Alarm Permits General Information

You must have an alarm permit—it’s the Law. LAPD officers handle 6,000 to 7,000 alarm calls each month, and over 90% are determined to be false alarms. Every alarm user, residential and business, can do his or her share to reduce false alarms and to help preserve police resources.

Whether your alarm system is for your home or for a business, you must:

1. Have a Valid Alarm User Permit
   • To obtain an alarm permit, you can apply for the alarm permit online, contact us, or visit an Office of Finance branch office before 3:00 p.m.
   • Police Alarm Permit Application
     1. Initial Permit: $45
     2. Annual Renewal: $26
2. Notify Your Alarm Company: Provide your alarm company with your permit number and updated emergency contact information.
3. Display Your Permit Number: Post a copy of your permit number on the premises, at or near the main entrance, so that the responding officer can identify your contact information.

False Alarm Fees and Penalties

Under the revised Alarm Ordinance, the City will no longer respond to alarms free of charge. In addition to recovering the $219 fee for service, escalating penalties will be imposed for multiple false alarms.

Fees effective October 20, 2025

Appeals

If you believe your alarm activation was not false, you may appeal to the Board of Police Commissioners. For more information, contact the Los Angeles Police Commission Alarms Section at (213) 996-1200 or https://www.lapdonline.org/new-alarm-section/ to learn about your rights and responsibilities, appeals, and to obtain printable documents.