Working legally as a security guard in California starts with obtaining a guard card.
When you apply for your security license, you’ll be required to meet specific eligibility requirements, complete mandatory training, pass a background check, and pay the applicable fees. The process is straightforward when you know what to expect, but missing a step can delay your application or even cause it to be denied by the California state licensing agency.
Follow our full guide to applying for, renewing, verifying, and troubleshooting your BSIS guard card, so you can meet every requirement and start working in California as a security guard as quickly as possible.
What is a BSIS Guard Card?
A BSIS guard card is an official license issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) that legally authorizes you to work as a security guard in the state.
Without it, you cannot be employed as a security guard in California.
Who Can Apply for a BSIS Guard Card?
To be eligible to apply for a BSIS guard card, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Undergo a criminal history background check
What Does the Guard Card Background Check Involve?
As part of the application process, all applicants must submit fingerprints to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI for a criminal history background check.
You must complete your Live Scan fingerprinting in person at a DOJ-authorized location (fingerprints cannot be submitted by mail).
Your background check is to determine whether you have any criminal history that would disqualify you from working in a security role.
How to Apply for a BSIS Guard Card
Before you start filling out your application, here’s what you need to do:
1. Complete Training Requirements
California’s BSIS guard card requires a total of 40 hours of training, broken into two phases: an initial 8-hour course completed before applying, followed by 32 hours of skills training within the first six months of employment.
Power to Arrest Training (8 Hours)
The Power to Arrest training must be completed before your guard card is issued. The training covers:
- Legal authority and limitations of a security guard
- Responsibilities when working alongside law enforcement
- Criminal and civil liability
- Search and seizure restrictions
- Emergency response and officer safety
- Ethics and communication
Security Guard Skills Training (32 Hours)
An additional 32 hours of training must be completed within the first six months of registration.
Core topics of this training include:
- Legal standards and use of force
- De-escalation and communication techniques
- Interacting with people with disabilities or behavioral health issues
- Implicit bias and cultural competency
- Active shooter situations
- Real-life scenario training and simulations
Training may be delivered by a Private Patrol Operator, a Bureau-certified training facility, or a Bureau-approved course provider.
Tip: Hold onto all certificates of completion, as you’re legally required to keep them until your registration expires.
New Training Regulations Under SB 652 (Effective January 1, 2026)
Senate Bill 652 is new legislation that was signed into law on July 30th, 2025, and introduces new requirements for security guard training in California that every 2026 applicant needs to be aware of:
- You can no longer complete the Power to Arrest training at any point before applying. Instead, it must be done within the 6 months preceding your application submission. Training completed more than six months before your application date will not count, and you will need to retake it.
- All training must now be delivered and certified by a single provider, and you can no longer piece together training from multiple sources
Step 2: Complete the Application
Once you’ve met your training requirements, you’re ready to apply. You have two options:
Online Application (Recommended)
The fastest way to apply is through California’s BreEZe licensing portal.
Through BreEZe, you can create an account, pay your application fee by credit card, and submit everything in one place.
Paper Application
If you prefer to apply by mail, download the Application for Security Guard Registration PDF.
Print it out, complete all the applicant sections, and mail your completed application along with the application fee to:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
Tip: Keep in mind that paper applications take longer to process than online submissions, so if timing matters to you, the online route is the better choice.
Paying BSIS guard card fees
The application fee for your BSIS guard card is $60.
Make sure your full payment is included when you submit your application, as any application received without the complete fee will not be processed and will be returned to you.
If paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Do not send cash by mail.
Application fees are non-refundable, so ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting.
In addition to the $60 application fee, you’ll need to pay for Live Scan fingerprinting. Costs vary by location, so contact your chosen provider in advance to confirm their fee.
Guard Card Processing Times
Once your application is submitted, allow up to 60 days for processing. Online applications submitted through BreEZe typically process faster (often within two to four weeks), while paper applications tend to take longer.
How to Verify Your BSIS Guard Card
Once your guard card is issued, you can verify its status using the DCA License Search tool.
Select Security Guard under the license type dropdown, and then fill out your license name and number.
