South African citizens must pay to own a TV set and/or access television broadcasting. The fee is called a TV license in South Africa or a television license. It is legally required for individuals and entities, aiming to fund the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to run without relying on advertising revenue. In this passage, we are going to talk about how to apply for TV license and TV license check.
Types of TV license
Depending on where the TV sets are used, the license is divided into 6 types.
- Domestic license
Previously called a private license, it is the most common license type that covers all TV sets for households and/or individuals. The validity usually lasts one year.
- Concessionary domestic license
Also known as an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) license, it is a discounted type for pensioners and designed for TV sets in a residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation.
- Business license
It is issued to government departments, entities, and business premises that use TVs for business or commercial activities. All TV sets must be licensed.
- Dealer license
It is also called a retailer license designed for TV sets displayed on sale in TV shops.
- Lessor license
Lessors that rent out TV sets to individuals and business entities should obtain this license type for each.
- Mobile license
This type of TV license is required for TV sets equipped in cars, recreational vehicles (RVs), caravans, yachts, vessels, aircraft, and other mobile vehicles.
Requirements for South African TV license
All individuals and entities in possession of television sets are eligible for TV license registration. Only public schools are exempted from obtaining a television license. Any person or business that is supposed to get the license is found not in possession of one will be pressed for payment afterward for regular fees plus a fine of double fees.
According to the Broadcasting Act, a TV set refers to any device that can receive broadcast television signals, such as televisions, computers equipped with a TV tuner card, and VCRs linked to a monitor or TV screen. Applicants must prepare the following documents to apply for the license.
- A duly accomplished application form is available at the SABC office.
- A valid government-issued identity document, such as a smart ID, driver’s license, or passport.
- Foreign passport (required for non-South African citizens).
- Payment receipt.
TV License Registration
The television license can be registered and obtained at the post office or an authorized retailer. Please note that only one license is needed for each household despite the number of sets at home or office for private use unless they are purchased or owned by different dependent adults. On the contrary, independent licenses are required for each TV set used for business or commercial activities. Here is an instruction on how to apply for TV license.
- Find out the nearest post office or retailer authorized to issue a new TV license by contacting SABC by e-mail (tvlic.info@sabc.co.za) or phone ( 011 330-9555). For more details. Please visit the official website of SABC.
- Prepare the required documents as stated above.
- Visit the post office or retail with the required documents.
- Obtain an application form at the counter and fill it out honestly.
- Pay the TV license registration fees. First-time applicants must pay full annual fees of R265.00 at one time.
- Submit the form along with the required documents and verify your identity.
- Receive your TV license after your application is approved.
How to Check TV License with ID Number
It is necessary to check whether your license is paid or valid after TV license registration, which can be done online or offline.
Online
An online SABC account is needed. Here is TV license check step by step.
- Visit the SABC online portal and scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Click on the “Read More” hyperlink under the “MY ACCOUNT” section.
- Log in with your TV license account number or ID number. New users should click on “Register” to create an account.
- Check your balance and payment details.
Phone
This is the most straightforward way for TV license check with ID number. Call the SABC TV license customer service at (011) 330-9555 from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. It is not available on Sundays and public holidays. It is necessary to note that the line might be busy due to too many inquiries, so please wait patiently until you are connected.
Supposing that you don’t have a SABC account or fail to get through to customer service, this will be a favorable alternative. Please send your ID number and inquiry information to the following email addresses according to what you want to check.
- SABC Platinum <platinum@sabc.co.za>
- SABC TV Licence Information <renewals@sabc.co.za>,
- SABC TV Lic <tvlic.info@sabc.co.za>
How to Renew a TV License
The license must be renewed annually or in 30 days after your address changes. Failing to pay renewal fees in time will lead to a 10% fine. SABC will send a renewal notification 2 months before expiration. However, missing the notice will not exempt you from the penalty.
To renew a registered license, you should prepare the existing TV license or a renewal notice and pay monthly.
Online TV License Renewal
- Visit the SABC official website.
- Click on the “Pay Now” hyperlink beneath the “Pay Option” of Payment Methods menu on the right side.
- Log in or create an account.
- Choose a preferred payment method among credit card, debit card, or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The Renewal payments are spread throughout the year, equivalent to R28 per month.
- Fulfill the payment according to the instructions.
Offline TV License Renewal
The renewal payment can also be paid at the nearest SABC office or a physical pay point. There are more than 10,000 pay points all over South Africa, including banks, post offices, authorized retailers, and electronic payment outlets. Here is a complete list.
How to Cancel TV License
Supposing that you no longer use the registered TV set or there is something wrong with it, it is necessary to cancel the TV license.
When to Cancel TV License and Requirements
- The TV set is broken or disposed of.
You should explain what happened to the equipment in detail.
- The TV set is lost or stolen.
You should provide the police report as well as the case number.
- The TV set was given away.
You should provide the personal information of the new owner.
- The TV set is re-collected by a television store.
You should provide the name of the store and a receipt with the store manager’s signature & stamp.
How to Cancel TV License
You must inform SABC of any change in the TV set’s condition and ownership in written form through the steps below.
- Obtain a TV license cancellation affidavit form at the nearest SABC office and complete it.
- Have the affidavit signed by a commissioner of oaths.
- Email the affidavit to one of the three mailboxes. Remember to include the date of no longer in possession of the TV set, an explanation of the current condition of the TV set, and other necessary documents stated above according to the reason for cancellation.
- SABC Platinum <platinum@sabc.co.za>
- SABC TV Licence Information <renewals@sabc.co.za>,
- SABC TV Lic <tvlic.info@sabc.co.za>
SABC inspectors might verify the affidavit. False information or dishonest statements might lead to fines of up to R500 and/or imprisonment. The authority will send you an email once your request is approved.
FAQ
How much is a TV license in South Africa?
A: For concessionary TV license, it costs R74.00 per year and must be paid in a lump sum. For other license types, first-time application costs R265 annually and renewal costs R28 per month or R336 per year.
How do I check my TV license balance?
A: It can be checked online, by phone, or by email.
Can I pay the license fee in installments?
A: Yes, but only for renewals of domestic license, business license, dealer license, lessor license, and mobile license.
What if I forget to renew my TV license in South Africa?
A: You will be fined 10% per month or up to 100% per year.
What if I violate TV license legislation in South Africa?
A: You might be fined up to R500.00 and/or up to 6 months of imprisonment.
Conclusion
A TV license check with ID number is necessary to learn about the balance and payment details, which can be done online, by phone, or by email. Keep track of the validity of the license after TV license registration and renew it in time online or in person. We hope this passage will help you choose a suitable type of TV license in South Africa, apply for it, renew it, and cancel it.