Skip to main content

Alarm Permits

For residences and businesses that have alarm systems within our jurisdiction, a permit is required per Chapter 68 of the Travis County Procedures. To view our jurisdiction, please review our District Map

If you live in Travis County, but are within the city limits of another jurisdiction, please contact your local police department to inquire if an alarm permit is required.  

Register Your Alarm

Business Permit: $110 | Residential Permit: $50 

Payment is accepted by check or money order made payable to Travis County. 

NOTICE REGARDING ONLINE PAYMENTS:

Our online payment processor JPMorgan Chase (“Chase Payments”) is discontinuing service. If you would like to pay online with Chase Payments, we must receive your request for a secure payment link by February 22, 2024. You must use the link to submit your electronic payment by May 22, 2024.

We are actively working on an alternative online payment solution and will post details to this website when available. In the interim, you may mail your check or money order to this address:

Travis County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Alarm Permit
P.O. Box 459
Del Valle, TX 78617

We will process your mail-in payment on the day it is received and email (if available) or mail your permit to the address on file.

NOTICE OF FEE CHANGE: 

The Travis County Commissioners Court sets the fees for services the Travis County Sheriff’s Office provides, in accordance with Section 118.131 of the Local Government Code. On August 1, 2023, the court conducted an annual review of sheriff and constable fees. On recommendation from the Planning and Budget Office, the court took action to increase alarm permit registration fees to match those of the City of Austin. These fees hadn’t been increased in over a decade. Pursuant to the court’s decision, permit fees for 2024 forward are $50 annually for residential alarms and $110 for commercial alarms.

Details of the decision may be viewed on page 575 of the court’s agenda package: Commissioners Court Voting Session.

Application Methods 

ONline:

To submit the Alarm Permit Application online, please follow the link below:

ALARM PERMIT APPLICATION

You will receive an email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within two business days with your alarm permit number and payment instructions (see “NOTICE REGARDING ONLINE PAYMENTS” above).

Mail:

To submit the application via U.S. mail, please complete the alarm permit application below:

Download Alarm Permit Application

Please send the completed application and money order or check payable to Travis County to:

Travis County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Alarm Permit
P.O. Box 459
Del Valle, TX 78617

In Person: 

Travis County Sheriff's Office (map)
5555 Airport Blvd. 
Austin, TX 78751 

Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed on Travis County holidays) 

Your alarm permit will be emailed (if available) or mailed to the address provided within 10 business days.

Know the Rules

Any person commits an offense if he/she violates any provision of these rules not otherwise provided for and punishable under Texas law, as enacted and amended. An offense under this section is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). 

  • Permit is valid from the date of issuance to December 31. 
  • Renewal is required by January 1. 
  • Permit is non-transferable and fees are not prorated. 
  • Permit must remain on-site. 
  • Permit holder is allowed five free false alarms before a fine will be imposed. 
  • The fine for each false alarm after five is $75. 
  • Your alarm must have a 30-minute shut off feature. 
  • The permit-holder, or a designee, must be able to deactivate or reset the alarm if needed. 
  • The permit holder is responsible for the maintenance of the alarm and for the training of persons in its use. 

Help Reduce False Alarms

A properly maintained and operated alarm system may protect your family and property from danger. However, a malfunctioning or abused system may do just the opposite. Up to 95% of the alarm calls that our deputies respond to are false; false alarm responses take them away from proactive patrol efforts in the community. Therefore, it is our goal to work with alarm owners to reduce the number of false alarms so that we may do our job and be there when an actual emergency occurs. The alarm policy of Travis County is designed to ensure that local law enforcement has your alarm on record so that we can contact you if there is a problem. 

Home Security Inspection

TCSO Community Outreach Unit can assist you if you have questions about problems with your alarm and they can give you tips on ways to make sure that you do not have false alarms. If you would like to schedule a Home Security Inspection, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

For more information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 512-854-4768.

 

Can’t find what you are looking for?

If you need additional assistance, please visit our Contact Us page.

To report website issues or share feedback, please use our feedback form.