Security Camera Permit Requirements in New York City, New York

Quick Answer: Security camera (CCTV) installations in New York City require a Security or Fire Alarm Installer License from the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS). Low voltage electrical work for security cameras generally does not require NYC Department of Buildings permits, but contractors must be properly licensed. The state license requires completing 81 hours of training and passing a background check.

When Are Permits Required?

NYC has specific requirements for security camera installations:

Building Permits

Low voltage electrical work (under 50 volts) for signaling, communication, alarm, and data transmission circuits generally does not require a DOB electrical permit. However, permits may be required for:

• Structural modifications for camera mounting
• Work in landmark buildings or historic districts
• Installations affecting building facades
• Projects requiring electrical service upgrades
• Life safety system integrations

State Licensing

All security camera installations require the installer to hold a valid New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License, regardless of whether a building permit is needed.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

New York State has strict licensing requirements for security system installers:

NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License

Required for any individual, firm, or company that installs, maintains, or services alarm systems including CCTV used to monitor intrusion, theft, movement, sound, or fire.

License Requirements

• Education: Complete 81 hours of training (four 15-hour modules plus one 21-hour module)
• Background check: Pass state background investigation
• Application fee: $200 (license without examination) or $185 (license after examination)
• Age: Must be 18 years or older

Exemptions

• Master Electricians: Exempt from licensing exam if already licensed in the municipality, but must register with Secretary of State
• Property owners: May install systems on their own property without a license
• Employees: Workers under a licensed installer do not need individual licenses if they have proper identification from the license holder

NYC Low Voltage Installer Certification

NYC Department of Buildings also has a Low Voltage Installer certification for non-fire installations, though enforcement varies. This covers signaling, communication, alarm, and data transmission systems operating under 50 volts.

For complete New York licensing requirements, see our New York Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Permit Application Process

When DOB Permits Are Required

If your project requires building permits:

1. File application through NYC DOB NOW portal
2. Include site plans and installation details
3. Pay applicable fees
4. Schedule inspections as required

State License Application

1. Complete 81-hour training program from approved provider
2. Submit application to NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
3. Provide fingerprints for background check
4. Pay application fee ($185-$200)
5. Receive license upon approval

Contact Information

Contact	Details
NYS Department of State	Division of Licensing Services
Website	dos.ny.gov
Phone	(518) 474-4429
NYC DOB	nyc.gov/buildings
NYC Business Portal	nyc-business.nyc.gov

Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
NYS License (without exam)	$200	Processing varies
NYS License (after exam)	$185	Processing varies
81-Hour Training Course	$500-$1,500	Multiple sessions
DOB Electrical Permit (if required)	Varies by scope	5-15 business days

No continuing education requirements at this time for NYS license.

Legal Requirements for Surveillance

New York has specific laws governing security camera use:

Prohibited Locations

• Locker rooms where dressing/undressing occurs
• Bathrooms and restrooms
• Any location where privacy is expected
• Unlawful surveillance is a Class E felony

Workplace Surveillance

Per Section 203-C of New York Labor Law and recent Civil Rights Law amendments:

• Employers may record and monitor employees except in prohibited areas
• Must notify employees of video surveillance with signs and/or employee handbook
• Must obtain written acknowledgment of notification
• Penalties: $500 (first violation), $1,000 (second), $3,000 (third and subsequent)

Audio Recording

New York is primarily a one-party consent state for audio recording, but functions as all-party consent when the recording party is not a participant in the conversation.

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Projects

• Property owners may install their own systems without a license
• Hired installers must hold NYS license
• Multi-family buildings: treat as commercial
• Audio recording rules apply

Commercial Projects

• All installations require licensed installer
• Employee notification requirements apply
• Landmark buildings require LPC approval
• Building management approval typically required
• Consider network infrastructure requirements

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Get licensed first: Complete the 81-hour training and obtain your NYS license before bidding NYC projects
• Master Electrician exemption: If you hold a Master Electrician license, you can register with Secretary of State without taking the exam
• Employee notifications: Advise commercial clients about workplace surveillance notification requirements
• Landmark properties: Check if building is in a landmark district before proposing exterior installations
• Documentation: Keep license credentials readily available as enforcement can occur
• Privacy compliance: Never install cameras in prohibited locations (bathrooms, locker rooms)
• Audio considerations: Advise clients on one-party vs all-party consent requirements for audio

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in New York City before they reach bid boards?

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Related Guides

• New York Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• More Permit Requirement Guides