Security guard license · CA
How to get a security guard license in California
California registers unarmed security guards through BSIS. The registration is commonly called a guard card, and you need it before you work a post for a licensed private patrol operator.
This page summarizes California's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) before you apply.
Credential: Security Guard Registration (the "guard card")
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Who can apply
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Minimum age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 18.
Official wording
Be at least 18 years old (BPC Section 7582.8)
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025) -
Background check
Verified 2026-09-24You go through a criminal history check with the California DOJ and the FBI.
Official wording
Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (BPC Sections 7581 and 7583.9)
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025)
Training
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Before you apply
Verified 2026-09-24Complete the Power to Arrest training.
Official wording
Complete the Power to Arrest training (see “Training Requirements” below)
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025) -
Skills training after registration
Verified 2026-09-2432 hours of security officer skills training within your first six months.
Official wording
The thirty -two (32) hours of training in security officer skills must be completed within the first six (6) months of registration.
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025) -
Every year
Verified 2026-09-248 hours of continuing training annually.
Official wording
Eight (8) hours of continuing training must be completed annually (BPC 7583.6 and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 643).
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025)
Renewal
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When to send it
Verified 2026-09-24Submit your renewal at least 60 days before the registration expires.
Official wording
By law, a registrant must submit the completed renewal application or coupon at least 60 days prior to expiration to provide the Bureau sufficient time to process the renewal.
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025) -
If you miss the deadline
Verified 2026-09-24A registration that isn't renewed within 60 days after it expires is canceled and can't be renewed.
Official wording
NOTE: Guard registrations not renewed within 60 days of expiration are canceled and cannot be renewed (BPC Section 7583.20).
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025)
Fees and processing
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Registration fee
Verified 2026-09-24$60 for a new registration and $44 to renew (the current column of the BSIS fee schedule).
Official wording
Security Guard (G) - Initial Application $55 $60 - Renewal Application $40 $44
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Fee schedule (fee change effective October 1, 2025) -
Which fee applies
Verified 2026-09-24BSIS fees changed on October 1, 2025. The date you submit the application decides whether the old or the new fee applies.
Official wording
NOTE: Due to a change in the law, fees will be changing on October 1, 2025. The date an application is submitted determines if the original or new fee applies.
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Fee schedule (fee change effective October 1, 2025) -
Processing time
Verified 2026-09-24BSIS says to allow about 4-6 weeks. It can take longer while DOJ and FBI results come back.
Official wording
Please allow approximately 4- 6 weeks for applications to be processed.
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025)
If you want to carry a firearm
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Firearms permit: age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 21 for a BSIS Firearms Permit.
Official wording
be at least 21 years of age (BPC Sections 7542.2, 7583.23, and 7596.3)
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025) -
Citizenship
Verified 2026-09-24You must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal immigration status.
Official wording
be a citizen of the United States or have permanent legal immigration status (BPC Sections 7542.2, 7583.23, and 7596.3)
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025) -
Training and qualification
Verified 2026-09-24Complete the Course of Firearms Training at a Bureau-approved facility and pass the written exam and range qualifications.
Official wording
Applicants must complete the Course of Firearms Training (CCR Section 635) at a Bureau-approved Firearms Training Facility, from a Bureau-approved Firearms Training Instructor and pass the written examination and range qualifications.
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025) -
Assessment
Verified 2026-09-24First-time applicants must pass an assessment of judgment and self-control within the six months before applying.
Official wording
A BSIS Security Guard registrant seeking an initial BSIS Firearms Permit must pass an assessment for the purposes of determining whether he/she possesses, at the time of the assessment, appropriate judgment, restraint, and self- control to carry a firearm while on duty, within the six months preceding the date the application is submitted to the Bureau (BPC Sections 7583.23 and 7583.47).
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025) -
Permit length
Verified 2026-09-24The permit expires two years after it's issued.
Official wording
A BSIS Firearms Permit expires two years from the date of issuance.
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025) -
Firearms permit fee
Verified 2026-09-24$110 for a new firearms permit application.
Official wording
Firearms Permit (FQ) - Initial Application $100 $110
From California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Fee schedule (fee change effective October 1, 2025)
Sources
- Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- Fee schedule (fee change effective October 1, 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Changes to this page
- First published from the BSIS fact sheet (Rev. October 2025).
- Added fees (BSIS fee schedule, September 2025), processing time, the renewal cancellation rule and firearms permit requirements (Firearms Permit Fact Sheet, Rev. January 2025).
This page summarizes California's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.