Not legal advice. This site is an editorial reference. Laws change — always confirm with a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before recording, and check each page’s last reviewed date.

Consent Script Templates

Plain-language opening lines for the most common call-recording situations. Copy, adapt, and use. Where the jurisdiction’s rule shapes the language, the appropriate variant is noted.

How to use these

The scripts below are openers. They establish that recording is happening and give the other party a moment to object. The most important property is that they are audible at the start of the call, before any substantive content. A consent script delivered in the middle of a call does not retroactively cover the first ninety seconds.

General-purpose (any US one-party state)

I'm recording this call for my own notes. Just wanted to let you know.
[Pause for response.]

General-purpose (any US all-party state — California, Pennsylvania, etc.)

Before we go further, I'd like to record this call. Is that OK with you?
[Wait for affirmative response.]

Customer service (the company has already announced; you want a parallel record)

You mentioned this call may be recorded — I'm going to record on my end too, for my own notes. OK?
[Wait for affirmative response.]

Journalism — known on-the-record source

This is [Name] from [Outlet]. I'm going to record this conversation for accuracy. Everything is on the record unless we agree otherwise. Is that all right?
[Pause for response. Note the response.]

Journalism — when off-the-record may come up

This is [Name] from [Outlet]. I'd like to record so I have an accurate transcript. We can go off the record at any point — just tell me. OK with that?

Therapist or clinician — first session

I'd like to record our sessions as part of your clinical record. The recording is stored on [system] and is accessible only to me and [list]. We'll keep it for [period]. You can revoke this at any time. I have a written consent form for you to sign — would you like to do that now?

Lawyer — client

I'm going to record our call for my notes. As we discussed, this falls under our engagement letter's privacy and confidentiality terms. OK to proceed?

Lawyer — third party (witness, opposing counsel)

I want to let you know I'm recording this call. Is that all right with you?
[Wait for affirmative.]

Job interview — interviewer side

Thanks for joining today. We record interviews so our team can refer back to them in our decision. Is that OK with you?

Job interview — candidate side (in one-party state)

I'd like to record so I can review my notes afterward. Is that OK?

Sales / call-center system preamble

Thank you for calling [Company]. This call may be recorded for quality and training purposes. If you don't want this call recorded, please tell the agent now or stay on the line and we'll proceed.

Conference call (multi-jurisdiction)

Before we get started: I'm going to record this conference for [purpose]. The recording will be stored at [location] and shared with [list]. If anyone has an objection, please say so now. Otherwise, continued participation means you're OK with the recording.

Medical appointment (patient side)

Doctor, I'd like to record this so I can listen back later and remember the details. Is that OK?

EU / UK — additional language for GDPR transparency

I'd like to record this call for [purpose]. The recording will be stored for [period], on [system], and is accessible to [list]. Under [GDPR / UK GDPR], you have the right to access the recording, request its deletion, and lodge a complaint with [DPA name]. Are you OK to proceed?

Notes on adaptation

  • Always pause for a response. Silence is not consent in any jurisdiction. Audible acknowledgement or continued participation after a clear notice is the minimum.
  • Keep the language plain. Legal jargon makes consent feel like a maneuver. Short sentences read as honest.
  • Honor refusals. If someone declines, stop recording. Do not record “in the meantime” while explaining why you would like to.
  • Document the response. Note in your file or system what consent was given and at what time. The recording itself will capture this if the consent comes early enough in the call.

Where these came from

The scripts were drafted from common-practice openers used in industries that conduct call recording regularly (customer service, journalism, clinical practice) and refined against the consent requirements in each major US jurisdiction and the GDPR transparency duties. They are not jurisdiction-specific legal scripts; they are starting points that meet the minimum disclosure standard in most jurisdictions where call recording is regulated.

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