Burglar Alarm Permit Requirements in Louisiana

Does Louisiana require permits and licensing for burglar alarm installation? Here's what contractors need to know about State Fire Marshal licensing, permits, and compliance in the Pelican State.

State Licensing Requirements

Louisiana regulates alarm contractors through the Office of State Fire Marshal, Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Who Must Be Licensed

Licensing is required for anyone who:

• Installs burglar alarm systems
• Services or repairs alarm systems
• Monitors alarm systems
• Installs CCTV/video surveillance
• Installs access control systems
• Performs any related task for compensation

Key Requirement: Louisiana Physical Location

Important: Electronic protective system companies must be physically located in Louisiana to obtain licensing. This is a unique requirement that affects out-of-state companies.

Monitoring Station Requirements

Central stations that have programming access to security/fire panels must be licensed with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. This requirement was added in 2008.

License Classifications

Classification	Scope	Requirements
Electronic Protective Systems	Burglar, CCTV, Access Control	Physical Louisiana location
Fire Detection Class D	Required fire alarm systems	NICET Level III
Fire Detection Class D-1	Non-required fire alarms	Less stringent requirements

Major Cities in Louisiana

New Orleans

Louisiana's largest city with significant alarm demand. Safety and Permits handles local permits. Hospitality and tourism industries drive commercial security needs. Hurricane preparedness is factor in system design.

Baton Rouge

State capital with government building requirements. State facilities have specific security needs. Growing commercial market. Check with local building department for permits.

Shreveport

North Louisiana center. Permits and Inspections handles local permits. Gaming industry creates commercial demand.

Lafayette

Acadiana hub. Energy industry drives commercial security demand. Check local permit requirements.

Alarm User Permits (Local)

Check with local police departments for alarm user permit requirements in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and other cities. Many Louisiana cities have false alarm ordinances.

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Burglar Alarms

• State Fire Marshal license required for contractors
• Local alarm permit may be required
• Homeowner can install their own system
• Monitoring requires licensed central station

Commercial Burglar Alarms

• State Fire Marshal license required
• Local permits typically required
• Insurance may specify requirements
• UL certification may be required

License Application

1. Establish Louisiana location: Physical office required
2. Submit application: To Office of State Fire Marshal
3. Background checks: Required for principals
4. Insurance: Liability coverage required
5. Pay fees: Application and license fees

Louisiana-Specific Considerations

Hurricane Preparedness

• Backup power critical for alarm systems
• Cellular backup recommended
• Weatherproof outdoor equipment
• Emergency communication planning

Related Permits You May Need

• Fire Alarm Permits in Louisiana
• Access Control Permits in Louisiana
• Security Camera Permits in Louisiana
• Intercom Permits in Louisiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to install alarm systems in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana requires State Fire Marshal licensing for all electronic protective system work including burglar alarms, CCTV, and access control.

Can out-of-state companies get licensed?

Only if they establish a physical location in Louisiana. Companies must be physically located in the state to obtain licensing.

What about monitoring services?

Central stations that can access security/fire panels for programming must be licensed with the State Fire Marshal.

Find Alarm Projects in Louisiana

Looking for burglar alarm opportunities in Louisiana? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across Louisiana, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.

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Last updated: February 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify with Louisiana State Fire Marshal before beginning work.