Iowa Recording Laws

Iowa Recording Law Summary:

Last Updated: January 2025 | Verified against current Iowa Code

Quick Answer

Iowa is a one-party consent state. You can legally record phone calls, in-person conversations, and electronic communications as long as you’re a party to the conversation or have consent from at least one participant. Iowa’s wiretapping law requires that recordings be made without criminal intent.

Key Point	Answer
Consent Type	One-Party
Can you record your own calls?	Yes
Must you inform others?	No
Primary Statute	Iowa Code § 808B.2
Maximum Fine	$10,245
Maximum Prison Time	5 years (Class D felony)

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Understanding Iowa’s Recording Laws

The Legal Foundation

Iowa’s wiretapping and electronic surveillance laws are found in Chapter 808B of the Iowa Code. The key statute is:

• Iowa Code § 808B.2 – Prohibits willful interception, disclosure, or use of wire, oral, or electronic communications without authorization

The law prohibits intercepting communications without consent but provides a clear exception: recording is legal when done by a party to the communication or with consent from at least one party, provided there’s no criminal intent behind the recording.

One-Party vs. Two-Party Consent Explained

In a one-party consent state like Iowa, only one person in the conversation needs to know about and consent to the recording. That person can be you. You don’t need to announce “this call is being recorded” or get anyone else’s permission.

In contrast, two-party (or all-party) consent states like neighboring Illinois require everyone in the conversation to agree to be recorded.

The “No Criminal Intent” Requirement

Iowa’s law includes a unique requirement: recordings must be made without criminal intent. This means you can record for legitimate purposes like:

• Documenting business transactions
• Preserving evidence for civil disputes
• Personal record-keeping
• Journalism and newsgathering

Recording with intent to commit a crime (blackmail, harassment, etc.) removes the one-party consent protection.

Recording Phone Calls in Iowa

Can You Record Phone Calls in Iowa?

Yes. Under Iowa Code § 808B.2, you can record any phone call you’re participating in without informing the other party, as long as you have no criminal intent. This applies to:

• Landline calls
• Cell phone calls
• VoIP calls (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.)
• Video calls

Recording Calls Across State Lines

If you’re in Iowa calling someone in a two-party consent state, the stricter law typically applies. States requiring all-party consent include:

• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Illinois (neighbor state)
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada (for phone calls)
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

Best practice: If you’re recording calls with people in other states, especially neighboring Illinois, either inform them or get all-party consent to be safe.

Business Call Recording

Iowa businesses can record calls for quality assurance, training, or compliance. The law specifically allows property owners to intercept oral communications through surveillance systems for crime detection purposes. Consent can be obtained through:

1. Verbal consent before the call begins
2. A recorded announcement (“This call may be recorded…”)
3. A periodic beep tone during the call

Recording In-Person Conversations

When Is It Legal?

You can record in-person conversations in Iowa when:

• You’re participating in the conversation
• You’re in a public place where there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy
• You have consent from at least one party (which can be yourself)
• You have no criminal intent

When Is It Illegal?

It’s illegal to record conversations when:

• You’re not a party to the conversation and don’t have consent
• You’re recording with criminal intent (blackmail, extortion, harassment)
• You’re trespassing on private property to make the recording

What About Recording in Your Own Home?

You can record conversations in your own home if you’re participating. Iowa law specifically allows property owners to use surveillance systems for crime prevention. However, you cannot:

• Plant a hidden device and leave to record others without being present
• Record guests in areas with privacy expectations (bathrooms, guest bedrooms)
• Record intimate activities without consent

Iowa Video Recording Laws

Public Spaces

Iowa has no general prohibition on video recording in public spaces. You can:

• Film on public streets, parks, and sidewalks
• Record public meetings and government proceedings
• Use dashcams in your vehicle
• Film public protests or demonstrations

Private Property

On private property, the property owner sets the rules. Iowa also has invasion of privacy laws under Iowa Code § 709.21 that prohibit:

• Recording intimate images without consent
• Recording someone in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy
• Distributing intimate images without consent (“revenge porn”)

If you are recording someone’s likeness for business purposes, you should ensure that you gain proper consent by having them fill out a photo or video consent form.

Recording in the Workplace

Can Your Employer Record You?

