Do You Need a TV Licence for a Caravan?
In most cases your home licence already covers a towable caravan or static caravan. Here is exactly when it does, when you need a separate one, and how the free declaration works.
The short answer
For a caravan, static caravan or motorhome, you usually do not need a separate TV licence. If your home is licensed and the caravan can be moved (towed or transported), your home licence also covers the caravan, including a mains-powered TV, as long as no one watches live TV or BBC iPlayer at your home and your caravan at the same time. To use this, you complete TV Licensing's free non-simultaneous use declaration. You only need a separate £180/year licence if the caravan is someone's main home, or live TV might be watched at both places at once. A bricks-and-mortar holiday home or cottage cannot use the declaration and needs its own licence if it has a mains TV.
The Non-Simultaneous Use Declaration
This is the rule most people miss. TV Licensing lets a single home licence cover a caravan, mobile home or chalet that can be moved, so you do not have to buy a second licence. You qualify when all three of these are true:
- 1You hold a valid TV Licence at your home address.
- 2The caravan, mobile home or chalet is capable of being moved by being towed or transported on a motor vehicle or trailer.
- 3No one watches live TV, live streaming, or BBC iPlayer at your home and at the caravan at the same time.
If all three apply, you complete TV Licensing's non-simultaneous use declaration form: print it, sign it, and post it to the address on the form. There is no charge and no second licence to buy. The declaration cannot be used for a permanent bricks-and-mortar second property, and you must buy a separate licence if the caravan is someone's main residence. The rules are set out in TV Licensing's official caravan and mobile home guidance.
The Battery Route (No Declaration Needed)
For occasional or touring use there is a simpler option. If your home has a valid TV licence and you only watch on a device powered by its own internal battery (not plugged into the mains or a hook-up), you are covered at any second location, caravan, holiday home, hotel room or anywhere else, with no declaration to complete. This is the easiest route if you do not have a fixed mains TV at the caravan.
Scenario Guide
Static caravan with a mains TV, no one watching at home at the same time
Covered by your home licence under the non-simultaneous use declaration, as long as the caravan can be moved (towed or transported).
Touring caravan, watching on a laptop on battery
Covered by your home licence via the battery route. No declaration needed as long as the laptop is not plugged into mains or a hook-up.
Caravan in use while family watches live TV at home
Simultaneous use. The declaration does not apply, so you need a separate licence for the caravan.
Caravan or mobile home that is someone's main residence
Needs its own licence (£180/year). The declaration is only for second-home and holiday use.
Bricks-and-mortar holiday cottage with a mains TV
Needs its own licence. A permanent property cannot use the non-simultaneous use declaration.
Holiday cottage, you bring a tablet on battery
Covered by your home licence via the battery route. Keep the tablet on its internal battery.
Narrowboat on battery or solar power
Covered by your home licence if it is a second home and devices run on their own battery.
Liveaboard boat (primary residence)
Needs its own licence. This is the main address.
Holiday Lets (Landlord Responsibility)
If you own a holiday let or Airbnb property with a TV, you (the property owner) are responsible for the TV licence. Guests are not expected to have their own licence for your property.
One licence (£180/year) covers the property. This applies to Airbnbs, holiday cottages, serviced apartments, and any short-term rental with a TV. See our business licences guide for more detail.