Do I need a TV licence for streaming services?

With TV available on BBC iPlayer or streaming services, such as Netflix, you might think you don’t need a TV licence if you don’t own a TV. But not having a TV licence is a criminal offence with a fine of up to £1,000, so it pays to know if you really need a TV licence.

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.

What is catch-up TV and how does it work?

What counts as live TV?

Live TV covers any content that can be viewed at the same time as it’s being broadcast on a TV channel. This includes +1 channels such as ITV+1, as well as Freeview, Freesat or a service such as Virgin or Sky.

And if you think you can bypass this with BBC iPlayer, think again. 

Live TV includes any shows that are streamed on video-on-demand services at the same time as being broadcast on a TV channel. 

For example, you need a TV licence to watch the Antiques Roadshow on BBC iPlayer while it’s currently being shown live on BBC 1.

Confusingly, this applies to any programme that you record while it’s being broadcast on TV, which you then watch later.

The live TV rule applies regardless of whether you’re using a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

Do I need a TV licence to watch BBC iPlayer?

Yes, you do need a TV licence for watching or downloading any programming on the iPlayer, whether it's live or on catch up.

Do I need a TV licence to watch Channel 4, ITV or Channel 5 online?

For the channels other than BBC (such as Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5) you can watch on-demand programming without a TV licence, but to watch any of these channels live you do need a TV licence.

Do I need a licence to watch Netflix or other streaming platforms?

No, you don’t need a TV licence if you only watch on-demand movies or TV shows on internet services, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ or YouTube.

How many TV licences do I need?

Just one per property, regardless of the number of TVs you have and whether you own or rent the property. 

Different rules apply for shared student accommodation, where a licence is needed by each person with a separate tenancy agreement. Students with a joint tenancy usually just need one for the property. 

People living in a residential care home

Your licence also covers you when watching live TV on your laptop, tablet or smartphone when you’re away from home.

Freeview? Cable? What are the different types of television service?

Do over 75s still get a free TV licence?

All over 75s used to get a free TV licence, but as of June 2020 this only applies to over 75s in receipt of pension credit. If you do receive pension credit you can apply for the free TV licence when you are 74 so that it kicks in immediately on your 75th birthday.

What does a TV licence cost?

A TV licence costs £159 for colour or £53.50 for black and white.

There are some TV licence exceptions and reductions:

• Pension credit: If you’re aged 75 or over and you or your partner receive pension credit you’re entitled to a free TV licence.


• Blind or severely sight impaired people can get a 50% reduction in the licence fee.


• Care home residents need a TV licence for their own living area, but may qualify for a reduced licence costing just £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.


• Second home owners need a TV licence to watch and record live TV in their second homes. However, boats and touring caravans are already covered by your main home’s TV licence.

You can buy or renew your TV licence online on the TV licensing website.

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