Do I Need a TV Licence?

You NEED a licence if you:

  • • Watch or record live TV on ANY channel (BBC, ITV, Sky, etc.)
  • • Watch or stream BBC iPlayer (live or on-demand)
  • • Watch live TV online (e.g., ITV Hub live, Channel 4 live)
  • • Use a TV, computer, phone, tablet, or any device to watch live TV

You DON'T need one if you only:

  • • Watch Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
  • • Watch YouTube
  • • Watch on-demand content on ITV Hub, Channel 4, My5 (NOT live)
  • • Use your TV for gaming only
  • • Use your TV as a computer monitor

The BBC iPlayer exception

BBC iPlayer is the only on-demand service that requires a licence. All other catch-up/on-demand services are licence-free. This catches many people out.