Many people assume streaming services don’t require a TV Licence, but in some cases, you do need one
Netflix users may need a TV Licence in certain situations (Image: Djavan Rodriguez via Getty Images)
If you’re enjoying your favourite shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go or other streaming platforms, you might assume you don’t need a TV Licence. But that’s not always the case.
Official TV Licensing guidance warns that the £174.50 annual fee is mandatory in four streaming situations that go beyond simply viewing live channels on your television. While you won’t require a TV Licence for on-demand Netflix material, such as the newest series of Stranger Things or David Beckham’s documentary, you will need one for viewing WWE or NFL events.
These represent just two of the many live events accessible across all Netflix subscriptions, which can be watched on devices from televisions to mobile phones and gaming consoles. TV Licences are similarly essential for viewing any live channel on Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and comparable platforms.
The TV Licensing website explores four key scenarios where you need a licence to stream. These include but aren’t limited to:
- Champions League matches or live channels on Amazon Prime Video
- WWE or NFL events on Netflix
- News or sports channels on YouTube
- Last year’s Christmas specials on BBC iPlayer
The site further advises: “A streaming service is a website or app for watching videos online. Many have on-demand content, so you can choose what to watch. Some also show live TV or events as they happen – you need a TV Licence for these.”
It also adds: “You need a TV Licence to watch any live and on-demand programmes on BBC iPlayer. You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on-demand programmes on other services such as Netflix, ITVx or YouTube.”
From April 1, 2025, the standard TV Licence fee rose by 2.9% in line with annual CPI inflation. This represents a modest daily rise of just over 1p and constitutes only the second fee increase since April 1, 2021.
Most households must now pay £174.50 annually for a colour licence or £58.50 for a black-and-white licence. Nevertheless, some households may be entitled to a free or discounted licence if they fulfil specific criteria.
This encompasses individuals receiving Pension Credit, who may qualify for a complimentary TV Licence upon reaching 75. Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), boosting weekly income to £227.10 for singles or £346.60 for couples.
Furthermore, care home residents or those in sheltered accommodation may qualify for a £7.50 licence if they are retired, over 60, and/or living with a disability. Those registered as blind, or living with someone who is, could also secure a 50% discount on their licence fee.
Official UK Government information adds: “You need a TV Licence to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they’re broadcast, and to watch on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer.”
It continues: “If your business offers overnight accommodation, for example, a hotel, you need a TV licence for guests to watch TV in their room. A single TV Licence will cover up to 15 rooms or accommodation units.”
You may face prosecution if it’s found that you have been watching, recording, or downloading programmes illegally. The highest penalty is a fine of up to £1,000, along with possible legal costs and/or compensation you may be required to pay. The fine in Guernsey is £2,000.
For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
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