Recording & Consent Laws: Kent vs Seattle
How do recording & consent laws rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation — in person, by phone, or electronically — without the consent of all parties is a gross misdemeanor. Victims can also sue for civil damages including $100/day or $1,000 minimum plus attorney's fees.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Washington is a two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation without consent from all parties is a gross misdemeanor. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio features on security cameras.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Consent Type | All-party (two-party) | Two-party (all-party) consent |
| Key Statute | RCW 9.73.030 | - |
| Criminal Penalty | Gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days | Up to 364 days jail, $5,000 fine |
| Civil Damages | $100/day or $1,000 min + attorney's fees | - |
| Statute | - | RCW 9.73.030 |
| Civil Liability | - | Yes, damages available |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Is Washington a one-party or two-party consent state?
Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state. Under RCW 9.73.030, you must have the consent of all parties before recording any private conversation — in person, by phone, or electronically.
Can I record a phone call in King County without telling the other person?
No. Washington law requires all parties to consent to recording. Secretly recording a phone call is a gross misdemeanor, the recording is inadmissible in court, and the other party can sue you for civil damages.
Seattle FAQ
Can I record a conversation in Seattle without telling the other person?
No. Washington requires consent from all parties to record a private conversation. Recording without consent is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 9.73.030.
Does Washington's recording law apply to video calls?
Yes. Any recording that captures audio of a private conversation requires all-party consent, whether in person, by phone, or on video calls.
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