Can I record a call in New York?

Yes, if you are part of the conversation. New York is a one-party consent state: a participant may record their own call.

One-party consent A person who takes part in the conversation may record it without the others agreeing.

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed September 2026. Laws change and facts differ; check before you rely on any line here, and ask a lawyer licensed where you record for anything that matters.

What the rule means

The offence is recording a conversation you are not part of, without the consent of at least one party.
Your own consent as a participant is enough under New York law.
Workplace policy, professional rules and contracts can still require notice. Lawyers, clinicians and regulated firms should check their own rules.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511(2)(d)) allows a participant to record unless the recording is made to commit a crime or a tort. State law can ask for more.

The law

New York Penal Law § 250.00 (definitions)
New York Penal Law § 250.05 (eavesdropping)

Recording a conversation with no party consenting is a felony.

When the others are somewhere else

The rule protects you only for the New York end. If anyone on the call may be in an all-party state such as California, Florida or Pennsylvania, announce the recording. Video meetings are treated like phone calls, and the strictest rule that applies to anyone on the call is the one to follow.

What to say

The law here does not require it, but saying it costs one sentence and covers the people who may be somewhere stricter.

“Quick note before we start: I’m recording and transcribing this meeting on my own computer for my notes. It isn’t shared with anyone unless I send it to you. Let me know if you’d rather I didn’t.”

How Recordist fits

You are the participant. Recordist records your own microphone and the audio arriving at your computer. No bot joins the call.
It asks before every recording. Nothing records until you confirm, and the confirm card can show the sentence above as a reminder.
The notice is still yours to give. Software cannot give consent for the other people. Tell them when anyone may be somewhere stricter.

Recordist is opening in small waves. Ask for a place.