Vermont
Vermont Phone Call Recording Laws
Vermont has no state wiretapping statute, so phone call recording is governed entirely by federal law. Under 18 U.S.C. 2511, any participant in a call may record it without notifying the other party.
Vermont allows you to record any phone call you participate in under federal one-party consent law (18 U.S.C. 2511). Because Vermont has no state wiretapping statute, federal law is the sole statutory framework.
This guide covers personal calls, business calls, VoIP, interstate rules, and penalties.
One-Party Consent
Your participation in the call is your consent. No announcement required. Applies to cell phones, landlines, VoIP, video calls, and messaging apps.
Interstate Calls
Vermont borders two all-party consent states:
- Massachusetts -- all-party consent
- New Hampshire -- all-party consent
The stricter law typically applies. Inform the other party for calls to these states.
Business Call Recording
Businesses can record with employee consent as a participating party. FCC regulations apply. Many businesses announce recording as best practice.
Penalties
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Illegal interception (18 U.S.C. 2511) | Up to 5 years |
| Civil damages (18 U.S.C. 2520) | $10,000 minimum + attorney fees |
Evidence
Lawfully recorded calls are admissible in Vermont courts. Keep originals unedited.
More Vermont Recording Laws
Audio Recording | Video Recording | Voyeurism & Hidden Cameras | Workplace Recording | Recording Police | Phone Call Recording | Security Cameras | Recording in Public | Landlord-Tenant | Dashcam Laws | Schools | Medical Recording
Back to Vermont Recording Laws
More Vermont Recording Topics
More Vermont Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a phone call in Vermont?
Yes. Federal one-party consent (18 U.S.C. 2511) allows recording any call you participate in. No announcement required.
Can I record a call with someone in Massachusetts?
You should get consent. Massachusetts requires all-party consent. The stricter law typically applies.
Is wiretapping illegal in Vermont?
Yes. Intercepting calls without any participant's consent violates federal law (18 U.S.C. 2511), carrying up to 5 years imprisonment.
Can I use a recorded call as evidence?
Yes. Lawfully recorded calls are generally admissible in Vermont courts.
Why does Vermont have no wiretapping law?
Vermont never enacted a comprehensive wiretapping statute. It is the only state where federal law alone governs phone call recording.
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on 2 statutory provisions held in our own legal record, each retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
United States Code Title 18
§ 2511Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibitedIn forcecited in 351 of our articles
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter any person who— intentionally intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept, any wire, oral, or electronic communication; intentionally uses, endeavors to use, or procures any other person to use or endeavor to use any electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept any oral communication when— such device is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through, a wire, cable, or other like connection used in wire communication; or such device transmits communications by radio, or interferes with the transmission of such communication; or such person knows, or has reason to know, that such device or any component thereof has been sent through the mail or transported in interstate or foreign commerce; or such use or endeavor to use (A) takes place on the premises of any business or other commercial establishment the operations of which affect interstate or foreign commerce; or (B) obtains or is for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the operations of any business or other commercial establishment the operations of which affect interstate or foreign…
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-28 · Read the full section at uscode.house.gov
Also relied on in: US Recording Laws by State (2026): All 50 States Explained, Alabama Audio Recording Laws: Consent Rules and Penalties, Alabama Dashcam Laws: Legality, Mounting Rules, and Evidence Use
§ 2520Recovery of civil damages authorizedIn forcecited in 67 of our articles
Except as provided in section 2511(2)(a)(ii), any person whose wire, oral, or electronic communication is intercepted, disclosed, or intentionally used in violation of this chapter may in a civil action recover from the person or entity, other than the United States, which engaged in that violation such relief as may be appropriate. In an action under this section, appropriate relief includes— such preliminary and other equitable or declaratory relief as may be appropriate; damages under subsection (c) and punitive damages in appropriate cases; and a reasonable attorney’s fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-28 · Read the full section at uscode.house.gov
Also relied on in: Alabama Phone Call Recording Laws: What You Need to Know, Alaska Phone Call Recording Laws: Rules for Landline, Cell, and VoIP (2026), Arkansas Audio Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Rules and Penalties (2026)
Search our full record of US law — 1.79 million sections, every state + federal →
Sources and References
- 18 U.S.C. 2511 -- Federal Wiretap Act(law.cornell.edu)
- 18 U.S.C. 2520 -- Civil Damages(law.cornell.edu)
- FCC Recording Guide(fcc.gov).gov
- Reporters Committee -- Vermont(rcfp.org)