Who needs a TV license and who doesn't

You need a TV license in the UK if you watch or record live television on any channel, or if you watch or record programmes on BBC iPlayer — even if you only watch on-demand content. This applies whether you're watching on a television set, computer, tablet, or phone. The requirement covers anyone in a household where this happens, not just the person whose name is on the bill.

You do not need a TV license if you only watch on-demand programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer (such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or ITV Hub), or if you only listen to radio. You also don't need one if you watch recorded programmes that were not broadcast live, or if you never watch or record any television at all.

The license is not optional or voluntary — it's a legal requirement enforced by TV Licensing, the organisation that administers the scheme on behalf of the BBC. Watching television without a valid license is a criminal offense that can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Key Takeaways

  • A TV license is required if you watch or record any live television, or use BBC iPlayer for any content, regardless of the device you use.
  • The license covers your entire household, so only one license per address is needed even if multiple people live there.
  • You can purchase a TV license online through the TV Licensing website, by phone, or by post, and it lasts for 12 months from the date you buy it.
  • If you're over 74 and receive Pension Credit, you may be may have access to to a free TV license, though you must claim it separately.
  • Watching live television or BBC iPlayer without a valid license is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

How to buy a TV license online

The fastest way to get a TV license is through the official TV Licensing website at tvlicensing.co.uk. You'll need your name, date of birth, address, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or PayPal). The process takes about 10 minutes and your license becomes active when ready.

When you reach the payment page, you can choose to pay the full annual amount upfront or set up monthly payments by Direct Debit, which spreads the cost over 12 months. If you pay monthly, the first payment is taken when ready and the license is active from that date. You'll receive a confirmation email with your license number, which you should keep for your records.

If you're buying a license for the first time at a new address, TV Licensing will ask for proof of your identity and residency. This can be a passport, driving license, or utility bill. If you've moved house, you'll need to provide your new address and may need to show proof that you live there.

Buying a TV license by phone or post

You can also buy a TV license by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6117. The phone lines are open Monday to Sunday, and staff can process your payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. This route takes longer than online but is useful if you prefer not to use the internet or have questions about your circumstances.

To buy by post, you can request an process form from TV Licensing or read one from their website. Fill it out, send it with a cheque or postal order, and allow 10 working days for processing. This is the slowest method and is not recommended if you need a license urgently, as you'll be without cover while the form is in the post.

What happens if you don't have a valid license

TV Licensing sends enforcement officers to homes where they believe someone is watching television without a license. These officers have the power to enter your home if you give them permission, but you are not legally required to let them in. If they suspect an offense, they can report it to the police, and the case may go to court.

If you're convicted of watching television without a license, the maximum fine is £1,000. In practice, most people who are caught are offered a settlement of several hundred pounds before the case reaches court. The fine is separate from the cost of buying a license, so you'll have to pay both.

If you receive a letter from TV Licensing asking about your viewing, you should respond honestly. Ignoring the letter or providing false information makes the situation worse. If you genuinely don't watch live television or BBC iPlayer, you can tell them that — but you must be truthful, as lying to an enforcement officer is itself an offense.

Free TV licenses for people over 74

If you're 74 or older and receive Pension Credit, you may be may have access to to a free TV license. This is not automatic — you must claim it separately through TV Licensing. You'll need to provide proof of your age and evidence that you receive Pension Credit, such as a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions.

To claim a free license, contact TV Licensing with your proof of may be able to access. The process can take several weeks, so if your current license is about to expire, you may want to buy a new one and then claim the refund once your free license is approved. TV Licensing will refund the cost of the license you bought if your claim is successful.

Renewing your TV license

Your TV license lasts for exactly 12 months from the date you buy it. TV Licensing will send you a reminder letter about a month before it expires, with instructions on how to renew. You can renew online, by phone, or by post using the same methods as buying a new license.

If you renew before your current license expires, the new license will start the day after the old one ends, so there's no gap in your cover. If you wait until after your license has expired, you'll be without a valid license from the expiry date until you complete the renewal, and you could be at risk of enforcement action during that time.

If you've moved house, you'll need to update your address with TV Licensing before or when you renew. You can do this online, by phone, or by post. Keeping your address up to date ensures you receive renewal reminders and that enforcement officers have the correct information if they need to contact you.

TV licenses for students and temporary residents

If you're a student living in halls of residence or shared student accommodation, you may not need your own TV license. Many halls have a single license that covers all residents, paid for by the university or the accommodation provider. Check with your accommodation office to find out whether you're covered.

If you're renting a room in a shared house or flat and the landlord or another resident already has a license, you don't need to buy another one — the existing license covers the whole address. However, if you're the only person watching television in your accommodation, you'll need to buy your own license.

If you're living in the UK temporarily (for example, on a work visa or visiting for several months), you still need a TV license if you watch live television or BBC iPlayer. You can buy a license for a shorter period than 12 months by contacting TV Licensing directly, though the cost per month is higher than an annual license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV license to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

No. You only need a TV license if you watch live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Now TV do not require a license. However, if you watch live television on any channel while you have these services, you still need a license for the live television.

What if I only watch BBC iPlayer on-demand, not live?

You still need a TV license. BBC iPlayer requires a license for all content — both live and on-demand. This is different from other streaming services, where you only need a license if you're watching live television. If you use BBC iPlayer at all, you must have a valid license.

Can I watch television on my phone or tablet without a license?

No. The device doesn't matter. If you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer on a phone, tablet, computer, or television set, you need a license. The requirement is about what you're watching, not what you're watching it on.

What if I live with other people — do we each need a license?

No. One TV license covers the entire household, regardless of how many people live there. You only need to buy one license per address. If you move to a new address, you'll need to update your license details with TV Licensing.

How much does a TV license cost?

The cost varies depending on whether you want a colour or black-and-white license (black-and-white is cheaper) and whether you pay annually or monthly. You can see the current prices on the TV Licensing website. Prices are set by the BBC and change each year, usually in April.