How to apply and renew
If a company monitors your alarm, it registers the license and bills you for the city’s fee. Follow up with that company to confirm your license number and renewal.
If you do not use a monitoring company, return the Alarm License / Renewal Application within five days of installation. For a self-monitored system, mark the application “self-monitored.” The city’s online self-service portal is for alarm companies.
| Action | Fee | When due / term |
|---|---|---|
| New registration or permit | $60 annual residential rate; prorated to $45/$30/$15 by quarter for new licenses | See the local steps above for any confirmed filing deadline |
| Renewal | Not separately confirmed | Calendar year; expires December 31 |
False-alarm charges
| False-alarm occurrence | Charge | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $0 | Licensed site |
| 2nd | $100 | Licensed site |
| 3rd | $150 | Licensed site |
| 4th | $200 | Licensed site |
| 5th and later | $250 | Licensed site |
Unlicensed sites add $100 plus $250 per false alarm.
Police response
No separate alarm-specific dispatch restriction confirmed in the official program page.
Sources and local authority
These official sources were used to prepare the San Francisco guide.
Local rules and official pages can change. Verify important requirements, forms and fees before applying or paying.
Fire-alarm information
Fire-alarm installation, inspection and building-code rules may be separate from a home security registration. Ask the local fire or building office which rules apply to your system.
We summarize official public information and link to the sources used. AlarmSystemPermit.com is not affiliated with any government agency.
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