Do I Need a TV Licence?
The simple answer: only if you watch live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. If you only use streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime, you do not need one and can save £180/year.
You NEED a TV licence if you...
- ✕ Watch live TV on ANY channel (BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, international channels)
- ✕ Use BBC iPlayer for anything (live, catch-up, or downloads)
- ✕ Record live TV programmes to watch later
- ✕ Watch live streams online that are also being broadcast on TV
- ✕ Watch live sport through Amazon Prime or any other provider
You DON'T need one if you only...
- ✓ Watch Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video on-demand
- ✓ Watch YouTube videos (not live TV simulcasts)
- ✓ Watch catch-up on ITVX, Channel 4, or My5
- ✓ Use your TV for gaming, DVDs, or Blu-rays
- ✓ Listen to radio (including BBC Radio)
- ✓ Own a TV but never watch live broadcasts or iPlayer
Streaming Service Matrix
| Service | Licence Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | No | On-demand only, no live TV |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Live AND catch-up both require a licence |
| Amazon Prime Video | No | On-demand only. Live sport channels need a licence |
| Disney+ | No | On-demand only |
| ITVX (catch-up) | No | On-demand/catch-up is fine |
| ITVX (live) | Yes | Watching live broadcasts requires a licence |
| Channel 4 (catch-up) | No | On-demand/catch-up is fine |
| Channel 4 (live) | Yes | Watching live broadcasts requires a licence |
| My5 (catch-up) | No | On-demand/catch-up is fine |
| YouTube | No | Standard videos are fine. Live TV simulcasts need a licence |
| Sky Go / Now TV (on-demand) | No | On-demand content is fine |
| Sky Go / Now TV (live) | Yes | Live channels require a licence |
| Apple TV+ | No | On-demand only |
| Paramount+ | No | On-demand only |
Device-by-Device Guide
It does not matter what device you use. The licence requirement depends on what you watch, not what you watch it on.
| Device | TV Licence Needed? |
|---|---|
| Smart TV | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Laptop/desktop | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Smartphone | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Tablet | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Games console | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| TV used only for gaming | No licence needed |
| TV unplugged/not used | No licence needed |
Edge Cases
Shared houses
If you have a joint tenancy agreement, one licence covers the whole house. If you have individual tenancy agreements (common in HMOs), each room counts as a separate property and needs its own licence.
Caravans and second homes
If your main home is licensed and you only use a battery-powered device (not plugged into the mains) at your second property, you are covered. Otherwise, you need a separate licence. Full guide
Battery-powered devices
A device running on its own internal battery (not plugged into the mains while in use) may be covered by your main home licence. This is the basis of the student exception. The moment you plug in, you need a licence at that address.
Business premises
Offices, pubs, hotels, and other business premises need their own licence if they have TVs showing live broadcasts. Hotels have a different pricing structure. Business licence guide
Still Not Sure? Use the Checker
Answer 3 questions. Takes 15 seconds.
Do you watch or record live TV on any channel?
This includes BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, and any other channel on any device.