Access Control Permit Requirements in Travis County, Texas

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Travis County require Texas DPS licensing—an Electronic Access Control Device Installer license under a Class B Security Contractor company. Local alarm permits are required when systems connect to monitoring: Travis County Sheriff handles unincorporated areas (permit valid to December 31, 5 free false alarms then $75 each), while Austin has separate permit requirements through Alarm Administration.

Understanding Travis County Jurisdiction

Travis County includes Austin and surrounding communities. Access control permit requirements depend on your location:

• Unincorporated Travis County – Alarm permits through Sheriff's Office
• City of Austin – Separate permit process through Alarm Administration
• Other municipalities – Contact local police department

Review the Sheriff's District Map to verify which jurisdiction applies to your project location.

Texas State Licensing Requirements

All access control installers in Texas must be licensed through the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau.

Individual License: Electronic Access Control Device Installer

Anyone who installs or maintains electronic access control devices must hold an Electronic Access Control Device Installer license. This applies to card readers, keypads, biometric scanners, electric locks, and other access control hardware.

Requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass fingerprint-based background check
• Complete required training
• Be employed by or affiliated with a licensed company
• Register installer license under company's Class B license

Company License: Class B Security Contractor

Companies performing access control work must hold a Class B Security Contractor License with the Electronic Access category.

The Class B license can include multiple categories:

• Alarm systems
• Electronic access control
• Video surveillance
• Guard services
• Locksmith services

Manager/Supervisor Exam

The applicant applying as manager or supervisor must pass an examination demonstrating:

• Knowledge of applicable state laws
• Understanding of administrative rules
• Technical qualifications in the license classification

Exam details:

• 100 questions (multiple choice and true/false)
• Score of 70 or greater required to pass
• Exams administered only in Austin, Houston, and Irving

License Fees

Item	Cost
License application	$412
Owner application + background check	~$81.50
Total initial cost	~$493.50

Important Note for Other Contractors

An electrical contractor license does NOT authorize security system installation. Electrical contractors, audio-visual contractors, IT contractors, and sub-contractors who provide security wiring in Texas are required to hold a Security Contractor License.

For complete licensing details, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Travis County Sheriff Alarm Permits

The Travis County Sheriff's Office manages alarm permits for unincorporated areas under Chapter 68 of Travis County Procedures.

Permit Details

Item	Details
Valid period	Date of issuance to December 31
Renewal deadline	January 1 each year
Transferable	No
Fees prorated	No
Permit location	Must remain on-site
Processing time	Emailed or mailed within 10 business days

False Alarm Policy

• Five (5) free false alarms per permit period
• $75 fine for each false alarm after five
• Alarm must have 30-minute automatic shut-off feature
• Permit holder (or designee) must be able to deactivate or reset alarm

Permit Holder Responsibilities

• Maintain the alarm system in working order
• Train all persons in proper alarm use
• Ensure designee can respond to deactivate alarms

Violations

Violating permit rules is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.

City of Austin Requirements

Properties within Austin city limits require an alarm permit through the City's Alarm Administration.

When Permits Are Required

• Access control systems connected to central monitoring
• Systems that dispatch police or security response
• Integrated alarm and access control systems
• Commercial systems with duress or panic functions

How to Apply

Apply through the Alarm Administration Portal (recommended for faster processing) or submit the Alarm Permit Registration Web Form.

Application must be received before the alarm system is enabled.

When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt

Permits Required

• Access control systems connected to central monitoring
• Systems that dispatch police or security response
• Integrated alarm and access control systems
• Gate access systems with monitoring capability
• Commercial systems with duress or panic functions

May Not Require Local Permit

• Standalone access control with no monitoring
• Systems that only log access without alarm dispatch
• Interior door access control without external notification
• Simple keypad locks without central management

Note: Even when local permits are not required, Texas DPS licensing is always required for the installer and company.

Residential vs. Commercial Access Control

Residential Projects

Residential access control in Travis County typically includes:

• Smart locks with keypad or app control
• Video doorbell integration
• Gate and garage access controllers
• Basic card or fob entry systems
• Biometric door locks

Many standalone smart locks do not require alarm permits if they have no monitoring connection.

Commercial Projects

Commercial access control involves more complex requirements:

• Multi-door card access systems
• Biometric readers (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Visitor management integration
• Time and attendance tracking
• Elevator floor access control
• Integration with fire alarm for egress
• Anti-passback and tailgating prevention
• Integration with video surveillance

Fire Code Considerations

When access control affects means of egress, coordination with the Fire Marshal is required:

• Maglocks on exit doors must have proper release mechanisms
• Fire alarm integration for automatic unlock on alarm
• Request-to-exit devices must meet code requirements
• Delayed egress locks have specific signage and timing rules

Contact the Travis County Fire Marshal at (512) 854-4621 for egress-related questions.

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Cost	Timeline
DPS Electronic Access Installer license	~$493.50 total	4-6 weeks
Class B Company license	$500+ annually	4-8 weeks
Travis County alarm permit	Contact Sheriff	~10 business days
Austin alarm permit	Contact Alarm Admin	Varies
False alarm allowance	5 free per year	—
False alarm fee (after 5)	$75 each	—

Pro Tips from the Field

Experienced access control installers in Travis County recommend:

• Get licensed first – DPS licensing is mandatory; working without it is illegal
• Take the exam in Austin – Convenient for local contractors (also offered in Houston, Irving)
• Know your jurisdiction – Austin vs. unincorporated Travis County have different processes
• Apply before enabling – Austin requires permit application before alarm system activation
• Train customers thoroughly – $75 false alarm fees add up quickly after the first five
• Document the 30-minute shutoff – Required feature for all permitted alarms
• Coordinate fire integration – Maglocks on egress doors need fire alarm relay integration
• Keep permit on-site – Required by Travis County rules

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Travis County before they reach bid boards?

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Related Permit Guides

• Tarrant County, Texas Access Control Permits
• Dallas County, Texas Access Control Permits
• Houston, Texas Access Control Permits
• Dallas, Texas Access Control Permits
• Texas Low Voltage License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements and licensing rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with DPS and the local authority having jurisdiction before starting work.