Each license record will show whether a license is current, expired, or has been subject to disciplinary action such as suspension or revocation.
How to Renew Your BSIS Guard Card
BSIS Guard Cards are valid for exactly two years from the date of issuance.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your card active:
Complete Required Training
As we’ve mentioned, as a condition of your first renewal, you must complete 32 hours of security officer skills training,at least 16 hours within the first 30 days of registration, and the remaining 16 hours within six months.
After that, you must complete 8 hours of security guard skills training each year.
Renewing on Time
Your renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before your current registration expires, but any applications submitted more than 120 days before expiration will be returned.
BSIS will mail a renewal reminder to your address of record approximately 120 days before your registration expires. If you’ve moved, make sure to update your address with the Bureau so you don’t miss it.
Your renewal options are through BreEZe or by mail, and you’ll need to pay the $44 fee.
Troubleshooting: Common Guard Card Issues
Sometimes applying for a guard license isn’t so smooth, and you may encounter a problem along the way or have a question about your guard card. Here’s what to do if your application hits a snag or you’re unsure how to move forward:
My Application Was Denied. What Do I Do?
The most common reasons BSIS denies a guard card application include:
- A criminal history
- Incomplete or inaccurate application information
- Missing training certificates
- Failure to meet the minimum age requirement
- Issues identified during the DOJ or FBI background check
How to appeal a denial
You have the right to appeal a denial through the Disciplinary Review Committee (DRC).
Your request must be filed within 30 days of the denial notice and submitted in writing via mail, email, or fax. The DRC has the authority to affirm, rescind, or modify the decision.
If you miss the 30-day window, your options become much more limited, so act quickly.
I Have a Criminal Conviction. Can I Still Apply?
A conviction does not automatically disqualify you from receiving a BSIS guard card. What matters is the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and whether you’ve demonstrated rehabilitation since. BSIS reviews each case individually, so two applicants with different convictions will not necessarily receive the same outcome.
In California, licensing agencies cannot deny a license based solely on a conviction if you have obtained a Certificate of Rehabilitation for the offense. This is a court order declaring that you have been rehabilitated, and it carries significant weight in the licensing process.
That said, certain offenses are more likely to result in a denial, particularly those involving violence, weapons, sexual misconduct, or crimes of moral turpitude. If your record includes any of these, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply, but you should go in with realistic expectations.
If you’re unsure where you stand, speak with an attorney before applying. They can review your record, advise you on whether pursuing a Certificate of Rehabilitation makes sense, and help you put together the strongest possible application.
My Application Has Been Pending for More Than 60 Days
If 60 days have passed since you submitted your application and you haven’t received any communication from BSIS, that’s when it’s appropriate to follow up directly with the Bureau.
Before that point, do not contact them to check on status, as processing times are expected to run up to 60 days, and inquiries before then won’t speed anything up.
Also, make sure your mailing address on file is current, because if BSIS flagged any issues with your application, they’ll have sent a letter, and you don’t want to miss it.
I Lost My Training Certificates
You are legally required to retain your training certificates of completion until your registration expires or is canceled.
If you’ve lost them, contact your training provider directly to request copies. Your employer is also required to maintain training records for the duration of your employment, so they may be able to help.
My Guard Card Expired Before I Renewed. Can I Still Work?
If your guard card has lapsed, you cannot legally work as a security guard in California until it is reinstated. It’s best to contact BSIS directly to understand your options, as the path forward depends on how long the card has been expired.
Know What to Expect After Getting Your BSIS Guard Card
If you want to become a security guard in California, then you’ve completed your first steps by learning the process for obtaining a BSIS guard card
After you receive your card, you’re licensed to work, and your next steps should be:
- Start applying for roles and review common security guard interview questions
- Prepare yourself for security guard duties
- Grow your knowledge with online training courses
- Be ready to renew your guard card after two years
Whether you’re applying for the first time or growing in your career, GuardTraining is your go-to resource for navigating every requirement, deadline, consideration, and regulation that comes with working as a security guard in California.
Check out our blog or contact us for more information on how we can help you throughout your security career.