Anyone who wishes to engage in the business of installing, repairing, or maintaining security systems must obtain an S-license from the Department of Public Safety. The S-license was formerly known as the "Security Systems Contractor's License." The name was recently changed so as to avoid confusion with a wholly different license of a similar name issued by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. "Security systems" include any electrical device that is set up to survey or detect intrusion. In order to obtain an S-license, a person must hold a valid electrician's license of any grade and complete the Department's application process. You may obtain an application for an initial issuance or renewal by clicking on the appropriate link below.
Anyone who holds an S-license may employ as many workers as they deem necessary. However, every individual employed by an S-license holder must obtain a Certificate of Clearance prior to engaging in any work for them. In order to obtain a Certificate of Clearance for his or her employees, the S-licensed employer must perform a criminal background check on each prospective worker. The S-licensed employer must then submit an attestation including the results of the background check to the Department. You may obtain the complete Certificate of Clearance application package, including instructions on how to conduct criminal background checks, by clicking on the "Certificate of Clearance application" link below.
Though the S-license program has been enhanced and some changes made to the application process, all existing S-licenses, "Security Systems Contractor's Licenses," and Certificates of Clearance shall remain valid and do not have to be renewed until they expire. Renewals must conform to the new requirements. The laws pertaining to S-licenses and Certificates of Clearance may be found in the Massachusetts General Laws chapter 147, sections 57 through 61. Prior to contacting the Department with any questions, please review the FAQs ("Frequently Asked Questions") link below for further information. All applications, inquiries or suggestions should be mailed to:
Department of Public Safety
S-License
One Ashburton Place Room 1301
Boston, MA 02108
Thank you for visiting the S-License website.
- M.G.L. Chapter 147 Section 57 - 61
- S-License Crimes Classification Chart
file size 3MB (crimes highlighted in red are felonies, crimes highlighted in yellow are crimes of moral turpitude)
- MSCA power point presentation
( note: requires Microsoft Power Point)
- Board of State Examiners of Electricians
- FAQs
CHSB (criminal record) certification Application
Certificate of Clearance Application