Working as a security guard in California means you’ve already obtained your Guard Card.
But it’s not a one-and-done situation, and you’ll need to renew your guard card to stay compliant with California regulations.
Follow our guide for everything you need to know to renew your California guard card on time and without any problems.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Guard Card?
Your California Guard Card is valid for two years from the date of issue. Once that time is up, you’ll need to renew it through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) to be legally eligible to continue working as a security guard.
The renewal window opens 90 days before your card expires, giving you plenty of time to prepare.
BSIS recommends submitting your renewal about 60 days before the expiration date to prevent processing delays and avoid any gap in your ability to work.
Guard Card Renewal Requirements
Before you renew your California Guard Card, you need to make sure your continuing education (CE) training is up to date.
Within the first year after you registered your guard card, you need to complete:
- 16 hours of training within the first 30 days of receiving your Guard Card.
- 16 hours of training within the next six months.
This means you should have done 32 hours of training in your first year.
Every year after, you must complete 8 hours of refresher training to keep your registration active.
Guard Training Tip: Keep all your training certificates organized and easily accessible, as you’ll need to certify that you’ve completed the required CE hours when submitting your renewal.
Before You Submit Your Renewal
Make sure all your personal and licensing details are up to date:
- Verify your license number, expiration date, and CE completion.
- Review your address on file with BSIS. If you’ve moved, you’ll need to update your information to keep your records accurate.
Incomplete or unsigned applications are marked as deficient, which can cause processing delays and temporarily prevent you from performing security duties.
Guard Card Renewal Costs
If you renew before your card expires, the standard renewal fee is $44.
If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew within 60 days after your card expires by paying the standard $44 renewal fee plus a $25 delinquency fee, for a total of $69.
How to Renew Your Guard Card Online or by Mail
Renewing your California Guard Card can be done online through BreEZe or by mail.
Renewing Online Through BreEZe
Renewing online is often the quickest way to keep your Guard Card active.
- Create or log in to your BreEZe account
Visit the BreEZe portal and log in using the account you created when you signed up for your Guard Card.
If you don’t already have an account, register as a new user using your existing Guard Card.
- Navigate to the Renewal Section
You’ll see a tab informing you that it’s time to renew.
Follow the step-by-step prompts, and you’ll be brought to a section where you can enter your personal information, such as your contact details, military status, guard registration number, and address.
- Upload CE Certification
You’ll be asked to update your training certificate as proof that you’ve completed all the required training. If you don’t have this certification, contact your training provider.
- Complete the Online Application
Finally, you’ll need to enter your payment details to cover the renewal fee.
Carefully review all the information you’ve provided in your online application before submitting it.
Once BSIS approves your renewal, you can print a temporary copy of your Guard Card directly from the BreEZe portal. You should carry this printout along with a valid photo ID while waiting for your physical card to arrive in the mail.
Renewing by Mail
If you’d prefer, you can complete and send a physical form to renew your Guard Card.
- Download and Print the Renewal Form
Start by downloading and printing the most recent BSIS Security Guard Renewal Application from the BSIS website.
Check the date and make sure you’re using the latest form, as outdated versions may be rejected and slow down your renewal process.
- Complete the Form
Fill out all required fields, including your full name, Guard Card number, date of birth, address, and contact information.
You need to sign the form to confirm that you’ve completed all required continuing education.
- Include Payment
You can pay your renewal fee via mail by check or money order made out to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Do not send cash through the mail.
If BSIS receives your form without the correct fee, your application will not be processed and will be returned.
- Mail Your Application
Send your completed application and payment to:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento
CA 95798-9002
It’s best to mail your renewal 60 – 90 days before your card expires. Applications mailed too early (more than 90 days before expiration) may be returned.
Finally, keep a copy of your completed application and payment receipt for your records.
What If My Guard Card Expires?
If your Guard Card expires, you cannot legally work as a security guard in California.
Even if your employer allows you to stay on post, both you and the company could face penalties and legal consequences.
BSIS provides a 60-day grace period after your expiration date, during which you can still submit a renewal application. During this time, your license is technically inactive, but if your renewal is approved within the 60 days, your Guard Card is reinstated and you can return to work.
If more than 60 days pass without renewal, your license is canceled.
At that point, late renewal is no longer an option, and you must start the application process and obtain a new Guard Card.
This includes completing the Power to Arrest training, submitting fingerprints for DOJ/FBI background checks, and paying the $60 application fee.
What Happens After I Submit My Renewal?
Once you submit your Guard Card renewal, BSIS begins processing your application.
If everything is in order, your renewal will be approved within approximately 60 days.
If you have any criminal convictions or other issues that could affect your eligibility, you may be contacted to provide additional information or documentation during the renewal process.
Once your physical Guard Card arrives in the mail, your renewal is complete, and you can continue working legally as a security guard.
Stay Compliant When Renewing Your Guard Card
The easiest way to avoid late fees, extra costs, or interruptions to your work is to keep track of your Guard Card expiration date.
Mark it on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone to make sure you have plenty of time to complete your required steps without rushing at the last minute.
Another key part of staying compliant is making sure you’ve completed all your required continuing education (CE) training. It’s best to start this training early to help you continue the renewal process without any delays.
At Guard Training, we provide courses that cover all the CE requirements, including the 32-hour Continuing Education course bundle and the 8-hour annual Security Officer Refresher Course Bundle.
Once you complete these courses, you’ll have your certificates ready and you’ll be prepared to submit your Guard Card renewal on time every year.
FAQs About Guard Card Renewal
Still have questions? Check out our full California Guard Card FAQ guide, or see if we’ve already covered your question below:
Can I work while my renewal is pending?
You can only continue to work legally in California if your Guard Card has not yet expired. Once it expires, you cannot work as a security guard until your renewal is approved.
If you renew online or by mail before your expiration date, you may use a printed copy of your approved registration along with a valid photo ID while waiting for your physical card.
Can I submit my renewal more than 90 days before my expiration?
No. BSIS only accepts renewal applications submitted within 90 days before your Guard Card expires. Applications sent earlier will be returned.
How do I replace a lost or stolen Guard Card?
If your Guard Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement online through BreEZe or by mail. You will need to pay a fee of $25 to receive a new card.
Do I need to take an exam to renew my Guard Card?
No, you don’t need to take an exam to renew. You only need to complete the 32 hours of required training.
How do I verify that my renewal was approved?
You can confirm your renewed registration by logging into your BreEZe account.
You may also check your renewal status on the Department of Consumer Affairs’ License Search website.
