Access Control Permit Requirements in Dallas County, Texas

Quick Answer: Access control installations in unincorporated Dallas County generally follow Texas state exemptions for low voltage work. Class 2, Class 3, and communication circuits are exempt from state electrical licensing requirements. However, contractors must hold a Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Class D or Class B license, and projects in commercial buildings may require permits through the Department of Unincorporated Area Services. Note: Projects within Dallas city limits have different requirements.

Understanding Dallas County Jurisdiction

Dallas County permit requirements apply to unincorporated areas—areas outside incorporated cities.

• Unincorporated Dallas County – Follow this guide
• City of Dallas – See our Dallas Access Control Permit Guide
• Other cities in Dallas County – Contact that city's permit office

When Is a Permit Required?

Access control permit requirements in unincorporated Dallas County depend on the scope of work:

State-Level Exemptions

Per TDLR exemptions, Texas does not require electrical licensing for:

• Class 2 and Class 3 power-limited circuits
• Remote control and signaling circuits
• Communications circuits
• Optical fiber cables

Most standalone access control systems operate within these exemptions.

When Permits May Be Required

Development activities in unincorporated Dallas County that may require permits through the Department of Unincorporated Area Services include:

• Commercial construction or installation projects
• Projects involving structural modifications
• Work on fire-rated doors requiring Fire Marshal review
• Installations requiring 120V electrical connections

Fire Door Integration

Access control on fire-rated doors may require coordination with the Dallas County Fire Marshal's Office to ensure life safety compliance.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Even when building permits aren't required, contractor licensing is mandatory for all access control work in Texas.

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau License

The Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau regulates access control contractors:

Class D – Electronic Access Control Device Company

Required if your company installs or maintains electronic access control devices. Requirements include:

• Criminal background and FBI check
• Fingerprinting
• Evidence of financial stability
• Comprehensive liability insurance (minimum $200,000)
• Pass company representative examination

Class B – Security Contractor Company

A broader license covering alarm systems, electronic access control, CCTV, locksmith services, and guard services.

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Individual Installer Requirements

Technicians must hold an Electronic Access Control Device Installer license, registered under a company's Class B or Class D license.

Application Process

For Standard Low Voltage Work

1. Verify state licensing – Confirm your Class D or Class B license is active
2. Confirm jurisdiction – Verify project is in unincorporated Dallas County
3. Check for fire door involvement – Coordinate with Fire Marshal if applicable
4. Coordinate with building management – Obtain access and documentation requirements
5. Install per code – Follow NEC and applicable standards

For Projects Requiring Permits

Submit through Dallas County's online system at www.mgoconnect.org.

Application requirements:

• Authorization form (designating representative)
• Project documentation
• Fees (paid by debit/credit card)

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Unincorporated Area Services	(214) 653-6565	Permit questions
Email	development@dallascounty.org	Inquiries
Development Coordinator	(214) 653-6568	Hector Faulk
Online Permits	mgoconnect.org	Online applications
Dallas County Fire Marshal	(214) 653-7970	Fire door coordination
Texas DPS PSB	dps.texas.gov	State licensing

Fees and Timeline

State Licensing Fees (DPS)

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Class D Company License	$575	2-year license
Class B Company License	$575	2-year license
Individual Registration	$30-$40	Varies by type
Liability Insurance	Minimum $200,000	Required for Class D

County Permit Fees

Call (214) 653-6565 to confirm current fee amounts. All fees must be paid by debit/credit card.

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Low voltage work typically exempt from building permits
• State DPS licensing still required for paid installation
• Homeowner self-installation permitted
• Common systems: smart locks, video doorbells, keypad entry

Commercial Access Control

• May require permit depending on project scope
• Fire door work requires Fire Marshal coordination
• Must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
• NFPA 80 and NFPA 101 compliance for fire-rated doors
• Documentation requirements may be stricter

Code Compliance Requirements

Emergency Egress

All electronic locking systems must release under emergency conditions:

• Fire alarm activation release required for mag locks
• Fail-safe operation on egress doors
• Request-to-exit (REX) devices required
• Cannot impede emergency egress

ADA Compliance

• Card readers and keypads at proper mounting height (48" max)
• Door opening force within limits
• Automatic door operators when required

Fire Door Integration

• Fire rating of door assembly must be maintained
• Listed hardware required for fire-rated doors
• Door closer operation must not be compromised

Pro Tips from the Field

Verify Jurisdiction: Dallas County includes many incorporated cities. Always confirm whether your project is in unincorporated Dallas County before quoting.

Contact DUAS First: For commercial projects, a quick call to (214) 653-6565 can clarify permit requirements before you commit to a timeline.

Fire Door Awareness: If your project involves fire-rated doors, coordinate with the Fire Marshal early. This is often where access control projects hit delays.

Use MGOConnect: Dallas County's online permit system streamlines the process. Get familiar with it to save time.

Document Everything: Even when permits aren't required, maintain thorough documentation for liability protection and future service needs.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Harris County, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with Dallas County and Texas DPS before beginning work.