Is Recording Conversations Legal in Vermont? (2026)
Yes — Recording Conversations is legal in Vermont as of 2026.
Law changed in 2026: A 2026 bill was introduced to regulate the use of synthetic media in elections. There have been no other significant changes to the state's recording laws in 2023-2026.
Quick Answer
Vermont is a one-party consent state under 13 V.S.A. § 5704. Recording a conversation is legal if one party consents. Secret recordings without any party's consent are illegal.
What the Law Says
Vermont has no specific statute regarding recording conversations. Consent is not required, but civil suits are possible.
— Vermont Statutes Annotated 13 V.S.A. § 5704
| 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 misdemeanor under 13 V.S.A. § 5704. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
A 2026 bill was introduced to regulate the use of synthetic media in elections. There have been no other significant changes to the state's recording laws in 2023-2026.
Enforcement Reality
Vermont law is ambiguous, with no specific statute on recording conversations. However, case law suggests that recording a conversation in a private setting without consent could be an invasion of privacy. It is generally considered a one-party consent state.
A common mistake is assuming that the lack of a specific statute means there are no restrictions. Secretly recording a conversation in a private home has been found to be an unlawful invasion of privacy.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Vermont. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Recording Conversations is legal in Vermont. You can recording conversations without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Vermont vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, recording conversations is fully legal in 31 states, restricted in 19, and illegal in 0. Vermont 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 Vermont Legal Guides
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