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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 

NOTICE REGARDING ONLINE PAYMENTS:

We are pleased to announce an online payment portal provided by JP Morgan Chase. Below is an example of the payment link request, requests will be sent from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

Subject line: You have an invoice from Travis County Sheriff’s Office

Sender: TRAVIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;

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Below is an example of the home screen to the payment portal. Users will need to create a log in to access the payment portal.:

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Accepted form of electronic payment is an ACH with a routing and account number.

*Please note a test deposit will be deposited and withdrawn for a random amount less than $1.00, netting $0. This is to establish that the bank and routing account number you entered is valid.

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. 

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.

 

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