Illinois Burglar Alarm License Requirements: IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor Guide

Illinois requires a Private Alarm Contractor license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to install burglar alarm systems. In Chicago, you must also register with the Department of Buildings. Here's the complete licensing guide for alarm contractors.

Quick Answer

You need an IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor license to install burglar alarms in Illinois. This requires 3 years of experience (or qualifying substitutes) plus passing the IDFPR exam offered in March and September. In Chicago, you must register your state license with the DOB to obtain permits. Chicago also has aggressive false alarm enforcement with $100 fines per incident.

IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor License

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation regulates alarm contractors under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 (225 ILCS 447).

What's Covered

The Illinois Act defines "alarm system" broadly:

"Any system, including an electronic access control system, a surveillance video system, a security video system, a burglar alarm system, a fire alarm system, or any other electronic system that activates an audible, visible, remote, or recorded signal that is designed for the protection or detection of intrusion, entry, theft, fire, vandalism, escape, or trespass."

This includes:

Burglar alarm systems
Intrusion detection
Fire alarm systems
Access control systems
Video surveillance (security purposes)
Monitored systems

License Types

License Type	For
Private Alarm Contractor	Individual with no employees
Private Alarm Contractor Agency	Business with employees performing alarm work

Qualification Requirements

Per 225 ILCS 447/20-10, applicants must:

Requirement	Details
Age	At least 21 years old
Criminal History	No felony conviction (or 10+ years since discharge)
Character	Good moral character
Competency	Not declared incompetent by court
Substance	No alcohol or narcotic dependence
Military	No dishonorable discharge
Exam	Pass IDFPR-authorized examination

Experience Requirements

Minimum 3 years (4,500 hours) of qualifying full-time experience within the last 5 years. IDFPR considers a "year" to be at least 1,500 hours.

Qualifying experience includes:

Working as a full-time manager (PERC holder) for a licensed private alarm contractor agency
Working for an entity that designs, sells, installs, services, or monitors alarm systems

Experience substitutes:

4-year degree in electrical engineering or related field = 2 years credit
Business degree = 2 years credit
National certification program completion = 1 year credit

Examination

The IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor exam is offered twice per year:

March exam (application deadline: February)
September exam (application deadline: August)

Next exam: September 3, 2025 (deadline August 6, 2025)

The exam is known to be challenging. Many contractors use exam prep courses.

Application Process

As of October 2024, IDFPR uses the CORE online system for applications:

Create CORE account at IDFPR website
Submit Private Alarm Contractor application
Document experience and qualifications
Register for exam
Pass exam
Receive license

Employee Requirements

Employees of licensed alarm contractors need a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) from IDFPR. This is required to work as an unarmed employee in the alarm industry.

Chicago Requirements

The City of Chicago has additional requirements for alarm contractors.

Registration with Chicago DOB

IDFPR-licensed private alarm contractors are exempt from Chicago's electrical contractor license for alarm work. However, you must:

Register your state license with the City of Chicago
Provide email and contact information
Obtain permits for work when required

Chicago Permit Requirements

Residential ≤4 stories: Low voltage wiring often permit-exempt
Commercial: Permit required before work starts
New construction: Part of building permit
Fire alarm: Always requires permit (separate fire alarm permit)

Chicago False Alarm Ordinance

Chicago Municipal Code Section 8-4-056 establishes strict false alarm enforcement:

Fine: $100 per false alarm
No grace period: Fines issued from first false alarm for commercial burglar alarms
Automatic hearing: Hearing scheduled when citation issued

Affirmative defenses:

System installed by properly licensed contractor
Proof of inspection within last 12 months
Reasonable measures taken to eliminate false alarms

Note: The ordinance does NOT apply to residential, educational, religious, charitable, or government premises.

Other Illinois Municipalities

Many Illinois municipalities have their own alarm permit requirements:

Municipality	Alarm Permit	Fee
Orland Park	Required	$25 registration
Tinley Park	Required	$25 commercial / Free residential
West Chicago	Required	See application
Many suburbs	Varies	Check locally

Best practice: Inform customers they may need to register their alarm with local police or village hall.

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Burglar Alarm

State License: IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor required
Chicago: Register state license with DOB; permit often not required
False Alarms: Chicago ordinance doesn't apply to residential
Local Permits: Many suburbs require alarm user registration

Commercial Burglar Alarm

State License: IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor required
Chicago: Register + permit required
False Alarms: $100 fine per false alarm in Chicago
Inspection: Recommend annual inspection for false alarm defense

Installation Best Practices

Maintain IDFPR license: Keep current; exams only offered twice yearly
Register in Chicago: Required before obtaining permits
Provide annual inspection: Helps customers with false alarm defense in Chicago
Train customers: Proper arming/disarming reduces false alarms
Inform about local permits: Many municipalities require alarm user registration
PERC for employees: Ensure all employees have valid PERCs

Related Permits and Licenses

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is the IDFPR alarm contractor exam offered?

Twice per year—March and September. Application deadlines are about one month before the exam date. Plan ahead, as missing a deadline means waiting 6 months for the next opportunity.

Do I need a Chicago electrical license if I have the IDFPR license?

No. IDFPR-licensed private alarm contractors are exempt from Chicago's electrical contractor license requirement for work within their scope. However, you must register your state license with Chicago DOB to obtain permits.

What's a PERC and who needs one?

A Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) is required for employees of licensed alarm contractors. It's issued by IDFPR and allows individuals to work in the alarm industry under a licensed contractor or agency.

Can I install alarms throughout Illinois with just the IDFPR license?

Yes, the IDFPR Private Alarm Contractor license is valid statewide. However, you may need to register in specific municipalities and obtain local permits depending on the jurisdiction.

What happens if my customer gets false alarm fines in Chicago?

For commercial burglar alarms, Chicago fines $100 per false alarm with no grace period. Your customer can defend by showing the system was installed by a licensed contractor and inspected within 12 months. Offer annual inspection services to help customers.

Find Burglar Alarm Projects in Illinois

Looking for security system installation opportunities in Illinois? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across the state, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.

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Last updated: February 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify with IDFPR and your local jurisdiction before beginning work.

Illinois Burglar Alarm License Requirements: IDFPR & Chicago Guide