TV Licensing

You need a TV Licence to watch BBC iPlayer

You must be covered by a TV Licence to download or watch on BBC iPlayer, wherever you are. This applies to any device you use, including a TV, computer, tablet or phone.

Your TV Licence gives you access to everything on BBC iPlayer. You can stream on-demand TV and watch live BBC channels, plus thousands of hours of exclusive box sets and content.

Find out more about ways to pay for your TV Licence.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be prosecuted for watching BBC iPlayer without a TV Licence?

Yes. The maximum penalty is a £1,000* fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.

*The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey.

I just want to watch one programme. Can I do that without having to a buy a full year's licence?

No, you will need to buy a TV Licence to use BBC iPlayer.

But you can pay in monthly or quarterly Direct Debit payments. And if at any point you no longer need your licence, you can cancel it and get a refund for any unused months.

Does watching iPlayer affect my No Licence Needed Declaration?

Yes, if you watch BBC iPlayer you will need to buy a licence. You can be prosecuted for watching BBC iPlayer without one.

This applies to any device you use.

Can I watch iPlayer at a friend or family member’s house that doesn’t have a TV Licence?

You can’t watch BBC iPlayer on their TV or device. They need to be covered by a TV Licence.

You can watch on your own device as long as it’s not plugged into the mains and you have a TV Licence in place at your home address.

Am I covered to use BBC iPlayer when I'm in a cafe, at work, or travelling?

Yes, you are covered to use BBC iPlayer when you’re on the go as long as you have a TV Licence at your home address and the device you’re using isn’t plugged in.

If the device is plugged in at a separate address, there needs to be a licence in place at that address.

I’m a student or a tenant. Do I need my own licence?

Yes. Anyone who uses BBC iPlayer must be covered by a TV Licence.

You may already be covered by a licence at another address if you only watch on devices (such as a mobile phone or tablet) that aren’t plugged into the mains and you have a licence at your out-of-term address.

• Find out more about students and the TV Licence
• Find out more about tenants and lodgers and the TV Licence

Am I covered to use BBC iPlayer when I’m abroad?

At the moment, you aren’t able to stream or download programmes on BBC iPlayer while abroad. But you’re covered to access programmes that you’ve downloaded before going overseas (usually available for 30 days after they’re shown on live TV).

Do I need a separate licence to access BBC iPlayer?

No, you don’t need a second licence for BBC iPlayer or to pay anything extra. If you already have a licence (including a blind or free TV Licence ) at the address, you and anyone normally living there are already covered.

I am only visiting the UK, how can I watch BBC channels or access BBC iPlayer?

If you are staying with family and they have a TV Licence at that address, you will be covered to access everything on BBC iPlayer during your visit.

Lots of hotels and holiday homes have a TV Licence. You will need to check with your accommodation provider to make sure they are covered.