Pennsylvania Burglar Alarm License Requirements: Registration Guide

Pennsylvania does NOT have a state-level burglar alarm contractor license. Unlike states with dedicated alarm boards, PA regulates alarm contractors through general home improvement registration and local municipal requirements. Philadelphia and some other cities have specific alarm user registration.

Quick Answer

Pennsylvania has no statewide alarm contractor license. Home improvement contractors must register with the PA Attorney General if earning over $5,000/year. Philadelphia requires alarm user registration (not contractor licensing). Some municipalities have false alarm ordinances requiring customer registration. Local contractor licensing varies by city.

Statewide Requirements

No State Alarm License

Unlike states such as California (BSIS), New York (DOS), or Illinois (IDFPR), Pennsylvania does NOT have a dedicated alarm contractor licensing program at the state level.

The Commonwealth only licenses:

Crane operators
Asbestos removal contractors
Lead removal contractors

Home Improvement Contractor Registration

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires registration for residential work:

Requirement	Details
Threshold	$5,000+ annual home improvement revenue
Registration Fee	$50
Insurance	$50,000 personal injury + $50,000 property damage
Background Disclosure	Bankruptcies, criminal history required

Alarm installation at residences counts as "home improvement" under this law.

Local Alarm Permit Requirements

Many Pennsylvania municipalities require alarm USERS (not contractors) to register their systems:

Philadelphia

Philadelphia requires alarm registration through the Police Department:

Register a burglar alarm / Pay annual fee
Annual registration fee applies
False alarm fines for excessive activations

For contractors: Philadelphia also requires an Electrical Contractor license for alarm installation work.

Pittsburgh

Check with Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for alarm registration requirements and false alarm ordinances.

Manheim Township (Example)

Manheim Township requires a Security (Burglar) Alarm Permit for alarm users. Similar requirements exist throughout the state.

Philadelphia Contractor Requirements

Philadelphia has the most comprehensive requirements:

Electrical Contractor License

Required for low voltage and alarm installation
4 years electrical work experience
OSHA 30 training
Proof of insurance

Home Improvement Contractor License

Required for residential work in Philadelphia
Separate from state AG registration

Building Permits

Generally Not Required

Low voltage alarm systems under 50V
Wireless alarm systems
Residential retrofit installations

May Be Required

New construction (part of building permit)
Commercial installations in some cities
Philadelphia (most electrical work)

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Burglar Alarm

State Alarm License: None exists
AG Registration: Required if earning $5,000+/year
Local License: Philadelphia requires electrical contractor license
Customer Registration: Many cities require alarm user permits

Commercial Burglar Alarm

State Alarm License: None exists
AG Registration: Applies to residential, not commercial
Local Requirements: Varies by municipality
Permits: May be required in larger cities

Monitoring Considerations

Pennsylvania does not license alarm monitoring companies at the state level. However:

UL certification may be required for certain commercial applications
Fire alarm monitoring may have separate requirements through State Fire Marshal
Central stations serving PA should verify any local registration requirements

Best Practices

Register with AG: If doing residential work over $5,000/year
Philadelphia: Get Electrical Contractor license before working in the city
Inform customers: About local alarm registration requirements
Check locally: Each of PA's 2,562 municipalities may have different rules
Maintain insurance: Required for AG registration and most local work
Document compliance: Keep records of all registrations and permits

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special alarm license in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not have a state alarm contractor license like California or New York. You need AG registration for home improvement work and should check local requirements.

Can my customers get fined for false alarms?

Yes. Many Pennsylvania municipalities have false alarm ordinances with fines for excessive activations. Ensure customers register their alarms where required and receive proper training.

What about fire alarms?

Fire alarm requirements may differ. Check with the State Fire Marshal and local fire departments for specific licensing and permit requirements.

Find Burglar Alarm Projects in Pennsylvania

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

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Last updated: February 2026. Pennsylvania requirements vary by municipality. Always verify with local authorities.