Security Camera Permit Requirements in Montgomery County, Alabama

Installing security cameras in Montgomery County, Alabama—home to the state capital—requires understanding state licensing requirements through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL). This guide covers the unincorporated areas of Montgomery County—for work within the City of Montgomery, see our separate Montgomery city permit guide.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no building permit required. Standard security camera installations in unincorporated Montgomery County do not require a building permit. However, all professional installers must be licensed through AESBL. Always verify specific requirements with county authorities for your project location.

When Is a Permit Required vs Exempt?

No Permit Required:

• Standard exterior security camera installations
• Interior video surveillance systems
• Wireless camera systems with minimal mounting
• Replacement of existing equipment
• Residential doorbell cameras and home security systems

Permit May Be Required:

• Installations requiring new electrical circuits
• Large-scale commercial deployments with structural modifications
• Systems requiring underground conduit
• Pole-mounted cameras requiring excavation
• Government facility installations

What Are the Contractor Licensing Requirements?

Alabama requires all security camera installers to be licensed through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL). For complete details, see our Alabama Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Who Must Be Licensed:

You must be licensed with AESBL if you:

• Advertise CCTV or security camera installation services
• Install, maintain, or repair security camera systems for compensation
• Enter homes or businesses to sell or install security systems
• Display signage on vehicles advertising security services
• Post on social media offering these services

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 hold their own license
• Background check: FBI/ALEA fingerprint-based criminal background check
• Training: NTS Video System Technologies course (14-hour online) or equivalent for CCTV endorsement

License Fees:

• Qualifying Agent fee: $50-$150 (depending on disciplines)
• Individual fee: $50
• Background check fee: $38.25 (payable to ALEA)

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. Submit proof of NTS training or equivalent
6. Pay applicable fees

Contact Information:

Agency	Contact	Purpose
AESBL	(334) 264-9388	State contractor licensing
Montgomery County	(334) 832-1234	County permits (if required)

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
NTS Video System Technologies course	Varies	14 hours online

What Are the Differences Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Installations:

• No building permit typically required
• Same AESBL licensing requirements apply
• Cameras cannot point directly into neighboring private areas
• Alabama's one-party consent law applies to audio recording

Commercial Installations:

• May require building permit for extensive installations
• State government facilities have additional requirements
• Employee notification recommended for workplace monitoring
• More complex network infrastructure requirements

What About State Government Facilities?

As the state capital, Montgomery County has many government facilities with unique considerations:

• State Capitol complex: Special security and coordination requirements
• State agencies: May have specific contractor requirements
• Maxwell Air Force Base: Federal facility with separate requirements
• State prisons: Require additional clearances

What About City of Montgomery vs Montgomery County?

Montgomery County contains both incorporated and unincorporated areas:

• City of Montgomery: Has its own permit requirements
• Prattville: In adjacent Autauga County
• Unincorporated Montgomery County: Use county permits

Always verify whether the work location is within city limits or unincorporated county.

Pro Tips from Montgomery County Contractors

• Always carry your AESBL badge: Officials can request to see it at any time
• Keep license number visible: Must appear on all advertising, contracts, business cards, and vehicles
• Government projects: Plan extra time for procurement and clearance processes
• No state reciprocity: Alabama has no licensing reciprocity with other states
• Know your jurisdiction: City of Montgomery vs county requirements differ
• Trainee option: New technicians can work as trainees for six months while getting certified

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permits in City of Montgomery, Alabama

Additional guides for Montgomery County covering fire alarms, access control, and structured cabling coming soon.