Is Recording Conversations Legal in Colorado? (2026)
Yes — Recording Conversations is legal in Colorado as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: While there were changes to the Colorado Open Records Act in 2023, there have been no significant recent changes to the state's laws regarding the recording of private conversations.
Quick Answer
Colorado is a one-party consent state under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-303. Recording is legal if one party consents to the recording. Secret recordings without any party's consent are illegal.
What the Law Says
Colorado is a one-party consent state. It is a class 1 misdemeanor to secretly record a conversation to which you are not a party.
— Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-303
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Consent Requirements | Possession of recordings made with one-party consent is legal. |
| Exceptions | No specific restrictions on sale if recordings are legally obtained. |
| Criminal/Civil Penalties | Violation is a class 1 misdemeanor under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-303. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
While there were changes to the Colorado Open Records Act in 2023, there have been no significant recent changes to the state's laws regarding the recording of private conversations.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement in Colorado is focused on the consent of at least one party to the conversation. Recording police activity is generally permissible, but interfering with law enforcement duties while doing so can lead to other charges.
A common mistake is secretly recording a conversation to which you are not a party. Another is not realizing that the one-party consent rule applies to all forms of communication, including electronic ones.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Colorado. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Recording Conversations is legal in Colorado. You can recording conversations without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Colorado vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, recording conversations is fully legal in 31 states, restricted in 19, and illegal in 0. Colorado falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Colorado Legal Guides
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