Can you record a phone call in Kentucky?
You may record a call you take part in without the other person's consent. Kentucky's eavesdropping law only bans recording the conversations of others without the consent of at least one party.
- Phone calls
- Kentucky's eavesdropping law (KRS 526.010 and 526.020) bans using a device to overhear or record a wire or oral communication of others without the consent of at least one party. Because you are a party to your own calls, you may record them. The same rule covers in-person talks. Federal law (18 U.S.C. 2511) is also one-party.
- Business calls
- No notice is needed when your own staff take part in the call. Announce the recording when you call people in all-party states. Kentucky's consumer data protection law (KRS 367.3611 and following), in force since January 1, 2026, covers businesses that handle data of 100,000 consumers a year, or 25,000 if over half their revenue comes from selling personal data.
- What counts as consent
- Your own consent as a participant is enough in Kentucky. For calls with people in stricter states, say at the start that you record; a person who is warned and keeps talking is generally treated as consenting.
- Penalties
- Eavesdropping is a Class D felony: 1-5 years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000. Disclosing illegally recorded content is a misdemeanor. The eavesdropping law itself gives victims no right to sue.
Say this at the start
Telling everyone and asking is the safe habit everywhere.
- English
Before we start: I record my calls so I can keep accurate notes. Is that OK with you?
Worth knowing
- The official commentary, which courts may consult, says talk that can be heard through a wall without a device is not protected.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026. A plain summary of the law, not legal advice.
- 18 U.S.C. 2511, federal Wiretap Act (U.S. Code on GovInfo)statute
- KRS 526.010, Definition of eavesdrop (Kentucky General Assembly)statute
- KRS 367.3613, Consumer data protection: application (FindLaw)guide
- RCFP Reporter's Recording Guide: Kentuckyguide
- RCFP: Introduction to the Reporter's Recording Guideguide
Other states
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Questions
Is Kentucky a one-party consent state?
Yes. You may record a call you take part in without the other person's consent. Kentucky's eavesdropping law only bans recording the conversations of others without the consent of at least one party.
Can a business record calls in Kentucky?
No notice is needed when your own staff take part in the call. Announce the recording when you call people in all-party states. Kentucky's consumer data protection law (KRS 367.3611 and following), in force since January 1, 2026, covers businesses that handle data of 100,000 consumers a year, or 25,000 if over half their revenue comes from selling personal data.
What counts as consent in Kentucky?
Your own consent as a participant is enough in Kentucky. For calls with people in stricter states, say at the start that you record; a person who is warned and keeps talking is generally treated as consenting.
What happens if you record a call illegally in Kentucky?
Eavesdropping is a Class D felony: 1-5 years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000. Disclosing illegally recorded content is a misdemeanor. The eavesdropping law itself gives victims no right to sue.
Hang up. The notes are done.
Superscribe records your business calls on the number you already have and writes the note when you hang up. You say one line at the start, and it does the rest.
