Surveillance & Investigation Law · By State

One-party vs. all-party consent states

Which states let you record a conversation you’re part of, and which require everyone’s consent — all 50 states + DC.

For reference only. Laws change — verify each answer against the linked statute and a licensed attorney before acting. Last reviewed: August 2026

By state Recording Consent states GPS trackers Cameras PI license Reciprocity

To record a conversation you’re part of: 40 jurisdictions (including DC) follow one-party consent — you can record. 11 states require all-party consent — everyone must agree.

One-party consent — you may record a conversation you’re in

All-party (two-party) consent — everyone must agree

California Delaware Florida Illinois Maryland Massachusetts Montana New Hampshire Oregon Pennsylvania Washington

Watch the phone-call hybrids. Connecticut and Nevada are one-party in person but all-party for phone calls; Oregon is the reverse (all-party in person, one-party by phone). Always confirm on the state page.

This is about recording a conversation you’re part of. Recording people you’re not part of is a separate, stricter matter. See the full recording-consent table, the can I record my spouse? guide, and will it hold up in court?

General legal information only, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by reading it. Entries may be incomplete or outdated; confirm the current law at the official state code and consult a licensed attorney before recording, tracking, installing cameras, or gathering evidence.