UK TV Licence: Who Needs One, What It Covers & How to Stay Legal

You need a TV Licence if you:

• Watch or record live TV on any channel (BBC, ITV, Sky, etc.) — via TV, computer, phone, tablet, games console, streaming stick.
• Watch BBC iPlayer — live, catch-up, or on-demand — even if you don't watch live TV otherwise.
• Are the occupier of a licensed address (one licence covers all devices at that address).

What Does NOT Require a Licence

• Streaming non-BBC on-demand only (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, ITVX, All 4, My5 — if you never watch live or BBC).
• Watching recorded non-BBC programmes after broadcast (e.g., Sky Go catch-up for non-live).
• DVDs, Blu-rays, downloaded files (non-live, non-BBC).
• Radio only (including BBC Sounds).

Cost & Payment (2024)

• Colour: £169.50/year (or monthly/quarterly direct debit).
• Black & white: £57/year (rare).
• Concessions: Free for over-75s receiving Pension Credit; 50% blind/severely sight impaired.
• Students: Covered at parents' address if device is battery-powered (laptop/phone) — otherwise need own licence.

Enforcement

• TV Licensing (BBC contractor) uses detector vans (mythic efficacy), database matching, visit officers.
• Penalty: Up to £1,000 fine + legal costs (criminal offence).
• No licence needed declaration: If you genuinely don't need one, declare online — stops letters/visits for 2 years.

Common Misconceptions

Bottom line: Live TV or BBC iPlayer = licence. Everything else = no licence. Check tvlicensing.co.uk for your situation.