Access Control Permit Requirements in Bexar County, Texas

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Bexar County require Texas DPS licensing for installers (Electronic Access Control Device Installer license under a Class B Security Contractor). Local alarm permits are required when systems connect to monitoring—$40 residential, $100 commercial, or $50 for gated community systems through the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. San Antonio has separate permit requirements.

Understanding Bexar County Jurisdiction

Bexar County includes San Antonio and surrounding communities. Access control permit requirements depend on your location:

• Unincorporated Bexar County – Alarm permits through Sheriff's Office
• City of San Antonio – Separate permit process through SAPD
• Gated communities – Special permit category for gate operators
• Other municipalities – Contact local police department

Always verify jurisdiction before starting work.

Texas State Licensing Requirements

All access control installers in Texas must be licensed through the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau.

Individual License: Electronic Access Control Device Installer

Anyone who installs or maintains electronic access control devices must hold an Electronic Access Control Device Installer license.

Requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass fingerprint-based background check
• Complete required training
• Be employed by or affiliated with a licensed company

Company License: Class B Security Contractor

Companies performing access control work must hold a Class B Security Contractor License with the Electronic Access category.

The Class B license can include multiple categories:

• Alarm systems
• Electronic access control
• Video surveillance
• Guard services
• Locksmith services

For complete details on Texas licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Bexar County Alarm Permit Requirements

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office requires alarm permits for all alarm systems in unincorporated areas, including access control systems connected to monitoring.

Permit Fees

System Type	Annual Fee
Residential	$40
Commercial	$100
Gated community (gate operators only)	$50

All permits are valid for one year from date of issue. Renewal notices are mailed 30 days before expiration.

Application Requirements

Important: The permit holder must be an individual—company names are not allowed on the permit.

Required information includes:

• Alarm user's name and address
• Contact information
• Type of alarm system
• Emergency contact persons
• Driver's license number (used to identify persons with similar names)

How to Apply

Apply online through CryWolf Services or mail application to:

Bexar County Alarm Permit Program
PO Box 842841
Dallas, TX 75284-2841

Phone: (855) 694-8282
Email: bexarcountytx@alarm-billing.com

False Alarm Fees

Permit holders are allowed five (5) false alarms per permit term before fees apply. After that:

• $75 per false alarm (including hold-up, panic, and burglar alarms)
• Systems causing excessive false alarms must be repaired within 72 hours
• Proof of repair must be provided to the Alarm Detail
• Alternatively, the system must be deactivated

Gated Access Control Systems

Bexar County has specific provisions for gated community access control:

• Gate operators – $50 annual permit (no false alarm fees)
• Residents – Standard residential permit applies if they have individual alarm systems

The Building & System Permit Application covers key/gated access control systems for construction-related projects.

City of San Antonio Requirements

Properties within San Antonio city limits require permits through the San Antonio Police Department.

San Antonio alarm permits cover:

• Burglar alarm systems
• Panic alarms
• Fire alarm monitoring
• Access control systems with alarm dispatch

Apply online, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.

When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt

Permits Required

• Access control systems connected to central monitoring
• Systems that dispatch police or security response
• Integrated alarm and access control systems
• Gate access systems with monitoring capability
• Commercial systems with duress or panic functions

May Not Require Local Permit

• Standalone access control with no monitoring
• Systems that only log access without alarm dispatch
• Interior door access control without external notification
• Simple keypad locks without central management

Note: Even when local permits are not required, Texas DPS licensing is always required for the installer and company.

Residential vs. Commercial Access Control

Residential Projects

Residential access control in Bexar County typically includes:

• Smart locks with keypad or app control
• Video doorbell integration
• Gate and garage access controllers
• Basic card or fob entry systems
• Biometric door locks

Many standalone smart locks do not require alarm permits if they have no monitoring connection.

Commercial Projects

Commercial access control involves more complex requirements:

• Multi-door card access systems
• Biometric readers (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Visitor management integration
• Time and attendance tracking
• Elevator floor access control
• Integration with fire alarm for egress
• Anti-passback and tailgating prevention
• Integration with video surveillance

Commercial systems connecting to monitoring require the $100 annual permit.

Fire Code Considerations

When access control affects means of egress, coordination with the Fire Marshal is required:

• Maglocks on exit doors must have proper release mechanisms
• Fire alarm integration for automatic unlock on alarm
• Request-to-exit devices must meet code requirements
• Delayed egress locks have specific signage and timing rules

Contact the Bexar County Fire Marshal at (210) 335-0300 for egress-related questions.

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Cost	Timeline
DPS Electronic Access Installer license	Varies	4-6 weeks
Class B Company license	$500+ annually	4-8 weeks
Bexar County residential permit	$40/year	1-2 weeks
Bexar County commercial permit	$100/year	1-2 weeks
Gated community permit	$50/year	1-2 weeks
False alarm allowance	5 free per year	—
False alarm fee (after 5)	$75 each	—

Pro Tips from the Field

Experienced access control installers in Bexar County recommend:

• Verify DPS licensing – Ensure your company's Class B license includes Electronic Access category
• Use CryWolf portal – Online permit management is faster than mail
• Explain permit to customer – The customer (individual) must be the permit holder, not your company
• Document driver's license – Required on all Bexar County applications
• Coordinate fire integration – Maglocks on egress doors need fire alarm relay integration
• Train end users – Proper training reduces false alarms and avoids $75 fees
• Check jurisdiction – San Antonio vs. unincorporated Bexar County have different processes

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Bexar County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Permit Guides

• Tarrant County, Texas Access Control Permits
• Dallas County, Texas Access Control Permits
• Houston, Texas Access Control Permits
• Dallas, Texas Access Control Permits
• Texas Low Voltage License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with DPS and the local authority having jurisdiction before starting work.