Michigan Burglar Alarm License Requirements: Security Systems Guide

Michigan regulates burglar alarm contractors through LARA under the Security Alarm Systems Act and the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act. A key benefit: registered providers are exempt from municipal permit requirements for alarm work. Here's what contractors need to know.

Quick Answer

Michigan requires registration under the Security Alarm Systems Act (2012 PA 580) or licensing under the Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act (1968 PA 330) to install burglar alarms. Requirements include 4 years supervisory experience, background check, and bonding. Registered providers are exempt from municipal permit requirements for alarm work under state law.

Michigan Alarm Licensing Framework

LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) oversees alarm contractor licensing through two acts:

Act	Covers
Security Alarm Systems Act (2012 PA 580)	System providers, monitoring
Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act (1968 PA 330)	Security alarm system contractors

Alarm Contractor License Requirements

Experience

Michigan requires qualifying agents of companies installing burglar alarms to have:

4 years employment with an alarm installation company in a supervisory position
Background check clearance
Bonding requirements

Application Process

Document 4 years supervisory experience in alarm industry
Pass background check
Obtain required bond
Submit application to LARA
Receive registration/license

Contact Information

LARA Bureau of Construction Codes
P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-9313 | Website: michigan.gov/lara

Municipal Preemption - Major Benefit

A significant advantage of Michigan registration: municipal preemption.

MCL 339.5733

Under Michigan law, municipalities cannot require:

"A permit to install, maintain, replace, or service any electrical wiring, equipment, or devices associated with a business monitoring system, a home monitoring system, or a low-voltage electric fence, nor require a license or permit for a provider to install, maintain, replace, or service a security alarm system."

What This Means for You

No city permits required for alarm installation work
No local licensing on top of state registration
Streamlined operations across Michigan municipalities
Applies to both business and home monitoring systems

"Provider" = registered under Security Alarm Systems Act OR licensed under Private Security Business and Security Alarm Act.

Historical Context

In 1992, Public Act 130 exempted burglar alarms from the Electrical Administrative Act. This was followed by the Security Alarm Systems Act (2012) which established the current regulatory framework and municipal preemption provisions.

Building Permits

Generally Not Required

For registered providers:

No municipal permits for alarm installation
No permits for monitoring system work
No permits for low voltage alarm wiring

May Be Required

New construction (alarm may be part of building permit)
Fire alarm systems (separate requirements through Fire Marshal)
Work by non-registered contractors (verify locally)

Local Alarm Registration

While contractors are exempt from licensing/permits, many Michigan cities require CUSTOMERS to register their alarm systems:

Common Requirements

Alarm user registration with local police
False alarm reduction ordinances
Fines for excessive false alarms

Best practice: Inform customers about local alarm registration requirements and help them complete the process.

Fire Alarms

Fire alarm systems have separate requirements in Michigan:

NICET certification may be required
State Fire Marshal oversight
Different from burglar alarm licensing

If you install fire alarms, verify specific LARA requirements for fire protection systems.

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Burglar Alarm

State Registration: Required
Municipal Permit: Exempt for registered providers
Customer Registration: Often required locally

Commercial Burglar Alarm

State Registration: Required
Municipal Permit: Exempt for registered providers
UL Certification: May be required for certain applications

Best Practices

Get registered: State registration provides municipal preemption benefits
Document your status: Keep registration certificate available for job sites
Help customers register: Local alarm user registration is their responsibility but you can assist
Separate fire alarms: Different requirements—verify with LARA
Maintain bond: Required for continued registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cities still require permits for my alarm work?

No. Under MCL 339.5733, municipalities cannot require permits or licenses for alarm installation by registered providers. This is a significant benefit of state registration.

What if I'm not registered?

Without state registration, you may face municipal requirements and cannot legally operate an alarm business in Michigan. Get registered to access preemption benefits and operate legally.

Do I need separate licensing for monitoring?

Central station monitoring is covered under the Security Alarm Systems Act. Verify your registration covers your intended scope of services.

Find Burglar Alarm Projects in Michigan

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

Explore Signal

Last updated: February 2026. Contact LARA for current registration requirements.