Iowa employers can generally record in common work areas where employees don’t have a privacy expectation. The law allows property owners to use surveillance for crime detection. However, employers cannot record in:

• Bathrooms
• Locker rooms
• Changing areas

Can You Record Your Employer?

Yes. As a one-party consent state, you can record conversations with your boss, HR, coworkers, or anyone else at work – as long as you’re part of the conversation and have no criminal intent. This can be valuable for:

• Documenting harassment or discrimination
• Recording performance reviews
• Protecting yourself in disputes
• Preserving important instructions

Caution: Your employer may have policies against recording. While recording is legal under Iowa law, violating company policy could result in termination.

Recording Police and Government Officials

Can You Record Police Officers in Iowa?

Yes. The First Amendment protects your right to record law enforcement officers performing their duties in public. In Iowa, you can:

• Film traffic stops (including your own)
• Record arrests happening in public
• Document interactions with police
• Livestream encounters

Important limitations:

• Don’t interfere with police operations
• Don’t trespass to get a better angle
• Follow lawful orders to step back (within reason)
• Don’t obstruct the officer’s duties

Recording Government Meetings

Iowa’s Open Meetings Law (Iowa Code Chapter 21) requires most government meetings to be open to the public. Recording of public meetings is generally permitted. You can record:

• City council meetings
• County board of supervisors meetings
• School board meetings
• State legislative proceedings
• Public hearings

Specific Situations

Can I Record My Landlord in Iowa?

Yes, if you’re part of the conversation and have no criminal intent. Recording interactions with landlords can help document:

• Verbal agreements about repairs
• Harassment or illegal entry
• Disputes about lease terms
• Evidence for tenant rights cases

Can I Record My Doctor in Iowa?

Yes, you can record medical appointments you attend. This can be helpful for:

• Remembering complex medical instructions
• Documenting informed consent discussions
• Having a record of diagnoses
• Sharing information with family caregivers

Can I Record DHS Workers?

Yes. Department of Human Services (DHS) workers are government employees, and you can record your interactions with them as long as you’re participating in the conversation.

Can I Record My Ex-Spouse or Co-Parent?

Yes, during conversations you’re part of. This is common in custody disputes. However:

• Don’t record your children’s private conversations without being present
• Don’t use children to secretly record the other parent
• Consider how recordings may be viewed by family courts

Can I Use a Dashcam in Iowa?

Yes. Dashcams are legal in Iowa. There are no specific laws restricting their use, but you should:

• Mount the camera so it doesn’t obstruct your view
• Be aware that audio recording follows one-party consent rules
• Check if your insurance offers dashcam discounts

Using Recordings as Evidence in Iowa

Are Recordings Admissible in Court?

Recordings made legally under Iowa’s one-party consent law are generally admissible as evidence. However, courts may consider:

• Authentication – Can you prove the recording is genuine and unaltered?
• Relevance – Does the recording matter to the case?
• Hearsay rules – Some statements may be excluded
• Prejudicial vs. probative value – Does it unfairly influence the jury?

Criminal Cases vs. Civil Cases

• Criminal cases: Illegally obtained recordings are typically inadmissible and may result in felony charges against you
• Civil cases: Rules can be more flexible, but illegally obtained evidence may still be excluded

Penalties for Illegal Recording in Iowa

Criminal Penalties (Iowa Code § 808B.2)

Unlawful interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications is a Class D felony in Iowa:

Penalty	Amount
Prison time	Up to 5 years
Fine	$1,025 to $10,245
Surcharge	15% on fine amount
Court costs	$100

Civil Liability

Under Iowa Code § 808B.8, victims of illegal recording may sue for:

• Statutory damages of $100 per day for each day of violation, or $1,000, whichever is greater
• Actual damages
• Punitive damages
• Injunctive relief
• Attorney’s fees and litigation costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iowa a one-party consent state?

Yes. Iowa is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record any conversation you’re part of without informing other participants, as long as you have no criminal intent.

Is Iowa a two-party consent state?

No. Iowa does not require all parties to consent to recording. Only one party needs to consent, and that party can be you.

Can I record a conversation without the other person knowing in Iowa?

Yes. As a participant in the conversation, you can record without telling the other person, provided you have no criminal intent.

Can I sue someone for recording me in Iowa?

Only if the recording was illegal – meaning you were recorded without your consent by someone who wasn’t part of the conversation. If someone you were talking to recorded you, that’s legal in Iowa.

