Do I Need a TV Licence?
The simple answer: only if you watch live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. If you only use streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime, you do not need one and can save £180/year.
Do I need a TV Licence to watch Netflix?
No, not for on-demand viewing. Watching Netflix films and box sets on demand does not need a TV Licence, whatever device you use. You could hold Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video subscriptions together and still legally owe nothing.
One exception: Netflix now streams some live events (NFL games, boxing, live shows). TV Licensing's rule is that watching any programme as it is broadcast live needs a licence, so a live Netflix event does require one. The normal on-demand catalogue does not.
Source: TV Licensing, “Do I need a TV Licence to watch Netflix?”. The same on-demand vs live distinction applies to Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
You NEED a TV licence if you...
- ✕ Watch live TV on ANY channel (BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, international channels)
- ✕ Use BBC iPlayer for anything (live, catch-up, or downloads)
- ✕ Record live TV programmes to watch later
- ✕ Watch live streams online that are also being broadcast on TV
- ✕ Watch live sport through Amazon Prime or any other provider
You DON'T need one if you only...
- ✓ Watch Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video on-demand
- ✓ Watch YouTube videos (not live TV simulcasts)
- ✓ Watch catch-up on ITVX, Channel 4, or My5
- ✓ Use your TV for gaming, DVDs, or Blu-rays
- ✓ Listen to radio (including BBC Radio)
- ✓ Own a TV but never watch live broadcasts or iPlayer
Streaming Service Matrix
| Service | Licence Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | No | On-demand is fine. Netflix live events (NFL, boxing) need a licence |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Live AND catch-up both require a licence |
| Amazon Prime Video | No | On-demand only. Live sport channels need a licence |
| Disney+ | No | On-demand only |
| ITVX (catch-up) | No | On-demand/catch-up is fine |
| ITVX (live) | Yes | Watching live broadcasts requires a licence |
| Channel 4 (catch-up) | No | On-demand/catch-up is fine |
| Channel 4 (live) | Yes | Watching live broadcasts requires a licence |
| My5 (catch-up) | No | On-demand/catch-up is fine |
| YouTube | No | Standard videos are fine. Live TV simulcasts need a licence |
| Sky Go / Now TV (on-demand) | No | On-demand content is fine |
| Sky Go / Now TV (live) | Yes | Live channels require a licence |
| Apple TV+ | No | On-demand only |
| Paramount+ | No | On-demand only |
Device-by-Device Guide
It does not matter what device you use. The licence requirement depends on what you watch, not what you watch it on.
| Device | TV Licence Needed? |
|---|---|
| Smart TV | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Laptop/desktop | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Smartphone | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Tablet | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| Games console | Only if watching live TV or iPlayer |
| TV used only for gaming | No licence needed |
| TV unplugged/not used | No licence needed |
Edge Cases
Shared houses
If you have a joint tenancy agreement, one licence covers the whole house. If you have individual tenancy agreements (common in HMOs), each room counts as a separate property and needs its own licence.
Caravans and second homes
If your home is licensed, a towable caravan or static caravan is also covered, even a mains TV, as long as you do not watch at both places at once and you submit the free non-simultaneous use declaration. A bricks-and-mortar holiday home needs its own licence (unless you only ever use a battery-powered device there). Full guide
Battery-powered devices
A device running on its own internal battery (not plugged into the mains while in use) may be covered by your main home licence. This is the basis of the student exception. The moment you plug in, you need a licence at that address.
Business premises
Offices, pubs, hotels, and other business premises need their own licence if they have TVs showing live broadcasts. Hotels have a different pricing structure. Business licence guide
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