Can you record someone in your home in Maryland?

The answer to whether you can record someone in your home in Maryland likely depends on your reason for wanting to make the recording. If you are hoping to use the recording as evidence in a criminal or civil trial, it is important to know that Maryland is a two-party consent state. This means that you cannot record a conversation unless all parties involved have given their consent. If you are looking to make a recording for personal use, such as making a video diary, you may be able to do so without consent. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and get permission from all parties before hitting record.

Frequently Asked Question

Can you record someone in your home in Maryland?

Summary. Under Maryland’s Wiretap Act, it is unlawful to record any private in-person conversation or any telephone or electronic communication unless you are a party to the conversation and have the permission of all the other parties. [1]

Can my neighbor record me on my property in Maryland?

Audio Surveillance Is Not Legal Maryland’s residents are not allowed to record private conversations with audio surveillance on their property without consent, however.8 June 2020 [2]

Are Ring cameras illegal in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, video surveillance, as opposed to audio surveillance, is legal to use in a home, including on the lawn or porch, without the need to obtain consent from any of the parties being recorded. Ring is well known for its popular doorbell cameras.17 Nov 2020 [3]

Can you videotape someone without their permission in Maryland?

Deliberately using video to record people in their respective private residences or in a private place without their consent is considered unlawful in the state of Maryland.8 Feb 2022 [4]

Can I sue someone for recording me without my permission in Maryland?

Yes, it is illegal, and yes, you absolutely can get in trouble for recording someone’s private conversations or utterances without their permission. Maryland law actually punishes this conduct quite severely. The offense is considered a felony, and carries five years and a hefty fine.10 Sept 2020 [5]

Conclusion

Yes, you can record someone in your home in Maryland. There are no state laws that prohibit recording conversations, so as long as you’re not breaking any other laws (like trespassing), you should be good to go.

Read What camera do I need for day/night surveillance?

So there you have it – everything you need to know about recording people in your home in Maryland. Happy recording!