Michigan call recording laws

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.

Exceptions and limits

Sullivan v. Gray, 117 Mich. App. 476, 481–482 (1982), permits a participant to record their own conversation under the eavesdropping statute. Sullivan also explains that a participant’s consent alone does not authorize a third party to eavesdrop.

Penalties and remedies

Unlawful eavesdropping can lead to felony charges and civil remedies. Current penalty amounts were not verified from the official statute.

These are summaries of the linked sources. Read the statute for definitions, exceptions, and the full conditions that apply.

For an interstate call involving Michigan, 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.

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.

These links prioritize bordering states, then nearby states. Their consent rules, scope, exceptions, and verification status can differ.

• Wisconsin recording laws
• Indiana recording laws
• Ohio recording laws
• Illinois recording laws

• Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 750.539a, 750.539c, 750.539h
• Michigan Court of Appeals — Sullivan v. Gray (official bound volume)
• Michigan Court of Appeals — Lewis v. LeGrow (official bound volume)
• Michigan statutory definitions
• Michigan civil remedies
• RCFP Michigan recording guide

Needs verification: Reviewed the official Michigan Court of Appeals reports for Sullivan v. Gray and Lewis v. LeGrow. They support the participant-recording point. Current statutory penalty amounts still need confirmation from the official Michigan Legislature source.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08. Statutes and interpretations can change. Ask qualified counsel about your call, all participant locations, and recording purpose.

• Interstate consent checker
• Calling hours checker
• TCPA and Do Not Call checklist