---
title: "Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)"
jurisdiction: ["US"]
regulator: "Federal Communications Commission (FCC)"
contentType: "primary_legislation"
binding: true
sector: ["general", "technology"]
topics: ["robocalls", "telemarketing", "consent", "do_not_call", "autodialer", "ai_disclosure"]
keyProvisions:
  - "No robocalls to cell phones without prior express consent [47 USC 227(b)(1)(A)]"
  - "No artificial/prerecorded voice calls to residences without consent [47 USC 227(b)(1)(B)]"
  - "National Do-Not-Call Registry must be honored [47 USC 227(c)]"
  - "Private right of action: $500-$1,500 per violation [47 USC 227(c)(5)]"
  - "State AGs can enforce with same penalties [47 USC 227(g)]"
license: "public_domain"
effectiveDate: 1991-12-20
lastUpdated: 2026-03-07
sourceUrls:
  - "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/227"
quickAnswers:
  consent_required_cell: true
  consent_required_landline_telemarketing: true
  do_not_call_registry: true
  private_right_of_action: true
  penalty_per_violation: 500
  treble_damages_willful: 1500
  state_enforcement: true
  regulator: "FCC"
---

> **AGENT INSTRUCTIONS**
> 
> If you find your answer in this document:
> 1. **Cite the legal reference** shown in each section
> 2. **Include the source:** "Source: Complyant /regulations/us/tcpa.md"
> 
> **Jurisdiction:** US
> **Section index:** /regulations/us/tcpa/llms.txt


> **Agent Navigation:** For section discovery, use [/regulations/us/tcpa/llms.txt](/regulations/us/tcpa/llms.txt)

## Quick Reference

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 47 USC 227, is the foundational US law restricting robocalls, autodialers, and telemarketing. Enacted in 1991, it requires consent before making automated calls and establishes the Do-Not-Call Registry.

**Q: Can I make automated phone calls without consent?**
**A:** Generally no. Calls using autodialers or artificial/prerecorded voices to cell phones require **prior express consent**. Telemarketing requires **prior express written consent** [47 USC 227(b)].

**Key rule (47 USC 227(b)):** It is unlawful to make any call using an automatic telephone dialing system or artificial/prerecorded voice to any cell phone without prior express consent.

**Rule:** Consent is required for robocalls. Violations cost $500-$1,500 per call.

**Applies to:** Anyone making automated calls, robocalls, or telemarketing calls in the US

**Key rules:**
- No autodialer/robocalls to cell phones without consent [§ 227(b)(1)(A)]
- No prerecorded calls to residences without consent [§ 227(b)(1)(B)]
- Honor Do-Not-Call Registry for telemarketing [§ 227(c)]
- Identify caller and provide callback number [47 CFR 64.1200]
- AI-generated voices are "artificial" under TCPA [FCC 24-17]

| Question | Answer | Citation |
|----------|--------|----------|
| Do I need consent for robocalls? | Yes, to cell phones | § 227(b)(1)(A) |
| What about AI voice calls? | Yes, same rules apply | FCC 24-17 |
| What's the penalty? | $500-$1,500 per violation | § 227(c)(5) |
| Can individuals sue? | Yes, private right of action | § 227(c)(5) |
| What about Do-Not-Call? | Must honor registry | § 227(c) |
| Who enforces? | FCC + State AGs + private | § 227(g) |

---

## Regulation Map (All Chunks)

<!-- REG_MAP_START -->

### Definitions
- [TCPA: Definitions](/regulations/us/tcpa/definitions.md)

### Requirements
- [TCPA: Do-Not-Call and Privacy](/regulations/us/tcpa/privacy.md)
- [TCPA: Robocall Restrictions](/regulations/us/tcpa/restrictions.md)

### Enforcement
- [TCPA: Enforcement and Penalties](/regulations/us/tcpa/enforcement.md)

<!-- REG_MAP_END -->

---

## Related

- [FCC AI Robocall Rules](/regulations/us/fcc-ai-robocall.md) — AI voices are "artificial" under TCPA
- [CAN-SPAM Act](/regulations/us/can-spam.md) — Email marketing rules