You must be covered by a TV Licence to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand. This applies to any device and provider you use.

Don’t forget, your TV Licence also covers you to watch or record programmes on any channel as they are being shown on TV or live on an online TV service.

Find out about ways to pay.

I already have a licence. What do I need to do?

Nothing. You don’t need a second licence for BBC iPlayer or to pay anything extra. If you already have a licence (including a free over 75 licence), you’re already covered. You and anyone normally living at your address are already covered to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer and to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel. However, there are some exceptions where you may need to be covered by a separate licence: If you are a student

If you have a separate tenancy agreement for your room

If you live in a separate flat or annex What if I already have a free over 75 TV Licence or a blind concessionary licence? Then you and anyone living at your address are already covered.

I don’t have a licence. What do I need to do?

You need to be covered by a TV Licence (including a free over 75 TV Licence) if you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand. If you are not licensed, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000* plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay. You need a licence even if you access BBC iPlayer through another provider, such as: Freeview, Freesat or YouView

Sky, Virgin Media or BT TV

Apple, Roku or Amazon Don’t forget, you also need a TV Licence to watch or record any live TV programmes on any channel, no matter what device you use. Still not sure if you need a licence? Find out about ways to pay. What if I’m 74 years old or over or if I’m blind (severely sight impaired)? You may be eligible for a concession. Find out more about applying for a free over 75 licence when you’re over 74 or a blind concessionary licence. *The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey.

Do I need a licence for everything on BBC iPlayer?

You need to be covered by a licence to watch or download almost all BBC programmes on iPlayer. At the moment, there are just a few exceptions – watching S4C TV on demand, listening to radio, and watching films or TV shows you’ve bought on the BBC Store. There may be other exceptions in the future. Remember, you still need a TV Licence to watch or record any live TV programmes on any channel, no matter what device you use.

Does this affect my No Licence Needed declaration?

If you have declared to us that you don’t need a TV Licence, but you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, you need to be covered by a licence. You need a licence even if you access BBC iPlayer through another provider, such as: Freeview, Freesat or YouView

Sky, Virgin Media or BT TV

Apple, Roku or Amazon If you never watch or record any live TV programmes on any channel or device, and never download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, you don’t need a TV Licence.

What’s the difference between live TV and on demand?

Live TV means any programme you watch or record at the same time as it's being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. Find out more about watching live TV. On demand means any programme you download or watch that is not being shown as live TV, including catch up TV. These programmes can be accessed on a website or through an app on a smart TV, digital box or any other device. On demand also includes exclusive programmes that are only available online. You don’t need to be covered by a licence to watch any films or TV shows that you buy online.

Do I need a TV Licence for all on demand programmes?

No. You don’t need a licence if you only ever watch on demand or catch up programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer* (and you also never watch live TV programmes on any channel, including on iPlayer). You don’t need to be covered by a licence to watch any films or TV shows that you buy online. *You don’t need a licence to watch S4C TV on demand or listen to radio on iPlayer. You also don’t need one to watch films or TV shows on iPlayer that you’ve bought on the BBC Store.

Does the law apply to all devices and providers?

Yes, it applies to any device and provider you use, including: 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

I’m over 75. Do I need a TV Licence for iPlayer?

If you’re over 75 and you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. If you already have one you don’t need another one – you’re already covered. Anyone aged 74 or over and receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free over 75 TV Licence. Pension Credit can be in the name of the licence holder, or in their partner’s name if they’re a couple and live at the same address. If you or your partner don’t receive Pension Credit you’ll need to continue to pay for your licence. More information about how to apply

Does this apply to students?

Yes. Anyone who downloads or watches BBC programmes on demand, including catch up TV, on iPlayer must be covered by a TV Licence. You also need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, including on iPlayer. This applies to any device you use. Find out more about TV Licensing for students

How can I make sure my business is covered?

The best way to make sure everyone on your premises is covered to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, is to buy a TV Licence for your business. Find out more about TV Licensing for businesses and organisations

Am I covered to use BBC iPlayer when I’m on the go or abroad?

If you already have a TV Licence for your address, you are already covered to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer when you’re on the go, provided the device you’re using isn’t plugged into the electricity mains at a separate address. If the device is plugged in at a separate address, you need to be covered by a licence at that address. At the moment, you aren’t able to stream or download programmes on iPlayer while abroad. But you should be able to access programmes that you’ve downloaded before going overseas (usually available for 30 days after they’re shown on live TV).

Can I be prosecuted for watching BBC programmes on iPlayer without a TV Licence?