CONSUMER ALERT
A law exists that requires ALL security and fire alarm installation, service and maintenance companies to be licensed. Provisions of this law require education, fingerprinting and background checks to protect you, the consumer, from fraud and criminal deception.
New York State Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
State Department of State Division of Licensing Services
84 Holland Avenue Albany, NY 12208-3490
Web site:
www.dos.state.ny.us
Business of Installing, Servicing or Maintaining
Security or Fire Alarm Systems
(General Business Law, Article 6D)
Article 6D General Business Law
The law administered by the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services is Article 6D of the General Business Law, Business of Installing, Servicing or Maintaining Security or Fire Alarm Systems. The general qualifications for an individual to obtain a license is completion of an education program approved by the Department of State and
passing a written exam. Once you have met these qualifications, a criminal fingerprint check is done through the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
License and Identification Requirement
Any licensed company that operates in your neighborhood is required by the Department of State to prominently display their license number in their place of business. In addition, all installers, technicians and alarm maintenance personnel must carry an identification card at all times. You have the right, and we encourage you, to ask to see their license. You can also verify a license by contacting the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
How to Verify a License with New York State
There are two ways to verify the license
of an individual or company through the
Department of State, Division of Licensing
Services.
Phone: (518) 474-4429
Web site:
www.dos.state.ny.us
How to Handle Violations of the Law
Installing, servicing or maintaining a security or fire alarm system without a New York State license is a violation of the law. Convicted persons can receive up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Contact the Attorney General, your local district attorney or police department to file a complaint. Complaints against licensed alarm installers should be filed with the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. You can obtain a complaint form by utilizing the telephone number or web site address listed above.
Avoid False Alarms
To ensure proper use and avoid false alarms, be sure you can operate your system properly before the installer leaves your home.
CONSUMER ADVISORY ON SYSTEM LOCK OUT CODES
Lock out code technology protects the alarm system and the consumer from fraudulent entry to the system’s electronic composition. Consumers who own alarm systems that are free of financial obligation should have access to the system’s electronic composition. An alarm-system agreement should provide that lock out codes (also referred to as source codes) are to be defaulted or released to the consumer for their access to the security system’s program levels. Please be sure to review the alarm system agreement carefully with regard to lock out \ source code access.
For information about the Security or Fire Alarm License go to
www.dos.state.ny.us
or call the Department of State Division of Licensing Services at
(518) 474-4429
Department of State Division of Licensing Services
Main Office
Albany: (518) 474-4429
Fax: (518) 473-2730
Regional Offices
Binghamton: (607) 721-8757
Buffalo: (716) 847-7110
Hauppauge: (631) 952-6579
New York: (212) 417-5747
Syracuse: (315) 428-4258
Utica: (315) 793-2533
Watertown: (315) 785-2371