TV Licensing

Do I need a TV Licence and what does it cover?

Watching TV on different devices

Home or away, you could still need a TV Licence to cover you. Whether you’re watching on a TV or a different device.

For instance, if you're catching up on BBC iPlayer on your phone as you commute to work, you need a licence. Streaming a live YouTube channel via your game console? You need a licence. Getting stuck into Sky Sports action live on your laptop or tablet? You need a licence for this, too.

This includes recording and downloading.

All live TV channels

Live TV means any programme you watch or record as it’s being shown on any channel, pay TV service or streaming service.

Your TV Licence lets you enjoy over 400 TV channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and U&Dave. As well as pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV.

It’s not just live events like football, cricket, news and music. It also covers soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.

Find out more about watching live TV.

Live TV online and on streaming services

With your licence you can live stream the latest series, news or sport online, from services like ITVX, Sky Go, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Netflix and Freely.

When do I need a TV Licence to watch on YouTube?

You don’t need a TV Licence to watch videos or clips on demand on YouTube.

But you do need a TV Licence if you watch TV programmes live on YouTube. An example of this would be watching live news or the Champions League final live. 

Find out more about watching online and on mobile devices

Everything on BBC iPlayer

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

You must be covered by a TV Licence to download or watch on BBC iPlayer* – live, catch up or on demand. This applies to any device and provider you use.

Find out more about watching on BBC iPlayer.

*A licence is not needed to watch S4C programmes on demand.

When else might you need a licence?

Discounts and concessions - If you are 75 or over, blind (severely sight impaired) or live in a care home you could get a free or reduced fee licence.

Students - Whether you’re a university student, a parent or you provide student accommodation, find out when a TV Licence is needed.

Businesses and organisations - Find out if your business address needs a TV Licence to cover you, your staff and customers.

Tenants and lodgers - Find out when you will need your own licence or when one may cover the whole house.

Second homes - You’re covered by your main home’s licence, as long as you or your family don’t watching at both premises at the same time.

Armed forces personnel - In Ministry of Defence accommodation, on or off base, you may need a TV Licence.

The programmes you love, funded by the TV Licence

You’ll be helping the BBC to continue creating the shows and services you enjoy.

• From award winning dramas to soaps and sport.
• From trusted news to big entertainment shows.
• From comedy and documentaries to BBC Sounds and Radio.
• From Bitesize and BBC iPlayer to recipes and weather.

Your TV Licence makes it all possible. On TV, radio and online.

Want to know more? Find out what else your TV Licence funds.

More helpful videos

When do you need a TV Licence

Ways to pay for your TV Licence

Watch our guide on the different ways to pay for your TV Licence, including how to spread the cost into smaller instalments.

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

Discounts and concessions

Watch our short guide on discount TV Licences for blind customers and over 75s receiving Pension Credit.

Find out more about over 75 free TV Licence.

Find out more about blind (severely sight impaired).

Find out more about care home residents.

Find out more about how to buy or renew a black and white TV Licence?

Any other questions?

Watching TV away from home?

If you are watching away from home on a device powered solely by its own internal batteries (i.e. it is not connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains) you will be covered by your TV Licence at your home address.

This also applies to students as long as your out-of-term address is covered by a licence.

 

Find out more about students and the TV Licence.

Only watching non-UK channels?

Yes, you need a TV Licence to watch any TV channels (broadcast or online), even if these are from outside the UK. This applies no matter what device you're using.

What your TV Licence doesn’t cover

Parts of your premises which are separate from the main premises. This may include areas occupied by tenants, lodgers or paying guests.

It may also include self-contained units on the premises.

What you can watch without a TV Licence

A TV Licence covers you to watch TV live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, and use BBC iPlayer, but there are some streaming services you can watch without needing a TV Licence.

Are there any restrictions about who can buy a TV Licence?

Anybody can buy a TV Licence.

There are no age restrictions. However, people who are aged 75 years or over and receive Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV Licence.

Moving to the UK?

We’ve put together some useful tips to help you get organised if you are thinking of moving to the UK.

Don’t need a TV Licence?

Don’t need a TV Licence because you no longer ever watch TV or BBC iPlayer?

Let us know if you think you don't need a TV Licence.

TV Licence holder has passed away

If the licence holder has passed away, anyone who was living at the address will still be covered by the current licence.

What to do if the licence holder has passed away.

What happens if you need a TV Licence but aren’t covered?

You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally.

Find out more about detection and penalties.

Our visits, prosecutions and fines page is there to help if you have any questions about visiting officers, prosecution cases or court fine payments.

Conditions of your TV Licence

The licence fee must be paid either in full or according to a payment plan agreed with TV Licensing. Find out how long a licence lasts.

You can also see the full terms and conditions of a standard TV Licence, or find out more about TV Licence legislation and policy.

Your licence is issued on behalf of the BBC as the licensing authority under the Communications Act 2003.