State recording law reference
District of Columbia call recording laws
D.C. permits call recording by a participant or with one participant’s prior consent.
Last reviewed: . Free to use. No signup required.
District of Columbia: the rule and its scope
This reference is not legal advice. The labels describe conservative recording practices. They do not determine which law applies to your call. Confirm the current law with qualified counsel, including each participant's actual location and any industry-specific rules. A phone number's area code does not establish a person's location.
Safest practice for this reference
One-party consent, subject to the statute
Who must agree
Knowing use or disclosure of illegally intercepted contents is prohibited; this does not apply after the contents become public information or common knowledge.
Official source: Interception, disclosure, and use of wire or oral communications prohibited, D.C. Code § 23-542.
Exceptions and penalties
- Exceptions and limits
- The private-person consent exception excludes recording for a criminal, tortious or other injurious act.
- Penalties and remedies
- A violation can result in a fine, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
These are summaries of the linked sources. Read the statute for definitions, exceptions, and the full conditions that apply.
Calling between District of Columbia and another state
For an interstate call involving District of Columbia, this reference uses the more protective practice label for the selected jurisdictions. That practice does not decide which law governs the call. Check each participant's actual location and the other state's notes before recording.
For a person not acting under color of law, the federal statute permits interception when that person is a party to the communication or one party has given prior consent. This exception does not apply when the purpose is to commit a criminal or tortious act in violation of federal or state law. It does not settle stricter state requirements.
Federal source: 18 U.S.C. § 2511(2)(d). Compare the two states in the checker.
This reference was checked against the official 2024 U.S. Code edition. Later amendments have not been confirmed. Confirm them before relying on this reference.
A sample recording disclosure
With your permission, I would like to record this call to keep an accurate record of our conversation. Is that okay with everyone on the call?
Say this before starting the recording. Wait for an answer. If anyone declines, leave recording off. A script does not replace a review of the applicable law.
Nearby or related states
These links prioritize bordering states, then nearby states. Their consent rules, scope, exceptions, and verification status can differ.
District of Columbia sources and review notes
Reviewed the current official D.C. Council law library text, including the prior-consent exception and criminal penalties.
Last reviewed: . Statutes and interpretations can change. Ask qualified counsel about your call, all participant locations, and recording purpose.
Related tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to record a conversation in District of Columbia?
D.C. permits call recording by a participant or with one participant’s prior consent.
What is the safest recording consent practice in District of Columbia?
One participant's consent generally meets the consent rule for a covered call. Knowing use or disclosure of illegally intercepted contents is prohibited; this does not apply after the contents become public information or common knowledge.
Which statute covers call recording in District of Columbia?
Interception, disclosure, and use of wire or oral communications prohibited, D.C. Code § 23-542.
What if a District of Columbia call crosses state lines?
For an interstate call involving District of Columbia, this reference uses the more protective practice label for the selected jurisdictions. That practice does not decide which law governs the call. Check each participant's actual location and the other state's notes before recording.
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