Guides › Subscriptions and Contracts › TV, Streaming and the TV Licence
TV, Streaming and the TV Licence
You need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or device, or to use BBC iPlayer. You do not need one if you only watch on-demand programmes from other services. Complaints about programmes go to the BBC for BBC content and to Ofcom for most other channels and streaming services.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The TV Licence
When You Need One
You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, to watch on a delay, or to download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. source
When You Do Not
You do not need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes from services other than BBC iPlayer. source
Cost and Free Licences
A TV Licence costs £180 for colour and £60.50 for black and white. People aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV Licence. source
Refunds
You can ask for a refund if you will not need your licence again before it expires and there is at least one complete month left. Apply online up to 14 days before you stop needing it; TV Licensing aims to issue refunds within 21 days. source
Programmes and Streaming
Complaining About Programmes
To complain about a programme, use the BBC's complaint form for BBC channels and iPlayer, and Ofcom's forms for other channels and on-demand services such as Netflix. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysApply for a TV Licence refundUp to 14 days before you stop needing it
- 21 daysRefund issuedTV Licensing aims for 21 days
- See belowMonths left for a refundAt least one complete month
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Free routes to escalate, and when each one applies.
TV Licensing
Licences, refunds and cancellations.
BBC Complaints
Complaints about BBC programmes and iPlayer.
Ofcom
Complaints about programmes on other channels and on-demand services.
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check whether you need a licence: live TV or iPlayer means yes.
Step 2 of 5
If you get Pension Credit and are 75 or over, apply for a free licence.
Step 3 of 5
If you stop needing a licence, apply for a refund online.
Step 4 of 5
For programme complaints, use the BBC or Ofcom form as appropriate.
Step 5 of 5
For streaming subscription problems, see our subscriptions guides.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Evidence and Your Letter
Gather your evidence, then build a letter you can send in minutes.
Evidence Checklist
0 of 4 gatheredTap each one when you have it.
CPUKLetter Generator
How This Works
- 1
Tick off the evidence you already have, and see what is still missing.
- 2
Answer the letter questions. Your answers fill in the wording for you.
- 3
Copy or download the letter, check every detail, and send it yourself.
A template, not legal advice.
Watch Out For
Common traps and scams to avoid.
Fake TV Licensing emails and texts asking for bank details or saying your licence has expired.
Paying for a licence you do not need if you only use non-BBC on-demand services.
Copycat sites charging extra: use tvlicensing.co.uk.
Recent or changing rules: tap to read
Checked 13 October 2026. The licence fee changes from time to time: check TV Licensing for the current amount.
Common Problems
Step-by-step help for a specific problem covered by this guide.
Company Guides for This Topic
Step-by-step help for specific companies.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Not sure where you stand? Try our action plan tool or the free letter templates.
Sources and official links
- tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one Checked 13 October 2026
- tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/cancellations-and-refunds-top7 Checked 13 October 2026
- ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/how-to-report-a-complaint Checked 13 October 2026
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.