Updated July 2026

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A TV licence is legally required in the UK if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. From 1 April 2026, a standard colour […]

A TV licence is legally required in the UK if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. From 1 April 2026, a standard colour licence costs £180 per year. If you only watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video and never use BBC iPlayer, you do not need one.

Key Takeaways

Cost: £180/year (colour), £60.50 (black and white) from April 2026

Legal basis: Communications Act 2003, Section 363

Administered by TV Licensing, operated by Capita on behalf of the BBC

Free licence for over-75s who receive Pension Credit

50% discount for registered severely sight-impaired households

Maximum fine for evasion: up to £1,000

BBC iPlayer requires a licence even for on-demand catch-up

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime: no licence required