Dallas County, TX Privacy & Surveillance: Recording & Consent Laws (2026)

Texas Penal Code §16.02 establishes the one-party consent standard applicable throughout Dallas County and all its municipalities. A person may record any conversation they are a party to, or any conversation where at least one participant has consented, without informing the other parties. This applies to in-person conversations, phone calls, video calls, and any other oral communication. Recording phone calls follows the same one-party consent rule — if you are on the call, you may record it without notice. Video recording without audio capture in public spaces, streets, stores, and other areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy is broadly permitted. Texas Penal Code §16.02(c) makes unauthorized interception (recording without any party's consent) a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years, fine up to $10,000). Texas Penal Code §21.15 addresses invasive visual recording in private places. Employers may record in workplaces with reasonable notice but not in restrooms or changing areas. Ring and Nest doorbell cameras capturing conversations at the door operate under one-party consent since the homeowner is a participant.