Is it still necessary to get a TV licence?
It costs £169.50 a year, and could have you liable to pay a £1,000 fine if you’re found to be watching telly without one – the TV licence is no laughing matter.
Key takeaways
In the UK, a TV licence is mandatory for watching or recording live TV on any medium, including streaming live content online.
A TV licence is not required for watching on-demand services, apart from BBC iPlayer which does require a TV licence.
Do I need a TV licence?
In the UK, securing a TV license (currently £169.50 per year) is a legal requirement for watching or recording live TV. This rule applies to both traditional TV channels and all forms of live TV.
Whether you're catching up on a soap opera via live stream or watching live sports on your computer, a TV licence is necessary to stay legal.
TV licence requirements
Activity | License required? |
Watching or recording live TV on any channel (BBC, ITV, Sky, etc.) | Yes |
Watching or streaming BBC iPlayer (live, catch-up, or on-demand) | Yes |
Watching non-BBC on-demand (e.g., Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube) | No |
Watching live TV through streaming services (e.g., Sky Go, Now TV, YouTube Live) | Yes |
Using a TV only for gaming or DVDs/Blu-rays | No |
Watching catch-up on ITVX, All4, My5, etc. (non-live) | No |
Watching live events (sports, news) on YouTube or social platforms | Yes |
Watching downloaded BBC programmes (from iPlayer) | Yes |
Watching downloaded content from Netflix or similar (non-BBC) | No |
Students in halls of residence | It depends - if your parents' TV license covers portable device use |
Students in house or flat shares | If you're on a joint tenancy, you need one license for the address. |
Do I need a TV licence if I don’t watch live TV?
It can be confusing to determine if a TV licence is necessary when you do not watch live TV.
If you only watch on-demand shows and catch-up TV, you're in luck. You do not need a TV licence to watch these programmes on-demand. The exception is BBC iPlayer. You need a TV licence to watch any BBC iPlayer content.
This rule applies regardless of the device used, be it a smartphone, tablet, or traditional TV.
Do I need a TV licence if I have Sky or Virgin TV?
Should you subscribe to Sky or Virgin TV and watch or record live television, a TV licence is mandatory.
This rule applies regardless of the service provider. Watching live TV without a valid licence is illegal and you could face a fine of up to £1,000, as mentioned in the introduction.
So it's important to ensure you're covered to enjoy your favourite programmes worry-free.
Do I need a TV licence to watch Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, or Britbox?
When using on-demand services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, or Britbox, a TV licence is not required.
These platforms offer films, series, and documentaries and you can watch them anytime without a licence.
They do not feature live broadcasts. So you can enjoy binge-watching your favourite shows or exploring new films without worrying about the TV licence.
Do I need a TV licence for NOW TV?
When watching live broadcasts on NOW TV, a TV licence is required. This includes any programme shown live, mirroring traditional television schedules.
However, if your viewing is solely on-demand films and shows, a TV licence isn't necessary. Enjoy your favourite series and films on-demand without the need for a licence.
Do I need a TV licence to watch Sky Sports?
Should you plan to watch or record live sports on Sky Sports, a valid TV licence is essential. This requirement applies regardless of the device used.
It could be a traditional TV, a laptop, or a mobile phone. Engaging with live sports through any device requires a TV licence.
This ensures you comply with legal guidelines while enjoying your favourite games.
Do I need a TV licence if I’m a student?
If you're a student living away from home, you may be covered by your home (out-of-term) address if your parents' have a valid TV licence, but the rules are complicated.
We've broken down which scenarios mean you need a TV licence, or if you're covered by your parents' licence.
Scenario | Covered by parents' licence? |
You’re a student temporarily living away (e.g. at university) and watch live TV on a device powered solely by internal batteries (not plugged in) | Yes |
Watching or downloading anything via BBC iPlayer | No |
Watching live TV while plugged in (e.g. TV, laptop/phone charging) | No |
Remember, the exemption applies to you and your portable device, not the address you're in.
What if I don’t want to pay for a TV licence?
If you decide not to purchase a TV licence, ensure you comply with the legal requirements when declaring 'no licence needed' at your address.
You must not watch live television across any device. This includes avoiding live broadcasts on computers, smartphones, tablets, and other streaming devices. Nor should you use BBC iPlayer. Instead, you might consider using on-demand services.
Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other on-demand platforms do not require a TV licence.
These services offer a wide array of shows and films. You can enjoy these at your convenience without the need for a licence.
What to do if you’re struggling to pay your TV licence
If you find the cost of a TV licence steep, there are several avenues to explore. Firstly, consider contacting TV Licensing to discuss payment plans.
These plans could spread the cost into more manageable chunks. They offer monthly, quarterly, or annual payment options to fit your budget.
You may be able to get a free or discounted TV Licence if you’re 75 or over and get Pension Credit, or if you’re blind or in residential care.
These might reduce your payments or offer temporary relief during financial hardship.
Remember, open communication with TV Licensing can help. It ensures you comply with the law while managing your finances effectively.
Author
Rob Baillie
Head of Commercial
Rob Baillie is Head of Commercial across Communications Products working within Broadband, Mobile and Mobile recycling, looking after all of our external relationships with providers. Rob's team help...
