Can you record a phone call in Utah?
You can record a call you take part in without asking the others. Utah's Interception of Communications Act only forbids it when the purpose is a crime or a civil wrong.
- Phone calls
- Utah Code section 77-23a-4 makes intercepting calls and other electronic communications a crime. Subsection (7)(b) allows it when you are a party to the call or one party gave prior consent, unless the purpose is a crime or a civil wrong under state or federal law. Federal law (18 U.S.C. 2511) sets the same one-party rule.
- Business calls
- Utah sets no notice rule for a participant who records. The Utah Consumer Privacy Act (since 31 December 2023) applies only to businesses with at least $25 million in annual revenue that also handle data on 100,000 Utah consumers, or 25,000 if over half their revenue comes from selling data. For callers in all-party states such as California or Washington, announce the recording.
- What counts as consent
- As a participant, your own consent is enough, and Utah requires no beep. In a 2023 jail-call case (State v. Wood), the Utah Supreme Court held that using a phone after clear warnings that calls may be recorded is implied consent.
- Penalties
- Usually a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison). Victims can sue for the greatest of actual damages plus profits, $100 a day or $10,000, plus punitive damages and legal fees (Utah Code 77-23a-11).
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
- A 2018 bill (HB 330) would have required everyone's consent. Lawmakers dropped it after public opposition, so Utah remains one-party.
- In-person conversations follow the same rule where the speaker expects privacy. Hiding a camera or sound recorder where people expect privacy is a separate misdemeanor (Utah Code 76-9-402).
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026. A plain summary of the law, not legal advice.
- Utah Code 77-23a-4, Offenses, criminal and civil, lawful interception (Utah Legislature)statute
- State v. Wood, 2023 UT 15, Utah Supreme Court (FindLaw copy)court
- Utah Code 77-23a-4, FindLaw copy current to January 2025guide
- Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: Utah recording guideguide
- What is the Utah Consumer Privacy Act? (RecordingLaw, reviewed August 2026)guide
Other states
More free tools
Questions
Is Utah a one-party consent state?
Yes. You can record a call you take part in without asking the others. Utah's Interception of Communications Act only forbids it when the purpose is a crime or a civil wrong.
Can a business record calls in Utah?
Utah sets no notice rule for a participant who records. The Utah Consumer Privacy Act (since 31 December 2023) applies only to businesses with at least $25 million in annual revenue that also handle data on 100,000 Utah consumers, or 25,000 if over half their revenue comes from selling data. For callers in all-party states such as California or Washington, announce the recording.
What counts as consent in Utah?
As a participant, your own consent is enough, and Utah requires no beep. In a 2023 jail-call case (State v. Wood), the Utah Supreme Court held that using a phone after clear warnings that calls may be recorded is implied consent.
What happens if you record a call illegally in Utah?
Usually a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison). Victims can sue for the greatest of actual damages plus profits, $100 a day or $10,000, plus punitive damages and legal fees (Utah Code 77-23a-11).
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.
