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Permits

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office handles a variety of permits including tow release permits, one day liquor permits, and private security permits. 

One Day Liquor Permits

If you will be having an event in unincorporated Santa Clara County, Saratoga, Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, or Stanford University and will be selling alcohol, you will be required to obtain the One Day Liquor Permit from the Sheriff’s Office prior to visiting your local Alcohol Beverage Control Office. Please complete the application, then email it to [email protected]. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to review the application and to obtain all necessary signatures from Patrol Divisions. The fee for the permit is $25. For further questions please contact the Reserve Unit at 408-808-4570.

Private Security Permits

Private security companies or agents working private security in unincorporated Santa Clara County are require to obtain a permit from the Sheriff’s Office. Please refer to Santa Clara County Ordinance B15-1 to B15-3 for additional information related to the specific language mentioned in the ordinance and penalties for operating without a permit.

Please complete the application, then email it to [email protected]. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to review the application and to obtain all necessary approval signatures. The fee for the permit is $20. For further questions please contact the Reserve Unit at 408-808-4570.

Check list for items that are needed prior to issuance of security permit:

  • State of California Consumer Affairs License
  • Photos of uniforms
  • Photo of badges and patches
  • Photos of mark security vehicles
  • Business card
  • Sheriff’s County License Renewal Questionnaire
  • $20.00 Admin fee