Security guard registration (guard card) · California · Lookup
California Guard Card Lookup: How to Check a BSIS Security Guard Registration
Updated
To check a California guard card, search the DCA License Search with the Security Guard license type; each license record will reflect whether it is current, expired, or has been subject to disciplinary action like suspension or revocation.[1] California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) lists a Verify a License page, and the Verify a License link on the BSIS home page goes to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search.[2][3] The DCA search tool says it is for verifying a license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs for the professions listed under license type.[1]
This page explains how to use California's official license search tools for general information. It is not legal advice. The search results come from the state, not from this site, and they can change. Confirm results and requirements with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
Where to look up a California guard card
If you want to confirm a security guard registration, use the Security Guard license type. The DCA list also has separate types such as Proprietary Private Security Officer, Baton Permit and Exposed Firearm Permit.[2][1] BSIS says a security guard must possess a valid and current security guard registration card on his or her person while on duty.[4]
- Start on the BSIS Verify a License page, or go straight to the DCA License Search at search.dca.ca.gov. [2][3]
- On the BSIS page, pick a license type from the list (Security Guard is one of them). BSIS says you may then enter certain information to narrow the search, such as a name, city, or county. [2]
- The DCA search form has these boxes: License Number, Business Name, First Name, Last Name and Registry Number, plus lists for Boards and Bureaus and License Type. [1]
- DCA also offers an Advanced Search, where it says you may choose multiple fields for your search by holding control and selecting your items. [5]
“To find a company or individual, select a license type from the list below. Then you may enter certain information to narrow down the search, such as a name, city, or county.”
“Use this online search tool to verify a license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) for the professions listed under license type. Each license record will reflect if a license is current, expired, or has been subject to disciplinary action like suspension or revocation.”
What a lookup record shows
Each record will reflect whether a license is current, expired, or has been subject to disciplinary action like suspension or revocation, according to DCA.[1] Some records show icons over the More Details button. DCA's FAQ says one icon means the record has public record or disciplinary actions, and another means public documents are available.[6] DCA's FAQ also says the filters (city, county) are based on the address of record, which does not always match a person's area of operations, so a licensee may not show up under the city you expect.[6]
Can't find a new registration yet?
BSIS's fact sheet says that once the Bureau has processed the application and issued the registration, the applicant's registration will be available to view on the Verify a License page.[4] The same fact sheet says a person may work as a security guard while waiting for the hard-copy card if BSIS has approved them and they carry a hard-copy printout of the approval from the BSIS website and valid picture identification.[4] BSIS says registrants should receive the card by US Mail within approximately 3 weeks from the time the Bureau issues the registration.[4]
“Once the Bureau has processed the application and issued the registration, the applicant’s security guard registration will be available to view on the “Verify a License” page”
Lost your card? The BSIS replacement form
BSIS has an Application for Replacement of Security Guard Registration Card, with an application fee of $25.[7] BSIS says you must notify your employer and apply to the Bureau for a replacement card within 72 hours of your registration card being lost, destroyed or stolen.[7] The form lists Lost, Stolen, Damaged/Destroyed and Other as the reasons for a replacement.[7] The replacement form lists BSIS phone numbers (916) 322-4000 and (800) 952-5210.[7]
Not what you were looking for?
This page only covers looking up a California security guard registration that already exists. For the rules on getting one in the first place, including who can apply, training, renewal and fees, see our California state page. The state's official security guard page is at bsis.ca.gov.
Other states run their own search tools. For New York, see how to check a New York security guard license status online.
Sources
- DCA License Search, California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Verify a License, California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- BSIS home page (Verify a License link), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- DCA License Search: Advanced Search, California Department of Consumer Affairs
- DCA License Search: Frequently Asked Questions, California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Application for Replacement of Security Guard Registration Card, California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
This page explains how to use California's official license search tools for general information. It is not legal advice. The search results come from the state, not from this site, and they can change. Confirm results and requirements with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).