Do I need a TV licence?
- Do you watch or record ‘live’ TV? Please note that ‘live’ TV is when you access a programme at the same time as it’s broadcast; for example, you watch the ITV News at 10 at 10pm. This applies to all channels, including the BBC, Channel 4, and YouTube, as well as paid TV services such as Sky, and international channels.
- If you have streaming services such as ITVx, do you ever select the ‘Watch Live’ option?
- Do you watch anything at all on BBC iPlayer, including live and catch-up TV?
If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, you need a TV licence. This is the law.
These rules apply across all devices, including a traditional television set, laptop, or mobile phone.
We understand that the rules about TV licensing can be complicated. If you’re still unsure whether you need a licence, you can check here.
Do I need a TV licence to watch Netflix?
Netflix does not air live broadcast television, so you do not need a TV licence to watch programmes on this streaming service. This only applies if you do not watch any live broadcasts on any other service.
If Netflix decided to introduce live content to their channel and you wanted to watch it, you would need to be covered by a TV licence.
Can I watch DVDs without a TV licence?
Yes, you can watch DVDs without the need for a TV licence. Don’t forget, this only applies if you do not watch any live broadcasts on any service.
How can I watch TV without a licence?
As discussed, if you only ever watch programmes on demand and never through live broadcast, you don’t need a licence.
It’s vital to remain vigilant, though. If you don’t have a licence and you click on the ‘Watch Live’ button to view any programme as it’s broadcast, you’ll be breaking the law. The same applies if you ever use BBC iPlayer to watch anything, whether live or not.
How many people can one TV licence cover?
If you do need a licence, the good news is that each household only needs one to cover everyone, regardless of how many TVs or devices are used.
- If you’re a lodger and you rent a room in someone’s home, you’ll be covered by the main tenant’s licence, provided they have one. If they don’t, and you want to watch TV that needs a licence, you’ll need to apply for one yourself.
- If you’re in a self-contained flat or annexe, you’ll need to apply for your own licence.
- If you’re in a flat-share and each person has their own tenancy agreement, then each person needs their own licence. If there is one tenancy agreement covering everyone in the property, or if everyone in the household watches the same television in a shared space, you only need one licence.
- If you’re in a furnished rental and the landlord provided the TV equipment, you should check your tenancy agreement. Unless it states that you are responsible for the TV licence, the landlord should provide it.
Do I need a TV licence as a student?
If you live in student halls and you want to watch TV in your room, you will need a TV licence, although there are exceptions.
You don’t need a TV licence to watch programmes on a device, such as a phone, laptop or tablet, as long as you’re covered by an existing licence at your primary residence away from university, and the device is not plugged into the mains.
If you’re a student living in a house share, please refer to the flat share information in the paragraph above.
What are the TV licensing rules for hotel/ B&B owners?
If you offer overnight accommodation with televisions available to your guests, then the property will need to be covered by a TV licence. One licence can cover up to 15 rooms.
How much does a TV licence cost in the UK in 2025?
As of April 2025, the annual cost of a TV licence in the UK is £174.50 for a colour TV, and £58.50 for black and white.
Could I get a discount on my TV licence?
In some circumstances, it could be possible for you to get a discount on your TV licence costs.
- If you’re blind, you could be eligible for a 50% discount on a colour licence.
- If you, or a partner who lives at the same address, is over the age of 74 and in receipt of Pension Credit, you could get a free TV licence.
- Do you live in shared accommodation or a care home? If so, you could be entitled to a TV licence at a discounted fee of £7.50.
Will anyone check up on me if I don’t have a TV licence?
If you’re confident that you don’t need a licence, you can make a declaration through the TV Licensing website here.
If you don’t make contact and don’t have a licence in place, you could receive communication from TV Licensing, asking you to explain your reasons why.
If you opt out of paying for a licence, TV Licensing may send an officer to your property to investigate. If this happens, it’s important to note that they cannot enter your home without your permission. Please be aware that if they’re refused entry and have reason to believe that you are watching TV illegally, they could return with a search warrant.
If you are caught watching live television without a licence, you could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000 in the UK, or £2,000 if you live in Guernsey, plus any applicable compensation and legal costs.
Need more information?
For further information about TV licences, whether you need one, or how to report that you don’t need one, please visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk.
Information is correct as of July 2025 and may be subject to change. Please refer to https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/ for current information.