Security guard registration (guard card) · California · Basics
What Is a Guard Card? California Security Guard Registration Explained
Updated
On this site, a guard card means the security guard registration card that California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) issues. This page explains what it is, who needs one, and how it differs from a firearms permit.
This page explains what a California security guard registration card is, for general information. It is not legal advice. Registration and permit rules change, so confirm with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) before you apply or start work.
What a guard card is
BSIS issues the security guard registration. Its Security Guard Registration fact sheet explains how a person applies for one.[1] Per the fact sheet, the people who hire security guards are licensed Private Patrol Operators and private security employers, and the job is to protect persons or property or prevent theft, as BPC Section 7582.1 defines it.[1]
Who needs one
BSIS says a guard has to carry a valid and current registration card while on duty (BPC Section 7583.3).[1] BSIS also says anyone who carries a baton while on duty must be a registered security guard and must finish a baton training course from a Bureau-approved Baton Training Facility (BPC Section 7584.1).[1]
This page does not list who is exempt from registration. Ask BSIS, or read the fact sheet linked in the sources below.
Guard card vs. firearms permit
BSIS lists the Firearms Permit under the heading "Additional BSIS License Types to be Used with a Security Guard Registration". It is a separate license type that is used together with the registration.[1] BSIS issues Firearms Permits, which its Firearms Permit fact sheet also calls a Firearms Qualification Card (FQ) or an Exposed Firearms Permit.[2] The guard registration asks applicants to be at least 18 years old. The Firearms Permit asks for at least 21 years of age.[1][2] The Firearms Permit also asks for U.S. citizenship or permanent legal immigration status. Among its other eligibility rules, the fact sheet names a registered Security Guard as one of the BSIS license or registration holders who can apply.[2] The Firearms Permit has its own initial application, its own required training courses with examinations and qualifications, and its own initial application fee.[2]
The same BSIS list names tear gas. BPC Section 7583.35 requires all licensees or registrants who want to carry tear gas while on duty to complete a training course under Penal Code Section 22835.[1]
Where to go next
For who can apply, training and costs, see our California state page. To check a registration that already exists, see how to look up a California guard card. For armed rules in other states, see armed security guard license requirements by state. BSIS publishes its own security guard information at bsis.ca.gov.
Sources
- Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet (Rev. October 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- Firearms Permit Fact Sheet (Rev. January 2025), California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
This page explains what a California security guard registration card is, for general information. It is not legal advice. Registration and permit rules change, so confirm with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) before you apply or start work.