Do I need to tell someone I’m recording in Iowa?

No. There’s no legal requirement to inform others that you’re recording a conversation you’re part of.

Can I record a Zoom call in Iowa?

Yes, if you’re a participant in the call. Note that Zoom has its own recording features and may notify participants depending on settings.

What is the penalty for illegal recording in Iowa?

Illegal recording is a Class D felony in Iowa, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines between $1,025 and $10,245.

Can recordings be used in divorce court in Iowa?

Yes, legally obtained recordings can be used as evidence in divorce proceedings. Courts often allow them to document communications about custody, finances, or misconduct.

Does Iowa have hidden camera laws?

Yes. Iowa Code § 709.21 prohibits invasion of privacy through recording, including intimate images without consent.

What does “no criminal intent” mean for Iowa recordings?

Iowa requires that recordings be made without intent to commit a crime. Recording for documentation, evidence, or personal records is fine. Recording for blackmail, harassment, or extortion removes the one-party consent protection.

Related Iowa Laws

• Iowa Car Seat Laws
• Iowa Child Support Laws
• Iowa Hit and Run Laws
• Iowa Lemon Law
• Iowa Sexting Laws
• Iowa Statute of Limitations
• Iowa Whistleblower Laws

Sources and Legal References

Source	Link
Iowa Code § 808B.2 – Interception Prohibited	Iowa Legislature
Iowa Code Chapter 808B – Full Chapter	Iowa Legislature
Iowa Open Meetings Law	Iowa Code Chapter 21
Reporters Committee Recording Guide	RCFP

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Recording laws can be complex, and specific situations may have unique considerations. If you have questions about your particular circumstances, consult with a licensed Iowa attorney.

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One-Party Consent States Reference

The following table provides a quick reference to all one-party consent states in the United States.

State	Summary	Key Statute
Alabama	One-party consent.	Ala. Code § 13A-11-30
Alaska	One-party consent.	AS 42.20.310
Arizona	One-party consent.	ARS 13-3005
Arkansas	One-party consent.	Ark. Code § 5-60-120
Colorado	One-party consent.	C.R.S. § 18-9-303
District of Columbia	One-party consent.	D.C. Code § 23-542
Georgia	One-party for audio; all-party for video in private places.	O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62
Hawaii	One-party consent.	HRS § 803-42
Idaho	One-party consent.	Idaho Code § 18-6702
Indiana	One-party consent.	Ind. Code § 35-33.5-5
Iowa	One-party consent. No criminal intent required.	Iowa Code § 808B.2
Kansas	One-party consent.	Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6101
Kentucky	One-party consent.	Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 526.020
Louisiana	One-party consent.	La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 15:1303
Maine	One-party consent.	Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15, § 710
Minnesota	One-party consent.	Minn. Stat. § 626A.02
Mississippi	One-party consent.	Miss. Code Ann. § 41-29-531
Missouri	One-party consent.	Mo. Ann. Stat. § 542.402
Nebraska	One-party consent.	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 86-290
Nevada	One-party for oral; ALL-PARTY for wire/phone.	Nev. Rev. Stat. § 200.620
New Jersey	One-party consent.	N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:156A-4
New Mexico	One-party consent.	N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-12-1
New York	One-party consent.	N.Y. Penal Law § 250.00
North Carolina	One-party consent.	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-287
North Dakota	One-party consent.	N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-15-02
Ohio	One-party consent.	Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2933.52
Oklahoma	One-party consent.	Okla. Stat. tit. 13, § 176.4
Rhode Island	One-party consent.	R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21
South Carolina	One-party consent.	S.C. Code Ann. § 17-30-30
South Dakota	One-party consent.	S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-35A-20
Tennessee	One-party consent.	Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-601
Texas	One-party consent.	Tex. Penal Code § 16.02
Utah	One-party consent.	Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4
Vermont	One-party consent (case law).	Case law
Virginia	One-party consent.	Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-62
West Virginia	One-party consent.	W. Va. Code § 62-1D-3
Wisconsin	One-party consent.	Wis. Stat. § 968.31
Wyoming	One-party consent.	Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-3-702

Federal Law: Under the ECPA and 18 U.S. Code § 2511, federal law operates as one-party consent.

Two-Party Consent States

The following states require all parties to consent:

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

Visit our Two-Party Consent States guide for details.