Call Recording Laws in Missouri 2025
Last Updated: February 17, 2025
Missouri is a one-party consent state. This means that if you are an active participant in a conversation, your consent alone is sufficient to legally record that call. In this guide, we outline the key legal provisions, discuss the potential penalties for non-compliance, and offer practical tips to help you record calls in Missouri in a lawful manner.
Overview of Missouri Call Recording Law
Under Missouri law—specifically, Missouri Revised Statutes Section 542.402—it is legal to record a telephone or electronic communication as long as you are a party to that conversation. This one-party consent rule is intended to balance the need for effective communication recording with the privacy rights of individuals.
Is It Legal to Record a Call in Missouri?
Yes. In Missouri, recording a call is legal if you are an active participant in the conversation. Your own consent authorizes the recording. However, recording a conversation in which you are not involved is prohibited and can lead to legal consequences.
Missouri One-Party Consent
Missouri follows a one-party consent policy. As long as you are involved in the conversation, your consent alone is sufficient for recording. This policy is designed to protect your right to record your own communications while safeguarding against unauthorized interception of private conversations.
Penalties for Illegal Recording in Missouri
Violating Missouri's call recording laws can have serious legal repercussions. Unauthorized recording may result in criminal charges, substantial fines, and even imprisonment. Additionally, affected individuals may pursue civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy if their rights are violated.
Federal vs. Missouri Law
While federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2511 permits one-party consent for recording communications, Missouri law governs recordings made within the state. When recording calls that involve parties from other jurisdictions, it is best to adhere to Missouri's one-party consent standard if any participant is in Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri a one-party consent state?
Yes. In Missouri, if you are a participant in a conversation, your consent is sufficient to legally record the call.
Can I record calls in Missouri without informing the other party?
Yes, provided you are part of the conversation. Recording calls in which you are not involved is illegal.
What are the penalties for illegal recording in Missouri?
Illegal recording in Missouri can result in criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, and civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy.
How do Missouri laws interact with federal recording laws?
Although federal law allows one-party consent, Missouri law governs recordings made within the state. It is important to follow Missouri’s legal standards when any participant is located in Missouri.
Additional Resources
For further details, refer to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 542.402 or visit our Call Recording Laws by State guide.
The information in this article is intended as a general guide and should not be taken as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult a lawyer.
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