What a UK TV License Is and Who Needs One

A TV license is a legal requirement in the UK if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer for any content at all

In the United Kingdom, you must have a valid TV license to watch or record any live television, regardless of which channel it is broadcast on. You also need one to use BBC iPlayer — even if you only watch on-demand programmes that are not live. The license is not a subscription to a particular channel or service. Instead, it is a legal permission that allows you to watch television in your home, and the fee funds the BBC.

The TV license is administered by TV Licensing, a company that operates on behalf of the BBC and the UK government. The cost and rules differ slightly depending on whether you have a colour television or a black-and-white one, and whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Most households pay the same amount, but some people are may have access to to a discount or exemption.

Key Takeaways

You need a TV license if you watch or record live television on any channel, or if you use BBC iPlayer for any content, including on-demand shows.
The license fee is set by the UK government and covers the cost of running the BBC, which is funded entirely by license fees rather than advertising.
You can watch on-demand content on other streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube without a license, as long as it is not live television.
Some people, including those over 75 and people receiving certain benefits, may be may have access to to a free or discounted license.
TV Licensing can inspect your home to check whether you have a valid license, and watching television without one is a criminal offence that can result in a fine.

Who must have a TV license

You need a TV license if you live in a household where anyone watches or records live television on any channel. This includes terrestrial channels like BBC One and ITV, satellite channels, cable channels, and streaming services that broadcast live content. It does not matter whether you own the television or rent it, or whether you watch alone or with others.

You also need a license if anyone in your household uses BBC iPlayer, even if they only watch programmes that were broadcast in the past and are available on demand. This is the main difference between BBC iPlayer and other streaming services — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube do not require a license, because they do not broadcast live television.

If you live in a shared house, hostel, or care home, the rules are different. The person responsible for the building — usually the landlord or manager — must hold the license, not individual residents. Students in university halls of residence do not need their own license if the university holds one for the building.

How much a TV license costs

The TV license fee is set by the UK government and changes each year. As of April 2024, a colour television license costs £159 per year for a household. A black-and-white license costs £53.50 per year. You can pay the full amount upfront, or in monthly instalments by direct debit, which spreads the cost across the year.

Some people pay less or nothing at all. If you are aged 75 or over, you can get a free license. If you receive certain benefits — including Pension Credit, Income Support, or Job Seeker's Allowance — you may be may have access to to a free or discounted license. People who are blind or severely sight-impaired can also get a 50 per cent discount. To find out whether you may have access to for a discount or exemption, you can contact TV Licensing directly or check their website.

What the license fee pays for

The BBC is funded entirely by television license fees, not by advertising. This means the money you pay goes directly to the BBC to produce and broadcast television, radio, and online content. The BBC operates ten television channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, and BBC Four, as well as numerous radio stations and the BBC iPlayer service.

Because the BBC is publicly funded, it is required to serve the whole of the UK and to produce a wide range of content — news, drama, comedy, documentaries, children's programmes, and sport. Commercial channels like ITV and Channel 4 also broadcast in the UK, but they are funded by advertising and do not require a license fee.

Watching television without a license

Watching or recording live television without a valid license is a criminal offence in the UK. If you are caught, you can be fined up to £1,000. TV Licensing employs enforcement officers who can visit homes to check whether a valid license is in place. They have the right to enter your home if you give them permission, but they cannot force their way in without a warrant from a court.

If an enforcement officer visits and you do not have a license, you do not have to let them in. However, if you refuse and TV Licensing believes you are watching television without a license, they can apply to a court for a warrant. If a warrant is granted and officers find evidence that you are watching live television or using BBC iPlayer, you can be prosecuted and fined.

How to get or renew a TV license

You can get a new TV license or renew an existing one through the TV Licensing website, by phone, or by post. When you buy a license, you will need to provide your name, address, and the names of everyone in your household aged 16 or over. You will also need to confirm that you understand the legal requirement to have a license and that you will use it lawfully.

Once you have bought a license, it is valid for 12 months from the date it starts. TV Licensing will send you a reminder before your license is due to expire. If you move house, you can transfer your license to your new address online, or you can cancel it and buy a new one for the new property. If you no longer watch or record live television and do not use BBC iPlayer, you can cancel your license and may receive a refund for any unused portion.

Streaming services and the license requirement

Many people wonder whether they need a license to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or other streaming services. The answer is no — you do not need a TV license to watch on-demand content on these platforms. The license requirement only applies to live television and BBC iPlayer.

However, if you watch live television on any channel — including live sport, news, or entertainment — you need a license, even if you are watching it through a streaming service or on a computer or mobile phone. For example, if you watch a live football match on Amazon Prime Video's live sports channel, you need a license. If you watch a recorded match or a film on demand, you do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV license to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

No. You only need a license if you watch live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other on-demand streaming services do not require a license. However, if you watch live content on any streaming service, including live sports or live events, you do need a license.

What happens if I do not have a TV license?

Watching or recording live television without a license is a criminal offence. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you are caught. TV Licensing enforcement officers can visit your home to check whether you have a valid license, and if they find evidence that you are watching television illegally, they can report you to the police for prosecution.

Can I watch television on my phone or computer without a license?

If you are watching live television on any device — a phone, computer, tablet, or television set — you need a license. The device does not matter; the requirement is about watching live content. If you only watch on-demand content on streaming services other than BBC iPlayer, you do not need a license.

Do students need their own TV license?

Students living in university halls of residence do not need their own license if the university holds a license for the building. However, if you live in private student accommodation or a shared house, you will need a license if anyone in the household watches live television or uses BBC iPlayer. Check with your accommodation provider to find out whether a license is already in place.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my TV license early?

Yes. If you cancel your license before it expires, TV Licensing will refund the unused portion of your fee. You can cancel online, by phone, or by post. You may need to provide proof that you no longer need the license — for example, if you are moving abroad or no longer have a television.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.