Texas Security Camera Laws for Businesses
(2026 Guide)
1. Video Surveillance and the Expectation of Privacy (TX Penal Code 43.26)
In Texas, business owners have the right to install security cameras in public areas and workspaces to protect their assets and employees. However, the law strictly protects areas where people have a “reasonable expectation of privacy.”
Under Texas Penal Code 43.26, it is illegal to record video in places like restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, or employee break rooms designated for privacy. Doing so is considered invasive visual recording. To stay compliant, ensure your cameras are pointed strictly at common work areas, entryways, cash registers, and exterior perimeters.
2. Audio Recording Laws in Texas
Video is only half the equation. If your security cameras capture audio, you are subject to state wiretapping laws. Texas is a “one-party consent” state for audio recording according to Texas Penal Code Section 16.02.
This means that at least one person involved in a conversation must consent to the recording. For a business owner, this can be tricky. If your cameras record audio of a conversation between two customers or two employees where you are not present, you could be violating state law. For commercial deployments, the safest approach is to disable the audio recording feature on your cameras unless you have explicit, documented consent from your staff and clear signage for visitors.
3. Signage Requirements
Texas law does not mandate security camera warning signs for standard video surveillance in public commercial spaces. However, posting signs is highly recommended for two reasons. First, visible signage is a proven deterrent to theft and vandalism. Second, if your system does capture audio, prominent signs stating that audio and video recording is in progress can help establish implied consent. For more guidance on general workplace privacy best practices, resources like the Texas Workforce Commission offer excellent baseline advice for employers.
4. The Installation Requirement: TX DPS Licensing
Buying a commercial security system is only step one. In Texas, the state strictly regulates who can legally install and integrate these systems.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) requires any company installing security cameras, access control, or alarm systems to hold an active state license. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal and voids your liability protections. Always ask for a vendor’s DPS license number before allowing them on your site to ensure full compliance.
2M Technology operates under Texas DPS License B15309. Our team is fully certified and compliant with all state regulations, ensuring your commercial deployment is legally sound from day one.
Security Installer Licensing & Audio Consent Requirements by State
| State | Audio Consent Law | Installer License Required? | Governing Body/Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | One-Party | Yes | Electronic Security Board of Licensure |
| Alaska | One-Party | Yes | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing |
| Arizona | One-Party | Yes (Low Voltage) | Registrar of Contractors |
| Arkansas | One-Party | Yes | Arkansas State Police |
| California | All-Party | Yes | Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) |
| Colorado | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Connecticut | All-Party | Yes | Department of Consumer Protection |
| Delaware | All-Party | Yes | Delaware State Police |
| Florida | All-Party | Yes | Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board |
| Georgia | One-Party | Yes (Low Voltage) | Board of Low Voltage Contractors |
| Hawaii | One-Party | Yes | Professional and Vocational Licensing Division |
| Idaho | One-Party | Yes (Specialty Contractor) | Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses |
| Illinois | All-Party | Yes | Department of Financial and Professional Regulation |
| Indiana | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Iowa | One-Party | Yes (Alarm System Contractor) | Department of Public Safety |
| Kansas | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Kentucky | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Louisiana | One-Party | Yes | State Fire Marshal |
| Maine | One-Party | Yes (Low Energy) | Electricians' Examining Board |
| Maryland | All-Party | Yes | Maryland Department of State Police, Licensing Division |
| Massachusetts | All-Party | Yes (S-License) | Office of Public Safety and Inspections, Division of Occupational Licensure |
| Michigan | All-Party | Yes | Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Minnesota | One-Party | Yes (Technology Systems) | Department of Labor and Industry |
| Mississippi | One-Party | Yes | Electronic Protection Systems Division |
| Missouri | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Montana | All-Party | Yes | Department of Labor and Industry |
| Nebraska | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Nevada | All-Party | Yes | State Contractors Board |
| New Hampshire | All-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| New Jersey | One-Party | Yes | Burglar Alarm, Fire Alarm, and Locksmith Advisory Committee |
| New Mexico | One-Party | Yes (Low Voltage) | Regulation and Licensing Department |
| New York | One-Party | Yes | Department of State |
| North Carolina | One-Party | Yes | Alarm Systems Licensing Board |
| North Dakota | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Ohio | One-Party | Yes (Fire/Security) | Department of Commerce |
| Oklahoma | One-Party | Yes | Department of Labor |
| Oregon | One-Party | Yes | Construction Contractors Board |
| Pennsylvania | All-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Rhode Island | One-Party | Yes | Department of Labor and Training |
| South Carolina | One-Party | Yes | Contractor's Licensing Board |
| South Dakota | One-Party | No (Local requirements apply) | Local Municipalities |
| Tennessee | One-Party | Yes | Alarm Systems Contractors Board |
| Texas | One-Party | Yes | Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) |
| Utah | One-Party | Yes | Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing |
| Vermont | One-Party | Yes (Electrical) | Division of Fire Safety |
| Virginia | One-Party | Yes | Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) |
| Washington | All-Party | Yes | Department of Labor & Industries |
| West Virginia | One-Party | Yes | Division of Labor |
| Wisconsin | One-Party | Yes (Low Voltage) | Department of Safety and Professional Services |
| Wyoming | One-Party | Yes (Low Voltage) | Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety |
Texas Security Camera Laws for Businesses: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to install security cameras in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Department of Public Safety requires any individual or company installing commercial security cameras, access control, or alarm systems to hold an active state license. Hiring an unlicensed installer is illegal and can void your liability protections.
Is Texas a one-party or two-party consent state for audio recording?
Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. This means at least one person involved in a conversation must consent to being recorded. For businesses using security cameras, it is best practice to disable audio recording or post highly visible warning signs to establish implied consent.
Are security cameras allowed in Texas employee break rooms?
Under Texas Penal Code 43.26, it is illegal to record video in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This strictly prohibits security cameras in restrooms, locker rooms, and private changing areas.
How does 2M Technology help businesses comply with Texas security camera laws?
2M Technology ensures full compliance by operating under an active Texas DPS License (B15309), which is legally required for commercial security installations in the state. Our certified technical team is deeply familiar with state privacy statutes. We strategically position your cameras to avoid zones with a reasonable expectation of privacy and properly configure your system’s audio settings to align with Texas one-party consent laws. This proactive approach protects your facility from legal liabilities while delivering premium, reliable surveillance.
Ready to secure your facility and stay compliant?
- Texas Private Security License B15309
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- (214) 988-4302
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- sales@2mtechnology.net
