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

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

Need to update the details on your current TV Licence?

Find out about free, reduced fee and business licences below.

What is live TV and when do I need a licence for it?

Live TV means any programme you watch or record as it’s being shown on TV or live on any online TV service. It’s not just live events like sport, news and music. It covers all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies. If you’re watching live TV, you need to be covered by a TV Licence: if you’re watching on TV or on an online TV service

for all channels, not just the BBC

if you record a programme and watch it later

if you watch a programme on a delay

to watch or record repeats

to watch or record programmes on +1, +2 and +24 channels

to watch live programmes on Red Button services

even if you already pay for cable, satellite or other TV services Find out more about watching live TV. An online TV service is any streaming or smart TV service, website or app that lets you watch live TV over the internet. This includes services like All 4, Sky Go, Virgin Media, Now TV, BT TV, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and ITV Hub. Find out more about watching online and on mobile devices. If you’re thinking of buying a new TV you may find our TV buying guide helpful.

What about BBC iPlayer?

You also need to be covered to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand. This applies to any device and provider you use. Find out more about watching on BBC iPlayer.

Don’t have a TV? You could still need a TV Licence for other devices.

It doesn’t matter what device you use. If you watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. This includes: TV sets (including smart TVs)

DVD, Blu-ray and VHS recorders

Laptops and desktop computers

Tablets, mobile phones and other portable devices

Digital boxes or PVRs (such as Sky, Virgin Media or BT TV)

Games consoles

Media streaming devices (such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Now TV)

Freeview, Freesat or YouView Pay for a TV Licence now or find out about ways to pay. Tell us if you think you don't need a TV Licence

Do I need a TV Licence to watch TV away from home?

If you’re watching away from your home on a phone, tablet or laptop, and: you plug your device into the mains , you’ll be covered if that property already has a TV Licence (e.g. you go to a friend’s house and they have a licence). Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a separate TV Licence for that property.

, you’ll be covered if that property already has a TV Licence (e.g. you go to a friend’s house and they have a licence). Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a separate TV Licence for that property. your device is not plugged in (i.e. you’re watching or recording live TV programmes on any channel, or downloading or watching BBC programmes on iPlayer, using devices powered solely by internal batteries) you will be covered by your home TV Licence. Pay for a TV Licence now or find out about ways to pay. Tell us if you think you don't need a TV Licence

Do I still need a TV Licence now the digital switchover is complete?

The digital switchover took place between 2008 and 2012, region by region, throughout the UK. The last transmitter in the UK switched in Northern Ireland in October 2012. You need to be covered by a TV Licence if you watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service, or download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer. This applies to any device or provider you use.

Are there any restrictions about who can buy a TV Licence?