Security Camera Permit Requirements in Dallas County, Texas

Quick Answer: Unincorporated Dallas County does not require a separate permit for security camera installation. Development permits are handled through the Department of Unincorporated Area Services (DUAS). If your location is within an incorporated city like Dallas, that city's requirements apply. All installers must hold a valid Texas PSB Class B Security Contractor License.

Dallas County includes the City of Dallas and numerous smaller municipalities. Requirements depend entirely on whether you're in an incorporated city or unincorporated county area.

First: Determine Your Jurisdiction

Dallas County contains multiple incorporated cities with their own requirements:

• Dallas - Requires contractor registration, convenience store ordinance
• Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite - Individual city requirements
• Richardson, Carrollton, Plano (partial) - Separate city rules
• Plus many other municipalities

Unincorporated Dallas County - Areas outside incorporated cities fall under county jurisdiction through DUAS.

How to Check: Contact Dallas County DUAS at 214-653-6565 or email development@dallascounty.org to verify if your location is in unincorporated Dallas County.

Unincorporated Dallas County Requirements

Security Cameras Only: No Specific Permit Required

For standalone security camera installations in unincorporated Dallas County, no specific security camera permit is required from the county.

You still need:

• Texas PSB Class B License - State requirement for all security camera installers
• Development permit if significant construction or electrical work is involved

Development Permits

Any development activities in unincorporated Dallas County may require a permit through DUAS:

What May Need a Permit:

• Residential or non-residential construction/installation
• Significant electrical work
• Grading/filling activities
• New building construction

Online Permit System:
All permits are now applied online at mgoconnect.org

DUAS Contact Information

Department of Unincorporated Area Services
Records Building - 500 Elm Street, Suite 6100
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 653-6565
Email: development@dallascounty.org

Payment: All fees paid by debit/credit card only. Call to confirm fee amounts.

City of Dallas vs. Unincorporated County

Requirement	City of Dallas	Unincorporated Dallas County
Contractor registration	Required	Not required
Convenience store cameras	Mandated	Not mandated
Alarm permit	Through Dallas Police	Check with Sheriff's Office
Building permits	Through Dallas	Through DUAS/Fire Marshal
PSB license	Required	Required

For City of Dallas requirements, see our Dallas Security Camera Permit Guide.

Texas PSB Licensing Requirements

Regardless of location within Dallas County, all security camera installers must hold a Texas Private Security Bureau license.

License Classifications

• Class A: Investigations company license
• Class B: Security services contractor license (required for cameras, alarms, CCTV)
• Class C: Covers both Class A and Class B operations

Requirements to Get Licensed

1. Pass two exams: Technical exam and Texas code exam
2. Pass the Certified Alarm Technician Level I exam (for installers)
3. Submit application to Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
4. Processing time: 6-8 weeks
5. Renewal: Annual

→ See our complete guide: Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

No Mandatory Camera Ordinance

Unlike the City of Dallas (which has a convenience store ordinance), unincorporated Dallas County does not have a mandatory security camera requirement for any business type.

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Fee	Timeline
DUAS Development Permit	Varies	Call to confirm
Building Permit (Fire Marshal)	Varies	Up to 30 days
PSB Class B License	~$400-700	6-8 weeks
PSB License Renewal	~$200-300	Annual

Fees subject to change. Contact DUAS at 214-653-6565 for current fee schedules.

Pro Tips

Based on contractor experience in the Dallas County market:

• Verify jurisdiction first - Dallas County has many incorporated cities with different rules. Don't assume county rules apply.
• Use mgoconnect.org - The online permit system is the fastest way to apply for permits in unincorporated areas.
• DUAS is your contact - For any questions about unincorporated area requirements, call 214-653-6565.
• No zoning in county - Dallas County doesn't have zoning, but regulations still apply.
• 30-day rule - Building permits must be approved or denied within 30 days by law.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera 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

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Dallas County DUAS
• Dallas County Fire Marshal
• Texas DPS Private Security Bureau

Last updated: January 2025. Information verified against official sources. Requirements change—always verify jurisdiction and contact DUAS, Fire Marshal, and Texas PSB before starting work.