Access Control Permit Requirements in Mobile, Alabama

Installing access control systems in Mobile, Alabama requires understanding both state licensing requirements through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL) and local registration requirements. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about compliance in the Mobile market.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no building permit, but licensing and registration required. Access control installations typically don't require a building permit in Mobile unless electrical work beyond low voltage is involved. However, contractors must be licensed through AESBL, and all alarm-connected systems must be registered with the City of Mobile at $25-$50 annually.

When Is a Permit Required vs Exempt?

No Building Permit Required:

• Standard card reader installations
• Keypad and credential reader mounting
• Low voltage wiring for access control panels
• Magnetic lock installations on existing doors
• Wireless access control systems

Permit May Be Required:

• Electric strike installations requiring new electrical circuits
• Door modifications or replacements
• Fire-rated door hardware changes
• ADA compliance modifications
• Integration with fire alarm systems (requires Fire Marshal coordination)

What Are the State Licensing Requirements?

The Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL) regulates all access control contractors in Alabama. For complete licensing details, see our Alabama Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Who Must Be Licensed:

You are required to be licensed with AESBL if you or your company:

• Advertise electronic access control services
• Sell, install, maintain, or repair access control systems
• Enter homes or businesses for access control work
• Post on social media offering these services
• Display signage on vehicles advertising access control

AESBL License Requirements:

• Company license: Required with $250,000 general liability insurance minimum
• Qualifying Agent: Each company must have a resident QA
• Individual license: All technicians must be individually licensed
• Background check: FBI/ALEA fingerprint-based criminal background check
• Training: NTS training courses or equivalent for access control endorsement

License Display Requirements:

• ID cards must be displayed when meeting the public
• Must be produced on demand to law enforcement or building officials
• License number must appear in all advertising, contracts, business cards, yard signs, and company vehicles

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Class A misdemeanor for AESBL violations
• Fines up to $1,000 per violation
• Civil action for penalty collection

What Are Mobile's Local Registration Requirements?

If your access control system connects to alarm monitoring or intrusion detection, it must be registered with the City of Mobile:

• Residential registration: $25 per year
• Commercial registration: $50 per year
• Multiple systems: Each system must be registered individually
• Emergency contacts: Mandatory emergency contact information required

Registration Contact:

Mobile Police Headquarters
2460 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: (251) 208-1991

How Do You Apply for Licensing?

AESBL License Application Process:

1. Download application packet from AESBL website
2. Complete and notarize application form
3. Submit ALEA background check forms with fingerprint cards
4. Provide proof of $250,000 general liability insurance
5. Pay applicable fees ($50-$150 QA fee + $50 individual fee + $38.25 background check)
6. Submit NTS training certificates or equivalents

Contact Information:

Agency	Contact	Purpose
AESBL	(334) 264-9388	State contractor licensing
Mobile Police - Alarm Registration	(251) 208-1991	Alarm system registration
Mobile Permit Office	(251) 208-7525	Building permits (if required)
Build Mobile	buildmobile.org	Permitting & inspections

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Fee	Timeline
AESBL QA license fee	$50-$150	4-6 weeks
AESBL individual license fee	$50	4-6 weeks
ALEA background check	$38.25	Included in above
Residential alarm registration	$25/year	Same day
Commercial alarm registration	$50/year	Same day

What Are the Differences Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Access Control:

• Annual alarm registration (if monitored): $25
• Typically simpler installations
• Smart locks, video doorbells, gate controls common
• No permit usually required
• Standard AESBL license sufficient

Commercial Access Control:

• Annual alarm registration (if monitored): $50
• More complex multi-door systems
• May require fire alarm integration coordination
• ADA compliance considerations for door hardware
• May involve IT network integration
• Could require building permit for door modifications

Do Access Control Systems Require Fire Marshal Coordination?

Yes, in certain situations:

• Maglocks on fire-rated doors: Must release upon fire alarm activation
• Delayed egress devices: Require Fire Marshal approval and specific signage
• Emergency exits: Access control cannot prevent emergency egress
• Integration with fire alarm: Requires licensed fire alarm contractor for that portion

Pro Tips from Mobile Contractors

• Keep ID card visible: Always have your AESBL ID card ready—officials can request it at any time
• License number on everything: Include your license number on all advertising, contracts, and vehicle signage
• No reciprocity: Alabama has no licensing reciprocity with other states—out-of-state contractors must obtain Alabama license
• Register monitored systems: If the access control ties into monitoring, register with Mobile Police
• Coordinate fire-rated doors: Contact Fire Marshal before installing maglocks on fire-rated doors
• Trainee status available: New technicians can work as trainees for six months while getting certified

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides for Mobile

• Security Camera Permits in Mobile, Alabama
• Fire Alarm Permits in Mobile, Alabama

Structured cabling permit guide for Mobile coming soon.