State recording law reference
Minnesota call recording laws
A private person may record a wire, electronic, or oral communication if they are a party or one party gave prior consent, subject to the purpose restriction.
Last reviewed: . Free to use. No signup required.
Minnesota: 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
Section 626A.02(2)(g) has a narrow exception for a cordless handset-to-base radio communication whose initial interception was inadvertent. This does not replace the consent rule for ordinary call recording.
Official source: Interception and disclosure of wire, electronic, or oral communications prohibited, Minn. Stat. § 626A.02.
Exceptions and penalties
- Exceptions and limits
- The private-party exception does not cover interception for a criminal or tortious act. Service-provider monitoring is separately limited to service or property protection, with restrictions on random monitoring.
- Penalties and remedies
- Ordinary violations can bring imprisonment and a fine. Section 626A.13 also permits civil damages and other relief. The statute has separate penalty rules for specified radio communications.
These are summaries of the linked sources. Read the statute for definitions, exceptions, and the full conditions that apply.
Calling between Minnesota and another state
For an interstate call involving Minnesota, 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.
Minnesota sources and review notes
Reviewed the official Minnesota Revisor 2025 Statutes text for §§ 626A.02 and 626A.13. It includes the consent, purpose, cordless-radio, penalty, and civil-remedy provisions.
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 Minnesota?
A private person may record a wire, electronic, or oral communication if they are a party or one party gave prior consent, subject to the purpose restriction.
What is the safest recording consent practice in Minnesota?
One participant's consent generally meets the consent rule for a covered call. Section 626A.02(2)(g) has a narrow exception for a cordless handset-to-base radio communication whose initial interception was inadvertent. This does not replace the consent rule for ordinary call recording.
Which statute covers call recording in Minnesota?
Interception and disclosure of wire, electronic, or oral communications prohibited, Minn. Stat. § 626A.02.
What if a Minnesota call crosses state lines?
For an interstate call involving Minnesota, 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.
Keep your calling work in Attio.
Set up your calling workspace in minutes. Questions about your CRM or team? Talk to us before you start.