Is Recording Conversations Legal in New York? (2026)
Yes — Recording Conversations is legal in New York as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: A bill was introduced in 2023 (S4221) to require all-party consent, but it has not passed. In 2026, a bill was introduced in NYC (Int 0012-2026) to prohibit the dissemination of manipulated recordings.
Quick Answer
New York is a one-party consent state under CPLR § 4504. Recording a conversation is legal if one party consents. Secretly recording a conversation without any party's consent is illegal.
What the Law Says
New York is a one-party consent state. It is a Class E felony to record a conversation you are not a part of.
— New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 4504
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Consent Requirements | Possession of recordings made with one-party consent is legal. |
| Exceptions | No specific restrictions on sale, but recordings must be legally obtained. |
| Criminal/Civil Penalties | Illegal recording is a misdemeanor under Penal Law § 250.00. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
A bill was introduced in 2023 (S4221) to require all-party consent, but it has not passed. In 2026, a bill was introduced in NYC (Int 0012-2026) to prohibit the dissemination of manipulated recordings.
Enforcement Reality
New York is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record a conversation if you are a party to it. It is a felony to record a conversation you are not a part of.
A common mistake is recording a conversation without being a participant, which constitutes illegal eavesdropping. Another is not realizing that while legal, the admissibility of a recording in court can be complex.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across New York. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Recording Conversations is legal in New York. You can recording conversations without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
New York vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, recording conversations is fully legal in 31 states, restricted in 19, and illegal in 0. New York 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.
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