Overview

• A licence is legally required to watch or record live TV on any channel or to use BBC iPlayer, on any device.
• Streaming on-demand via Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ does not need a licence unless viewing live broadcasts.
• TV Licensing says it writes to addresses without a licence or declaration and may visit to confirm status, citing a 1-in-14 non‑compliance rate.
• Citizens Advice says people who do not need a licence can opt out online to stop letters, and empty properties can pause contact for up to six months.
• Households can cancel and may get a refund if they will not watch live TV or iPlayer before expiry, while offenders risk fines up to £1,000 and a criminal record.