Is Recording Conversations Legal in Oregon? (2026)
Partially — Recording Conversations is legal with restrictions in Oregon as of 2026.
Law changed in 2025: In January 2025, the Ninth Circuit upheld Oregon's ban on unannounced audio recordings. There have been no other significant changes to the state's recording laws in 2023-2026.
Ad Space
Quick Answer
Oregon is an all-party consent state under ORS § 165.540. It is illegal to record a conversation unless all parties consent. There are exceptions for public officials and certain public settings.
What the Law Says
Oregon requires all-party consent for in-person conversations, but one-party for electronic communications. It is a Class A misdemeanor to violate this law.
— Oregon Revised Statutes § 165.540
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Consent Requirements | Possession of recordings without all-party consent is illegal. |
| Exceptions | Sale of illegally obtained recordings is prohibited. |
| Criminal/Civil Penalties | Violations are Class A misdemeanors punishable by fines and/or imprisonment under ORS § 165.540. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
In January 2025, the Ninth Circuit upheld Oregon's ban on unannounced audio recordings. There have been no other significant changes to the state's recording laws in 2023-2026.
Enforcement Reality
Oregon is a two-party consent state for in-person conversations, but a one-party consent state for electronic communications. This distinction is a key area of focus for enforcement.
A common mistake is not understanding the different consent requirements for in-person versus electronic conversations. Secretly recording an in-person conversation is a crime.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Oregon. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Recording Conversations is legal with restrictions in Oregon. This activity is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
Oregon vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, recording conversations is fully legal in 31 states, restricted in 19, and illegal in 0. Oregon falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Recording Conversations:
Ad Space
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recording conversations legal in Oregon?
What are the restrictions on recording conversations in Oregon?
What mistakes do people make with recording conversations in Oregon?
Does the law on recording conversations change at the Oregon border?
Interactive Tools
See your overall risk score for Oregon based on all your activities.
Get Risk Score →See how Recording Conversations laws change if you relocate from Oregon.
Relocation Analyzer →Check if Recording Conversations laws change at state borders on your route.
Plan Your Trip →Get Recording Conversations Legal Updates
Get notified when recording conversations laws change in any state.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Oregon Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Oregon — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.
More Oregon Legality Guides
Recording Conversations in Other States
Ad Space