Austin, TX Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Required
- No
- Privacy Law
- TX Penal Code §21.15
- Audio
- One-party consent
- SafeCam
- Voluntary registration with APD
Summary
Austin has no specific ordinance regulating residential security cameras. Texas law permits video recording on your own property. Cameras must not record areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy per TX Penal Code §21.15. No registration required.
Sec. 21.15. INVASIVE VISUAL RECORDING. (a) In this section: ... (3-a) 'Place in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy' means a place in which a reasonable person would believe that the person could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that the act of undressing would be photographed or visually recorded by another. The term includes a bathroom, bedroom, and changing room. (b) A person commits an offense if, without the other person's consent and with intent to invade the privacy of the other person, the person: ... (2) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of another person in a place in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. (c) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
Full Breakdown
Austin does not have a municipal ordinance regulating residential security camera installation or use. Under Texas state law, homeowners may install security cameras on their own property without a permit or registration. Video recording is legal in public areas and on property you own. Texas Penal Code §21.15 prohibits recording in places where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, bedrooms, changing areas). Cameras should not be aimed into neighbors' private interior spaces. Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording under TX Penal Code §16.02. Doorbell cameras and dashcams are legal. Commercial security installations may require a license from the Texas Private Security Bureau under TX Occupations Code Ch. 1702, but homeowner self-installation is exempt. Austin PD encourages residential camera registration through voluntary SafeCam programs to assist investigations.
Violations & Fines
No local penalties for camera installation. Illegal visual recording (TX §21.15): state jail felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for security cameras in Austin?
Should I register my cameras with Austin Police?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas privacy & surveillance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.