Do I Need A Licence?

UK television licences are regulated by the Communications Act (2003) and The Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004.

When do I need a licence?

Under the current legislation, you need a licence if you:

  • Watch or record live (or nearly live) television programmes.

This is the only situation in which you need a television licence.

A television licence is required no matter what kind of device is used - television sets, DVD players or recorders, set-top boxes, computers, or even mobile phones.

When do I not need a licence?

Certain groups (such as those aged over 75) are exempt from the licence programme. In addition, you do not need a licence to:

  • Own a television set.
  • Use a television with a video console.
  • Use a television with a computer.
  • Use a television to listen to the radio (e.g., via a digibox).
  • Use a television to watch DVDs, videos, or pre-recorded programmes.
  • Use a television to watch internet video (e.g., YouTube).
  • Use a television to watch TV programmes that are not being transmitted live (e.g., iPlayer).

Owning a device that is capable of receiving live television does not require you to purchase a television licence.

A television licence is only required if you actually use that device to receive live television. If you do not receive live television, you do not need a licence.