When you need a TV licence for streaming, catch-up and iPlayer
You do not need a licence just because you own a television, but you do if you watch live TV on any device or use BBC iPlayer. A household guide to what is covered.
Households now watch television in so many ways that it is easy to lose track of what needs a licence. The rules are set out by TV Licensing, which collects the fee on behalf of the BBC, and they turn on two questions: are you watching live, and are you using BBC iPlayer?
When you need a licence
You need a TV licence to:
- watch or record programmes as they are being shown on TV, on any channel
- watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service, such as the live channels on ITVX, Channel 4's streaming service or other providers
- download or watch any BBC programme on BBC iPlayer, whether it is live, catch-up or on demand
The rules apply to every type of device, including a TV, computer, laptop, phone, tablet, games console or digital box.
When you do not
You do not need a licence if you only:
- watch on-demand programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer, such as films and series on subscription streaming services, as long as you never watch anything live
- watch catch-up programmes on non-BBC services after they have been shown on TV
- watch videos on video sharing sites that are not live TV
- watch DVDs, Blu-rays or downloaded films
Owning a TV set on its own does not require a licence, as long as it is not used to watch or record live TV or to use iPlayer.
One licence per address. Normally a single licence covers everyone living at one address, on all the devices they use there. It also covers you when you are away from home, watching on a device powered by its own internal batteries.
Students. Students living away from home often need their own licence. A licence held by a student's parents covers them only if they watch on a device powered by its own internal batteries, not plugged into the mains, and their out-of-term address is the same as their parents'. Students who only need a licence for term time can ask for a refund for the months they are away over the summer if the licence has time left to run.
Free and discounted licences
- People aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit can apply for a free licence, which also covers everyone they live with.
- People who are blind or severely sight impaired can get a 50% discount.
- People living in some residential care homes and sheltered housing may qualify for a reduced-price concession.
Paying
The licence runs for a year and the price is set by the government. You can pay in one go or spread the cost with monthly or quarterly direct debits, or with a payment plan for people who find it hard to pay all at once. Check the current fee on the TV Licensing website.
If you do not need one. If no one at your address watches live TV or uses iPlayer, you can tell TV Licensing so through its website. This helps to stop reminder letters. TV Licensing may contact you or visit to confirm, and if your circumstances change you will need to buy a licence.
If you no longer need a licence you already hold, for example because you are moving in with someone who has one, you may be able to get a refund for any full months left on it.
