State recording law reference
Missouri call recording laws
A private person may intercept a wire communication if they are a party or one party gave prior consent, unless the interception is for a criminal or tortious act.
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Missouri: 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
The official statute page includes a case annotation stating that a call between a cellular phone and a regular wire phone is a wire communication. The private-party consent exception should not be generalized to all in-person recordings.
Official source: Penalty for illegal wiretapping, permitted activities, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.402.
Exceptions and penalties
- Exceptions and limits
- The private-person consent exception is limited to wire communications. Section 542.402 separately prohibits specified device-based interception of oral communications.
- Penalties and remedies
- Prohibited conduct under § 542.402 is a class E felony. Section 542.418 also provides a civil claim for unlawful interception, disclosure, or use of wire communications.
These are summaries of the linked sources. Read the statute for definitions, exceptions, and the full conditions that apply.
Calling between Missouri and another state
For an interstate call involving Missouri, 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.
Missouri sources and review notes
Checked each substantive statement against the official Missouri statute text.
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 Missouri?
A private person may intercept a wire communication if they are a party or one party gave prior consent, unless the interception is for a criminal or tortious act.
What is the safest recording consent practice in Missouri?
One participant's consent generally meets the consent rule for a covered call. The official statute page includes a case annotation stating that a call between a cellular phone and a regular wire phone is a wire communication. The private-party consent exception should not be generalized to all in-person recordings.
Which statute covers call recording in Missouri?
Penalty for illegal wiretapping, permitted activities, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.402.
What if a Missouri call crosses state lines?
For an interstate call involving Missouri, 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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