fee as R265, with a concessionary fee of R74. The government and SABC continue to treat TV licence fees as a statutory obligation, and official 2026 planning documents indicate that licence-fee collection remains part of the SABC’s financial plans. Although there have been discussions about alternative funding arrangements for the SABC, the existing TV licence requirement has not been replaced by a new system. Any future change would require the relevant legal and legislative process. Therefore, South African TV owners should continue to follow the current SABC TV Licence requirements unless an official change is announced.

If you no longer own or use a television, you can request cancellation of your SABC TV Licence by following the official cancellation process. Before submitting your request, check your account and settle any outstanding amount where required. You may need to provide a sworn affidavit explaining why the licence is no longer required, together with supporting documents relevant to your circumstances. For example, if the television was sold or donated, you may need information about the new owner; if it was stolen, supporting police documentation may be required; and if you are emigrating or placing the television in professional storage, relevant proof may be requested. Have the affidavit properly commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths and submit the required documents through the SABC TV Licences service or the official TV Licences contact channel. After submitting your request, contact SABC TV Licences on 011 330 9555 to confirm that your documents were received and to check the status of the cancellation. Requirements can vary depending on the reason for cancellation, so confirm the latest document requirements directly with the SABC before submitting your application.

A standard domestic TV licence in South Africa costs R265 per year when paid as an annual fee. The SABC also offers a monthly payment option of R28 per month for eligible renewal accounts, which amounts to R336 over 12 months. First-time applicants are required to pay the full annual fee before the monthly instalment option becomes available. Eligible applicants may qualify for a concessionary TV licence costing R74 per year, subject to the SABC’s requirements. Late payments can attract a penalty of 10% of the outstanding amount per month, subject to the applicable maximum. Fees and payment conditions can change, so it is advisable to confirm the latest charges directly through the official SABC TV Licences website before making a payment.

If you need to check your TV Licence payment status, you can use the official TV Licensing online service. Sign in to the View Your Licence portal using your licence number, surname and postcode to view your licence status, expiry date and relevant payment information. You can also review previous payments through your online account, although recently made payments may take up to 48 hours to appear. For additional assistance, the automated phone services are available 24 hours a day at 0300 555 0286 for payment-card customers and 0300 555 0281 for savings-card customers. You can also text INFO followed by your customer number to 64488 to request licence information. If you pay by Direct Debit, your TV licence number may also appear alongside the payment on your bank statement.

Failing to pay an SABC TV Licence can result in additional charges and collection action. The SABC states that overdue accounts can attract a 10% penalty per month, up to a maximum of 100% per year. If an account remains unpaid, it may be referred for debt collection, which can result in additional costs. Depending on the circumstances, the SABC may also pursue the outstanding debt through legal channels. The Broadcasting Act provides penalties for certain offences relating to television licences, although the exact consequences depend on the circumstances and applicable legal process. Because unpaid amounts can increase over time, licence holders who no longer require a TV licence should follow the SABC’s official cancellation or change-of-circumstances procedure rather than simply ignoring the account. For the most accurate information about an outstanding balance, penalties or enforcement action, check your account through the official SABC TV Licences service or contact TV Licences directly.

If you do not renew your SABC TV Licence, overdue amounts may attract a 10% penalty per month, subject to a maximum of 100% per year. Continued non-payment can increase the outstanding balance and may result in the account being referred to debt collection or legal representatives, with additional costs potentially applying. Simply stopping payments does not automatically close or cancel a TV licence account, even if you have sold, discarded or no longer use your television. If you no longer require a licence, you should follow the official SABC cancellation or change-of-circumstances procedure and submit the required supporting documents. Addressing the account through the official SABC TV Licences service can help ensure that your records are properly updated and that any outstanding obligations are dealt with through the appropriate process.

You can renew your TV licence by phone by contacting TV Licensing on 0300 790 0368 for a one-off payment or Direct Debit. Before calling, keep your current 10-digit TV licence number and a valid debit or credit card registered to a UK address available. Customers using a payment card cash plan can call 0300 555 0286, while general enquiries and over-75 licence support are available on 0300 790 6117. Phone lines are generally open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and calls to 0300 numbers are charged at standard national rates and are usually included in mobile or landline call packages.

Refusing or failing to pay an SABC TV Licence can result in penalties and collection action. The SABC states that overdue accounts may attract a 10% penalty per month, subject to a maximum of 100% per year, which can significantly increase the amount owed. Unpaid accounts may also be referred for debt collection or legal recovery, potentially resulting in additional costs. The Broadcasting Act provides legal penalties for certain TV licence offences, although the consequences depend on the specific circumstances and applicable legal process. Simply stopping payments does not automatically cancel an account or prevent further charges. If you no longer own a television and believe you no longer need a licence, you should follow the SABC’s formal cancellation procedure and submit the required documentation. For an accurate assessment of an outstanding account, contact SABC TV Licences directly or check your account through the official online service.

Pensioners in South Africa may qualify for a concessionary SABC TV Licence fee rather than paying the standard domestic rate. The current concessionary fee is R74 per year, compared with the standard annual fee of R265, and it is generally payable as a single annual amount rather than monthly instalments. People aged 70 or older may apply for the concessionary rate, while applicants below 70 may qualify if they meet specific social-grant requirements. Applicants need to provide the required supporting documentation to verify their eligibility. The concessionary rate is subject to the SABC’s conditions, so applicants should confirm the latest eligibility requirements and documentation directly with SABC TV Licences before applying.

Conclusion

Managing your TV Licence in South Africa is easier when you use the official SABC TV Licences website for registration, checking your balance, renewing your licence and making payments. Whether you are applying for a new licence, updating your details, or checking an existing account, following the correct online process can help you avoid unnecessary delays and payment problems. If you no longer have a television, make sure you follow the official SABC process for updating or cancelling your licence rather than simply ignoring outstanding payments. Always verify payment requests and account information through the official TV Licence website to protect yourself from scams. Keeping your licence information up to date and paying on time can help you manage your account without unnecessary penalties. for more information visit my home page click here.

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