Yes, it is generally illegal to record a private conversation in Michigan without the consent of all parties involved. Michigan is considered a two-party consent state, which means you must obtain permission from every participant before recording. Secretly recording a conversation—whether in person, on the phone, or online—without consent can lead to criminal charges under Michigan law.
Understanding Michigan’s Two-Party Consent Law
Michigan’s law on recording conversations falls under Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.539c. It prohibits anyone from willfully using any device to eavesdrop on or record private conversations without the knowledge and consent of all parties.
This includes:
- In-person conversations
- Phone calls
- Zoom or video meetings
- Other private electronic communications
Violating this law may result in felony charges, with potential fines and imprisonment.
What Qualifies as a Private Conversation in Michigan?
In Michigan, a private conversation is any communication where participants reasonably expect privacy. Common examples include:
- Personal calls between family or friends
- Confidential work meetings
- Discussions in a private home, office, or car
- Online video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
Public conversations—like a loud discussion on a busy street—may not be protected if there’s no expectation of privacy.
Are There Any Exceptions to Michigan’s Recording Law?
Yes, there are a few narrow exceptions:
- Public conversations where no privacy is expected
- Law enforcement with a warrant or under specific legal authority
- Security recordings in spaces where people are notified of surveillance (though audio may still be restricted)
However, for most personal, educational, or professional conversations, you must get consent from everyone involved before recording.
Can You Use AI Tools Like VOMO to Record Conversations in Michigan?
You can use tools like VOMO to record and transcribe conversations in Michigan, but only with full consent from all parties involved. VOMO offers:
- Clear and accurate speech-to-text transcription
- Fast generation of AI meeting notes
- Support for lectures, interviews, and multi-language conversations
- Secure handling of uploaded or live audio recordings
If you plan to record meetings, lectures, or interviews using VOMO in Michigan, always disclose the recording and obtain permission first.
What Are the Penalties for Illegal Recording in Michigan?
Illegal recording of conversations in Michigan is a serious offense. It is classified as a felony, and consequences can include:
- Up to 2 years in prison
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Civil lawsuits from affected parties
- Permanent damage to personal or professional reputation
Even if your intent is innocent, recording without proper consent could lead to significant legal trouble.
Best Practices for Recording Conversations in Michigan Legally
To stay compliant with Michigan law, follow these best practices:
- ✅ Always obtain clear, informed consent from all parties involved
- ✅ Use written or verbal confirmation before pressing “record”
- ✅ Notify participants if you’re using apps like VOMO to create AI meeting notes
- ✅ When in doubt, ask or consult legal advice
- ❌ Never secretly record conversations you’re not part of or where consent is unclear
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe When Recording in Michigan
So, is it illegal to record a conversation in Michigan? Yes—unless everyone involved consents. As a two-party consent state, Michigan takes privacy seriously. Whether you’re using a smartphone, a digital recorder, or an AI-powered tool like VOMO, always make sure to get permission before you hit “record.”
Want to learn more about laws in other states or how to use AI for legal note-taking?
👉 Check out our full guide to recording laws across the U.S.
👉 Start using VOMO for secure, compliant note-taking today
