Live TV on any channel and BBC iPlayer

The law says you need to be covered by a TV Licence to:

  • watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
  • watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
  • download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer.

This applies to any device you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

However, you do not need a TV licence if you only watch TV on demand services (i.e. not live) from anyone other than BBC iPlayer, or to watch subscription services such as:

Netflix

Amazon Prime

Britbox

Disney Plus

YouTube

You also do not need a licence to listen to music, podcast, catchup or live radio.