Alarm Registration and Permits

Blue by ADT permit process

Congratulations on taking the step to provide the best security for you, your home and your loved ones. Blue by ADT takes security seriously and we’re here to provide you with all the information needed to ensure your system is functioning at the highest quality — this includes permits.

Below is all the information you will need to understand what a permit is and how to obtain one if it is required by your municipality.

What is an alarm permit?
An alarm permit is a license to professionally monitor an alarm system. Permits are mandatory for many municipalities. A professionally monitored system is one in which trained personnel watch the alarm 24/7 to dispatch emergency services (fire, police, medical, etc.).

Do I need a permit?
Blue by ADT has a Permits Department that is dedicated to researching the permit requirements in your area. You will receive an email from permits@bluebyadt.com only if you require a permit. You should also check with your local municipality via phone or website to determine if you need a permit for your security system.

How do I get a permit?
The process to obtain an alarm permit varies by municipality. When you sign up for professional monitoring, our Permits Department will send you an email that falls into the one of the following two categories:

1. You will need to contact your local municipality to get a permit.
2. Blue by ADT will send you the paper permit application (based on your location).

Blue by ADT works hard to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding permit requirements. Please be advised, local municipalities frequently change their requirements. It is always best to reach out to your local police department directly to confirm the most current permitting laws.

How do I let ADT know I have my permit?
When you have successfully received your alarm permit from your municipality, please contact Blue by ADT at 877-464-7437 or email permits@bluebyadt.com to provide us with the permit number and its expiration dates.

FAQs
Why do I need a permit?
A permit may be required by your municipality in order to use your home security system. If your municipality has permit laws, you are legally required to obtain a permit if you choose to have your Blue by ADT system professionally monitored. If you do not obtain a permit, you may be subject to fines and/or no response from your local emergency services. Permits allow emergency responders to have any pertinent information about the residence before responding to an alarm event and can be used by the municipality as a False Alarm Prevention tool.

Do I need a permit if I only have a camera?
No. A camera-only system cannot be professionally monitored, therefore no permit is required.

Will I need a new permit if I move?
Depending on your new municipality, you may or may not require a permit. Each municipality has its own set of guidelines regarding permit requirements for residents. If you are moving, please give us a call at 877-464-7437. Once we have updated your address, we will research whether your new municipality requires a permit.

What information will I need to give my municipality in order to obtain a permit? When does my permit expire?
Permit length of validity is determined by the municipality. Some permits never expire as long as you live at that location while others have a yearly expiration. This information will be provided by your local municipality when they issue you the permit.

What do I do if my contact information changes?
If your contact information changes, such as telephone number or email address, you may be required to contact your local False Alarm Prevention Unit (FARU) to update that information. You should also be sure to update any new contact information in your Blue by ADT mobile app or web portal.

What should I do if I have a false alarm?
If your alarm is triggered, you will have a default of 30 seconds to disarm the system before the signal is sent to the Monitoring Center. If the 30-second Entry Delay has already lapsed, our Monitoring Center will call both the primary and secondary contacts in an attempt to verify the validity of the alarm. If the alarm was in error, you can answer the call from the Monitoring Center and provide your Monitoring Passcode that you chose when setting up your account. Providing this passcode will verify your identity as the account holder and will cancel the need for emergency response. Your system will enter a monitored state after the seven-day practice period regardless of whether or not you obtained a required permit or registration (there are exceptions to this rule depending on local ordinances). In the event of a false alarm, municipalities can charge fines to consumers who do not obtain the required permits/registration.

What is a Runner Service/Alarm Verification Service?
As part of their false alarm prevention, some municipalities require a Runner Service/Alarm Verification Service to go to the scene first to verify whether there is an actual break-in or if the alarm was triggered in error. In these municipalities, the Runner Service is called first. Emergency personnel will only respond if it is determined that there was an actual break-in at the location.

Please be aware, there is a billable charge for Runner Service/Alarm Verification Service.