Sexting Laws by State 2025

Yes
27
No
23
State
Do Sexting Laws Exist?
Law Uses Term Sexting
Laws Addresses Minors Sending or Receiving
Has Revenge Porn Law
Type of Penalty
Possible Charges
Arizona Flag
ArizonaYes Yes - Both MisdemeanorPetty offense, Class 2 misdemeanor or Class 3 misdemeanor.
Arkansas Flag
ArkansasYes Yes - Both Informal| MisdemeanorClass A misdemeanor; from eight hours of community service to one year of confinement.
Colorado Flag
ColoradoYes Yes - Both Diversion| Informal| MisdemeanorThree-tiered system that classifies the offense based on the teen’s actions and the circumstances of each case: | For Posting: criminal misdemeanor charges. | For Possesion: petty offenses.| For Exchanging: civil infractions, meaning the teen will not have a criminal record if found guilty.
Connecticut Flag
ConnecticutYes Yes - Both MisdemeanorMisdemeanor charges.
Florida Flag
FloridaYes Yes - Both Diversion| Informal| Misdemeanor| FelonyFrom petty offense to serious third-degree felony for third or subsequent offense, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and a possible requirement to register as a sex offender.
Georgia Flag
GeorgiaYes Yes - Both Misdemeanor| FelonyMisdemeanor offenses.
Hawaii Flag
HawaiiYes Yes - Both MisdemeanorPetty misdemeanor.
Illinois Flag
IllinoisYes Yes - Sending Diversion| InformalIllinois Juvenile Supervision Laws punish certain acts and allow teenage/minor offenders to avoid registration into the state’s sex offender registry. However, if the teen faces child porn possession, distribution, or any other related felony offense, they may face charges as an adult. Facing charges as an adult will require the teen to register as a sex offender and face adult consequences.
Indiana Flag
IndianaYes Yes - Both Misdemeanor| FelonyIndiana created a new law—indecent display by youth—that carries misdemeanor penalties for certain consensual sexting between dating minors. The law applies to minors, and person receiving or depicted in the image must have consented to the conduct. Outside of these circumstances, minors can face the felony penalties
Kansas Flag
KansasYes Yes - Both Misdemeanor| FelonyPunishments for first-time offenses related to sexting range from class B, person misdemeanors to level 9, person felonies. Second-time offenses incur more severe punishments.
Louisiana Flag
LouisianaYes Yes - Both Diversion| InformalFirst and second offense: Detention up to 10 days, a fine between $100 to $250, or both. Third and subsequent offenses: Detention between 30 days and six months, a fine between $500 and $750, or both.
Nebraska Flag
NebraskaYes Yes - Both FelonyTeenagers who are no more than two years in age apart may not be in legal trouble, provided the sender is less than 19 years old and the recipient is no younger than 15. | In all other cases sexting that involves minor is a crime.
Nevada Flag
NevadaYes Yes - Both Diversion| Informal| MisdemeanorSexting between minors is considered a delinquent act that can lead to the minor being placed in custody for up to 6 months.
New Jersey Flag
New JerseyYes Yes - Both Diversion| InformalFrom participating in an educational program or counseling that addresses the consequences of sexting, to felony charges.
New Mexico Flag
New MexicoYes Yes - Both NoConsensual sexting between teens above fourteen and not over eighteen is legal if there is no solicitation or enticement.
New York Flag
New YorkYes Yes - Both Diversion| InformalFrom participating in an educational program or counseling that addresses the consequences of sexting, to felony charges.
North Dakota Flag
North DakotaYes Yes - Both MisdemeanorMisdemeanors; people who are convicted of sexting under the statute are not required to register as sex offenders. If convicted of sexting under these laws, a person can be punished with up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Oklahoma Flag
OklahomaYes Yes - Sending Informal| MisdemeanorCriminal misdemeanor.
Pennsylvania Flag
PennsylvaniaYes Yes - Both Diversion| Informal| MisdemeanorFrom a summary offense to a second-degree misdemeanor.
Rhode Island Flag
Rhode IslandYes Yes - Sending Diversion| InformalMinors involved in sexting face charges in family court.
South Dakota Flag
South DakotaYes Yes - Both MisdemeanorIf both the sender and receiver are under 18, prosecutors can pursue class 1 misdemeanor sexting charges against one or both parties involved.
Tennessee Flag
TennesseeYes Yes - Both NoUnruly acts (sometimes called status offenses).
Texas Flag
TexasYes Yes - Both Diversion| Informal| MisdemeanorFrom Class C misdemeanor to Class A misdemeanor. | First-time offenders under 18 have the option of having their record expunged after they turn 18 and will not have to register as a sex offender. However, individuals who have a second offense or more and those who are 18 and over do not have these options.
Utah Flag
UtahYes Yes - Both Misdemeanor| FelonyTeens above 16 can face class A or class B misdemeanor charges. | Note that Utah’s sexting law does not prevent prosecutors from pursuing Exploitation of a Minor, Solicitation of a Minor, Child Pornography, Harassment, and Revenge Porn charges.
Vermont Flag
VermontYes Yes - Both DiversionMinors engaging in sexting will be adjudicated delinquent and may be referred to the juvenile diversion program for the first offense. | For subsequent offenses, they may be prosecuted for sexual exploitation of children, but do not have to be a part of the sex offender registry. | All records will be expunged on the minor turning eighteen.
Washington Flag
WashingtonYes Yes - Both Diversion| Misdemeanor| FelonyMisdemeanor penalties apply for minor sexting minors 13 years old, and older. | More severe penalties apply if a minor sexts or knowingly possesses a sexually explicit image of another minor younger than 13. | These crimes are class B felonies.
West Virginia Flag
West VirginiaYes Yes - Both DiversionAny teen who completes the state’s diversion program will not be under the statute for their breach of law. | Note that it is up to the prosecutor to decide if a minor qualifies for the diversion program. | If a teen chooses not to enroll in the diversion program they will be prosecuted in the juvenile system or family court.
Alabama Flag
AlabamaNo No No
Alaska Flag
AlaskaNo No Misdemeanor
California Flag
CaliforniaNo No No
Delaware Flag
DelawareNo No No
Idaho Flag
IdahoNo No No
Iowa Flag
IowaNo No No
Kentucky Flag
KentuckyNo No No
Maine Flag
MaineNo No No
Maryland Flag
MarylandNo No No
Massachusetts Flag
MassachusettsNo No No
Michigan Flag
MichiganNo No No
Minnesota Flag
MinnesotaNo No No
Mississippi Flag
MississippiNo No No
Missouri Flag
MissouriNo No No
Montana Flag
MontanaNo No No
New Hampshire Flag
New HampshireNo No No
North Carolina Flag
North CarolinaNo No No
Ohio Flag
OhioNo No No
Oregon Flag
OregonNo No No
South Carolina Flag
South CarolinaNo No No
Virginia Flag
VirginiaNo No No
Wisconsin Flag
WisconsinNo No No
Wyoming Flag
WyomingNo No No