Texas Fire Alarm License

Fire alarm licensing in Texas is administered by the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO), a division of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) — not TDLR. If you install, service, or monitor fire alarm systems, your license or company registration comes from SFMO under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6002.

Six individual license types; the FAL is the main installation credential

SFMO issues six individual license types. The Fire Alarm License (FAL) is the standard credential for technicians who install and service commercial fire alarm systems. The initial application fee is $120, with a $200 renewal every two years. The Residential Fire Alarm Technician (RAL) carries lower fees: $50 initial, $100 biennial renewal.

All applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check before SFMO approves the license. Expired licensees without another active SFMO credential on file must submit new fingerprints before the license can be reinstated.

Company registrations require general liability insurance

Businesses contracting for fire alarm work register separately as a main office, branch office, or single-station-only company. SFMO requires continuous general liability insurance — minimums of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate per Insurance Code §6002.153.

Late renewal: fees increase with time expired

Per Insurance Code §6002.203, SFMO charges escalating late fees that increase at the 90-day mark and again past two years. After two years from expiration, you file a new application. Check tdi.texas.gov for current late fee amounts.

Apply through Sircon, not TDLR

Applications and renewals go through the Sircon licensing portal, linked from tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlialarm.html. SFMO also accepts paper submissions. The TDLR licensing portal does not handle fire alarm credentials.

Scope: installation, testing, and maintenance

Licensed technicians can install and service fire detection and alarm systems, smoke and heat detectors, notification appliances, fire alarm control panels, and central station monitoring connections. SFMO can suspend or revoke licenses and assess administrative penalties for unlicensed work under 28 TAC Chapter 34.