Ring Alarm Permit FAQs

Once you have installed and set up your Alarm system (including compatible sensors and detectors) it's important to understand the role of permits or registrations for home security. When you have Alarm Professional Monitoring,¹ your local jurisdiction (this may be your town, city, county office, or other municipality) may require an alarm or fire permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit or registration for my Ring Alarm?

Alarm system permit or registration requirements vary depending on where you live and may be referred to as a License or Device Fee. It’s possible that you may need to obtain a permit or register your system before adding Alarm Professional Monitoring to your Ring Home Premium plan subscription. Once you add on Alarm Professional Monitoring,¹ Ring will email you details about how to obtain a permit where you live.

When you receive your permit number and expiration date, you’ll need to update that information in the Ring app. If you live in a jurisdiction that does not require or issue a permit number or an expiration date, you can enter “registered” and leave the expiration date number blank. For more information on why this is important, please see Why do I need a permit? below.

If your jurisdiction sends you a window decal, please be sure to post it per their instructions.

I have a Ring Video Doorbell. Do I need a permit?

No, permit requirements only apply to professionally monitored¹ Ring Alarm devices. At this time, the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring cameras are not monitored products.

Why do I need a permit?

Many local jurisdictions have implemented permit or registration requirements to reduce the burden on police and fire departments that can be caused by false alarms. In the event of an emergency, your police department may require the central monitoring station to provide your permit number before they dispatch emergency responders to an alarm.

Because of this, it is important that you enter your permit number and expiration date into your Ring account as soon as you receive this information so the monitoring station will have it handy in the event of an alarm. If your jurisdiction does not provide this information you should enter "registered" into this field.

How much does a permit cost?

The price of a permit varies depending on where you live. The best way to determine if there is a fee and what your permit will require is to contact your local town office or police department.

How do I get a permit?

When you add on Alarm Professional Monitoring to your Ring Home Premium subscription for Ring Alarm, we’ll send you an email with information about whether you need to obtain a permit or registration for your system. Permit requirements vary depending on where you live. The process for getting a permit will generally fall into one of these categories:

1. You’ll need to apply for a permit yourself.

   If this is the case, the email you receive after signing up for professional monitoring

   ¹

   will contain the name of the agencies you’ll need to contact for more information about your permit. The email may also include a link to your permit application and the alarm or fire ordinance (if it is available online).
2. Ring will submit the first permit application for you.

   If this is the case, you’ll receive an email with more information about the cost of your permit and questions if information is requested on the application that you did not provide when you signed up for professional monitoring.

   ¹

   Once we receive the required information, Ring will send you an invoice and complete the application process through your jurisdiction. Once we submit the application and it is processed, Ring will send you a confirmation email and any additional instructions.
3. No permit is required at this time.

   If this is the case, Ring will email you to let you know that no further action is needed on your part.

We are working hard to provide you with the most current information about your local permit requirements, but please be aware that local jurisdictions change their ordinances and applications frequently. It is best to reach out to your local police department or town office directly to ensure that you have the most current information.

How do I update my permit details in the Ring app?

Once you receive the permit information from your jurisdiction, log into your Ring account and update those details so that we can provide it to emergency responders if your Alarm is triggered. 

To update permit details in the Ring app:

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the

   menu (☰)

   .
3. Tap

   Settings

   .
4. Tap

   Monitoring

   .
5. Tap

   Permits

   under the Resources section.
6. Choose which type of permit details you would like to update:
   1. Select

      Security Alarm Permit

      .
   2. Or, select

      Fire Permit

      .
7. Input your update permit details.
8. Tap

   Save

   .

How long is my permit or registration valid?

Permit lengths will vary depending on where you live. Some jurisdictions only require an initial registration. The permit will not need to be renewed unless there is a change in your address or contact information. Other jurisdictions require you to renew your permit on a recurring basis (such as annually or every other year).

It’s important that you keep the permits for your system active and up-to-date with your local jurisdiction. If any permit information changes, update your Ring account immediately. This will prevent any confusion with the information your local responding agency has on file in the event of an emergency.

Will my permit requirements change if I move?

If you’re moving, you should check with the local town office or police department that covers the address where you are moving. Even if your new address is in the same jurisdiction, you’ll need to follow their instructions to update your information so that emergency responders know where to go in the event of an emergency. This may mean that you will need to complete a new permit or registration application.

What if my contact information changes?

The contact information associated with your Ring subscription account must be kept up to date with your local jurisdiction and with your alarm company. If there are any changes to your contact information or your emergency contact information, update it in the Ring app and call your local jurisdiction.

How do I learn more about the local regulations for Alarm Systems where I live?

We strongly suggest that you review any local ordinances on your community's municipal website and communicate with your local police department. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all local laws that apply to your alarm system.

Professional monitoring¹ licenses are available at: ring.com/licenses.