Guard Card FAQ

Anyone working for a security company and being paid to protect people or property in California needs licensing from the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS). 

The Guard Card is the most common permit for security work and covers most jobs you can do. If you intend to or are required to carry weapons while on-duty (Pepper Spray, Baton, Firearms) you will need additional permits after you get the Guard Card. 

Yes, a Guard Card must be renewed every 2 years. The process can be done online and is very simple. We cover this process in our training class. 

To get Guard Card, you must take the Powers to Arrest course (Find it here: Training), submit an application to the State of California, then get fingerprinted (also called Livescan). 

The training class is 8-hours and covers the legalities powers, limitations, and responsibilities of a guard as well as the legal standards for appropriate use of force. 

As with any professional license in California, there are multiple fees.

The training class is $125

The State application fee is $55

The Livescan fingerprinting is roughly $89

In total, you should have about $300 in your pocket to get though the process comfortably. 

Livescan fees can vary from facility to facility as they all charge their own "roiling" fee (the labor fee). 

Currently, BSIS is quoting 4-6 months to receive your card. 

This time frame starts when you Livescan! This is what initiates your background. 

Veteran's Preference: Veterans and their spouses receive priority processing and we have seen them receive their permits in as little as one month! We can help you file for this special consideration! 

To carry weapons, you must have permits for each type. BSIS has permits and permits for OC/Pepper Spray, Batons, and firearms. Here are links to those training classes:

OC/Pepper Spray Training

Baton Training

Firearms Training

Tasers are unique; because they are only made by one company (Axon), only they can give you a certification. While BSIS does not have a Taser permit, it is highly recommended you because certified in Taser before carrying one as there is huge liability in using a taser on a person. We can train you on Tasers too! 

Yes, BSIS will conduct a background check before issuing your permit. For information about disqualifiers, see this BSIS fact page: 

Criminal History Background Check Requirement

Guard Card: This is the most common; you need this when you for a security company doing standard safety and security related duties. 

Private Proprietary Security Officer: Also called PPSO or PSO; you need this when you work directly for a company with no security company involved. Think of bodyguards, bouncers, loss prevention, or other "in-house" security. 

A good example is the store, Target. They have uniformed loss prevention/security, and their uniform says "Target." They work directly for Target and therefore need a PPSO, not a Guard Card. 

Alarm Agent: The simplest way to put this is, you will know if you need it. You need this when working for a security company who specializes in alarm response. Normally, you will be hired with a Guard Card and be guided on the Alarm Agent process.