About applying for a television licence

If you are in possession of a TV set, you must have a valid, paid-up television licence at all times. You can apply for a TV licence at your nearest Post Office or at a retailer authorised to issue new TV licences.

When you take out a TV licence for the first time, you must pay the full annual fee of R250. The annual fee of a concessionary licence is R70 a year. Individuals need to apply at the SABC for a concessionary licence.  

To qualify for a concessionary licence, you must be:

• 70 years or older and not living with economically active dependants or non-dependants
• receiving a social grant, old age, disability or war veteran’s grant from the Department of Social Development.
  

Organisations, including businesses, need a TV licence for each set in their possession. Households need only one licence for all TV sets in the house, provided that they all belong to the same owner. Adult (non-dependent) children earning their own keep, parents receiving a pension or own income, and boarders and lodgers living with a family are not covered by the household’s domestic licence but must pay their own TV licence.

If you own a retail store selling TV sets, you must inform your customers that they cannot buy a TV set before producing proof of a valid, paid-up television licence. Prospective buyers can apply for the licence at the nearest Post Office or ask the retailer to process a new TV licence application on their behalf.

Please note: Businesses with more than 10 television sets may qualify for a discount, which is calculated on a sliding scale depending on the number of sets and is subject to certain conditions. 

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Post Office or retailer authorised to issue new TV licences to apply for a new TV licence.
• Submit the following:    
• your identity document
• application form with the licence fee
• proof of physical address and postal address, with contact numbers.
  

Timeframe

Depending on where you apply for a new TV licence, it may take a few hours for your application to be granted.

How much does it cost

• R250 per annum.
• R70 for concessionary licence.
  

Forms to complete

An application form for a TV licence is available at the Post Office or an authorised dealer.

Who to contact