TV licences in the UK: Do you really need one in 2025?

Let’s cut through the confusion. In 2025, a TV licence is legally required in the UK if you watch or record live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer – whether that's live, or on catch-up.

It doesn’t matter what you’re watching on, TV, laptop or mobile, the same rule applies.

Here’s an easy breakdown of when you do and don’t need a TV licence below:

The standard UK TV licence will cost you £169.50 a year from April 2025. That’s roughly £14.12 a month - although you can spread it differently depending on how you pay.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Annual: £169.50 paid in full

• Monthly: £14.12/month (initial 6 months), then ~£12.88

• Quarterly: £43.38 every 3 months (plus a £1.25 fee)

If you’re a student, pensioner, or on a tight budget, you might qualify for one of the below:

• Free licence if you're over 74 and on Pension Credit

• 50% off if you’re blind or severely sight-impaired

• Low-cost options if you live in a care home

The good news is you don’t need a TV licence to stream on-demand content from platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITVX, All4 and My5 (on-demand only). So, if you’re not watching live broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer, you might be able to ditch your licence altogether.

That’s where Virgin Media comes in. With Virgin Media broadband only deals, you can stream your favourite shows, binge YouTube, and chill with Netflix - all without needing a TV licence (just don’t hit that “Live TV” button).

Not always! It depends on how and where you're watching. You'll need a TV licence if you're watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer on any device. But if you're only streaming on-demand content, watching on a battery-powered laptop or phone, and not using iPlayer at all, then you won’t need a licence.

If you live in a property with joint tenancy, you’ll only need one licence to cover the whole place, but if you have separate tenancy agreements, then each tenant needs their own individual licence.

If you’re moving into student halls or house share, you’ll need to be covered by your own licence to watch TV in your room. Check out our student broadband deals for streaming on a budget.

If you do need a TV licence, paying for it is simple. You can either:

• Pay online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk

• Phone and pay: 0300 790 6112

You can also set up a monthly, quarterly, or annual direct debit. There’s even a TV Licensing payment card if you prefer PayPoint shops or more flexible pay-as-you-go options. Each method suits different budgets, but remember, quarterly plans come with the £1.25 extra charge.

If you’re moving home, don’t cancel your TV licence, just update your address. It only takes a couple of minutes and keeps your coverage uninterrupted.

If you’ve already paid your TV licence in full, don’t worry, your licence will simply move with you to your new address. If you’re paying by direct debit or using a payment card, there’s no need to start over; your existing payment plan will continue as normal once you update your address.

We understand moving home can be stressful; to help you sort out all your utilities, we’ve put together a moving house checklist.

If you find that you no longer watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer at your new place, you might want to consider cancelling your licence instead.

If you think you can cancel your TV licence because you’re not watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer, you can cancel your licence both legally and easily in a few easy steps:!

1. Make sure you’re eligible: no live TV, no iPlayer

2. Go to tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0300 790 6096

3. Submit a No Licence Needed declaration

4. Request a refund if you’ve paid in advance

What happens next? You may still receive letters or even a visit, this is routine. As long as you’re genuinely not using live TV or iPlayer, you’re legally in the clear.

Watching live TV without a licence when one is required can result in:

• A fine of up to £1,000

• Court fees

• A criminal record (though rare)

TV Licensing sends warning letters and may conduct home visits.

If you’ve ditched live TV completely and just use the internet, good news, you probably don’t need a TV licence at all. Enjoy Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and more without needing to pay for live TV again.

Perfect for broadband-only households who:

• Stream shows on Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and others

• Don’t watch or record live TV

And remember - you do need a TV Licence if you watch or record:

• Any live TV (on any channel, through any service, including Sky, NOW, YouTube Live, ITVX live streams, etc.)

• BBC iPlayer (even on-demand shows)

It doesn’t matter what device you use - TV, laptop, tablet, or phone. The rule is about how you watch, not what you watch on.

Our Virgin Media broadband-only deals are ideal for streamers who want full entertainment with zero licence worries.