Is it legal to record a conversation in California?

Short answer: California is a two-party (all-party) consent state. For a confidential conversation — one where the people involved reasonably expect it's private — everyone taking part must consent before you record it. Recording a private conversation without that consent can be a crime and can expose you to civil liability (California Penal Code §632).

What "all-party consent" means in practice

Private conversations (a closed-door meeting, a phone call, a face-to-face talk where privacy is expected): get everyone's consent first.
Consent can be express or implied — for example, a clear verbal "yes," or continuing to talk after being told "this call is being recorded."
It applies to phone calls and to in-person oral communications alike.

Where it's usually different

California's law turns on a reasonable expectation of privacy. Conversations that aren't confidential are treated differently — for example, things said in a public place where you could easily be overheard, or a public government meeting. If there's no reasonable expectation of privacy, the all-party rule generally doesn't attach. These lines are fact-specific, which is exactly why getting consent is the safe path.

How to record a conversation lawfully in California

Ask, and get a clear "yes" from everyone before recording a private conversation.
Capture the consent itself — start recording, state that you're recording, and let each person acknowledge on the recording.
Keep proof it wasn't edited. A recording only helps you later if people believe it's authentic. Vocert seals every recording with a tamper-evident receipt and a trusted timestamp, and reminds you of the consent rule for where you are before you start — so a lawful recording also stands up as evidence. See how it works.

FAQ

Is California one-party or two-party consent? Two-party (all-party) — every party to a confidential conversation must consent.

Can I record a phone call in California? Only with the consent of everyone on the call, for a confidential call.

What if the other person is in a one-party state? Interstate calls get complicated; the safest approach is to follow the stricter (all-party) rule. Talk to a lawyer for a specific situation.

Can I record to protect myself from threats? Even then, consent rules apply. If you believe you're in danger, contact the authorities. This page is general information, not legal advice.

This is general information, not legal advice. Recording laws have exceptions and change over time, and your situation may differ. Consult a qualified attorney before relying on this. Consent classification reflects Vocert's jurisdiction data (v3); Vocert reminds you of local rules but you are responsible for recording lawfully.