Texas alarm licensing FAQs
Understand company licensing, qualified representation, individual requirements and the two-year program before you get started.
Answers before you enroll
Start by defining the regulated services your business will offer. Your company needs its own applicable DPS license, qualified company representation, required insurance and completed application steps. Individuals have role-specific requirements. We help organize the process; you submit directly through TOPS and DPS decides approval.
Some camera, alarm and access control work falls within regulated private security services. An IT background does not replace the required authorizations. We review your intended services and help identify the company categories, individual licensing and training that apply.
A company representative is a qualified individual responsible for DPS communications and oversight of security operations. An entity applicant must formally designate a qualifying officer overseeing security operations, or a partner or shareholder with at least 25% ownership. Actual oversight and documented company status are required. For an individual or sole-proprietor applicant, the applicant must qualify as the representative.
Your business applies for and holds its own company license. Eligible representation supports that application and the company’s operation; it does not transfer Briva’s license to your business. You must work within your own approved services and authorizations.
Requirements depend on the role. Company representatives must satisfy DPS experience requirements and pass the DPS Private Security examination. Installer training and course assessments are separate. TOPS is the application portal, not a single exam everyone takes.
The $375 monthly program fee starts when your Texas business license is issued. The 24-month term begins on that same issuance date. The one-time $375 setup fee applies before monthly billing starts.
DPS requires qualifying, verifiable experience in the services applied for, along with the applicable examination and eligibility requirements. Finishing our 24-month program alone does not establish qualification. We help plan a representative change and submit it for DPS approval while maintaining proper representation.
Wait until the required company and individual authorizations are in place. Submitting an application or enrolling in this program does not itself authorize regulated work. Ask us to help you understand the requirements for your planned services.
Yes. Ongoing support is a core part of the program. We help with alarm, camera and access control questions, difficult troubleshooting, professional work practices, experience records and transition planning.
Briva’s stated program fees are $375 setup and $375 per month for 24 months. Other licensing and provider expenses may apply, including state applications, fingerprints, insurance, exams and courses. We will clarify applicable costs and inclusions before enrollment.
Timing depends on eligibility, complete documents, required steps and DPS review. Briva helps you prepare and respond to requests, but cannot guarantee a license, exam result or approval date.
Use the official TOPS license search and Texas DPS Private Security resources. These are also linked on our Training & Resources page. Always use current official requirements for your particular role and services.
Your next step
Tell us what you install and where you want to go. We’ll help you understand the licensing path and whether our program fits.
