Security Camera Permit Requirements in Memphis, Tennessee

Installing security cameras in Memphis requires understanding both Tennessee's state-level alarm contractor licensing and the city's Metro Alarm Permit requirements. If your CCTV system is monitored by a professional monitoring station and Memphis Police respond to your address, alarm registration is mandatory.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on monitoring status. If your security camera system is connected to professional monitoring where Memphis Police Department responds, you need a Metro Alarm Permit. Electrical permits may also be required for work involving new circuits. All contractors performing security work for compensation need Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractor licensing.

When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt

Metro Alarm Permit Required

• Professionally monitored security systems where MPD responds
• Both residential and commercial monitored systems
• Systems in Memphis and Cordova areas
• Video verification systems connected to monitoring

Metro Alarm Permit NOT Required

• Self-monitored camera systems (no professional monitoring)
• Systems not connected to monitoring stations
• Locations where MPD does not respond (check jurisdiction)

Electrical Permits May Be Required

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired installations requiring panel modifications
• Commercial installations as part of building permit

Note: Unincorporated Shelby County, Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington have separate permit requirements—contact those municipalities directly.

Memphis Metro Alarm Permit

Registration Requirements

• Required if MPD responds to your alarm address
• Includes both homes and businesses
• Permits are NOT transferable between locations
• Annual renewal required (expires June 30th)

Permit Fees

Permit Type	New Permit	Renewal
Residential Alarm	$30	$10
Commercial Alarm	$60	$25

Renewal Timeline

• All permits expire June 30th annually
• Permits issued January-June: due June 30th of the following year
• Permits issued July-December: due June 30th of the same permit year

How to Register

Register through the Memphis False Alarm Reduction Program portal or contact Metro Alarms Office:

• Email: metroalarms@memphistn.gov
• Phone: (901) 636-6380

False Alarm Fines

Memphis enforces strict false alarm penalties to reduce unnecessary police responses:

With Valid Permit

• First false alarm: Free (one per year)
• Subsequent false alarms: Fines accumulate per offense

Without Permit

• First false alarm: $20 plus cost of service charge
• Plus: $140 fine for unpermitted system
• Plus: $20 processing fee
• Residential total: Up to $190 for first offense
• Commercial total: Up to $220 for first offense

Appeals

False alarm fines can be appealed if caused by extenuating circumstances. Email metroalarms@memphistn.gov or call (901) 636-6380.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractor License

Required for security camera installation if system is used for security detection. License types include:

• CCTV License: For camera systems used for security
• Burglar Alarm License: For intrusion detection systems
• Alarm Monitoring License: For monitoring services

Qualifying Agent Requirements

• Approved education or NICET certification plus 3 years experience
• Pass PSI examination
• Company certification: $500
• Employee registration: $100 per technician
• 16 hours CE every 2 years

For detailed licensing information, see our Tennessee Low Voltage License Guide.

Electrical Contractor License

May be required depending on scope:

• CE License: Projects over $25,000
• LLE: NOT accepted in Shelby County (has own codes office)

Memphis Business Requirements

• City of Memphis business license
• Shelby County business license (if applicable)
• Proof of insurance

Shelby County Permit Process

Code Enforcement

For electrical or building permits, contact Memphis & Shelby County Code Enforcement:

• Address: Vasco A. Smith, Jr. County Administration Building, 160 N Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
• Phone: 901-222-2300
• Permit Portal: Shelby County Permit Inquiry

Fees and Timeline Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Residential Alarm Permit	$30 new / $10 renewal	Annual, expires June 30
Commercial Alarm Permit	$60 new / $25 renewal	Annual, expires June 30
State Contractor License	$500	Plus employee fees
Unpermitted False Alarm	$140+	Plus fees, up to $220
Electrical Permit	Varies	If new circuits required

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• $30 Metro Alarm Permit (if monitored)
• State alarm contractor license required for installer
• Electrical permit if new circuits
• One free false alarm per year

Commercial Installations

• $60 Metro Alarm Permit (if monitored)
• State alarm contractor license required
• May require building/electrical permits
• Higher false alarm fines for unpermitted systems
• Employee training on proper system use recommended

Tennessee Privacy Laws

Tennessee is a one-party consent state for audio recording:

• Only one party needs to consent to recording
• Video recording in public/common areas generally permitted
• No cameras in areas with expectation of privacy
• Workplace monitoring should include employee notification

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Check jurisdiction first: Metro Alarms only covers Memphis and Cordova—other cities have separate requirements
• Register before activation: Unpermitted false alarms cost up to $220
• June 30 deadline: All permits expire same date regardless of issue date
• LLE doesn't work here: Shelby County has its own codes office—CE license required
• Educate customers: User error causes most false alarms—proper training is essential
• Keep permit current: $10/$25 renewal is much cheaper than unpermitted fines

Contact Information

Memphis Metro Alarms Office

• Email: metroalarms@memphistn.gov
• Phone: (901) 636-6380
• Portal: Memphis False Alarm Reduction Program
• Website: memphistn.gov/alarms

Memphis & Shelby County Code Enforcement

• Address: 160 N Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
• Phone: 901-222-2300
• Permit Portal: Permit Inquiry

Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractors Board

• Phone: 615-741-9771
• Website: tn.gov/commerce/regboards/alarm

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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