Seattle, WA Privacy & Surveillance: Recording & Consent Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Consent Type
- Two-party (all-party) consent
- Statute
- RCW 9.73.030
- Criminal Penalty
- Up to 364 days jail, $5,000 fine
- Civil Liability
- Yes, damages available
Summary
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.
RCW 9.73.030 — Intercepting, recording, or divulging private communication — Consent required — Exceptions. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or the state of Washington, its agencies, and political subdivisions to intercept, or record any: (a) Private communication transmitted by telephone, telegraph, radio, or other device between two or more individuals between points within or without the state by any device electronic or otherwise designed to record and/or transmit said communication regardless how such device is powered or actuated, without first obtaining the consent of all the participants in the communication; (b) Private conversation, by any device electronic or otherwise designed to record or transmit such conversation regardless how the device is powered or actuated without first obtaining the consent of all the persons engaged in the conversation. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, wire communications or conversations (a) of an emergency nature, such as the reporting of a fire, medical emergency, crime, or disaster, or (b) which convey threats of extortion, blackmail, bodily harm, or other unlawful requests or demands, or (c) which occur anonymously or repeatedly or at an extremely inconvenient hour, or (d) which relate to communications by a hostage holder or barricaded person as defined in RCW 70.85.100, whether or not conversation ensues, may be recorded with the consent of one party to the conversation.
Full Breakdown
Washington State has one of the strictest recording consent laws in the country. Under RCW 9.73.030, it is illegal to record or transmit any private conversation without the consent of all parties involved. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, video calls with audio, and audio capture on security cameras and doorbell cameras. A private conversation is one where the parties have a reasonable expectation that the conversation is not being overheard or recorded. Conversations in truly public places where no expectation of privacy exists may not be considered private. Violation of RCW 9.73.030 is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Additionally, evidence obtained through illegal recording is inadmissible in Washington courts. Civil damages are also available to victims of illegal recording. Exceptions exist for law enforcement with proper court orders. The law applies to all recordings made within Washington, regardless of where the other party is located.
Violations & Fines
Gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 fine. Civil liability for damages. Evidence inadmissible in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a conversation in Seattle without telling the other person?
Does Washington's recording law apply to video calls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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Recording & Consent Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle recording & consent laws.