Do You Need a Television Licence if You Watch Netflix?

You do not need a TV Licence to watch streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, or videos on websites like YouTube. A TV Licence is only required in the UK if you watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer.

You may be eligible for a free or discounted TV Licence if you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, or if you are blind or living in residential care.

A standard TV Licence currently costs £169.50 per year, while a black and white licence costs £57. This fee covers both residential and business premises. In shared households, each tenant with a separate tenancy agreement needs their own licence to watch TV in their individual room. A single licence is sufficient for households with a joint tenancy agreement or if television viewing is confined to a common shared area.

Students living in university halls typically require a TV Licence to watch television in their private rooms, although communal areas might already be covered by an existing licence. Students can utilise their home address licence at university on battery-powered devices that are not plugged into mains electricity or connected to an aerial.

Businesses that provide overnight accommodation, such as hotels, need a TV Licence to allow guests to watch television in their rooms. A single licence covers up to 15 rooms or accommodation units within the business. If you move, you need to update your address with TV Licensing. You can also cancel your licence or request a refund if eligible. Failure to possess a valid TV Licence when required can result in a fine of up to £1,000.