California Guard Card: How To Get It and Renew It
Learn how to get a California guard card. Our guide covers the requirements for getting one, application steps, renewals, and benefits.
Did you know that California requires all security guards to undergo 32 hours of specialized training in security officer skills within their first six months of registration? This focus on ongoing education helps make sure that guards are ready to handle the challenges of the profession.
Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining a California guard card — a vital credential for anyone pursuing a career in security in the Golden State.
Read on to learn:
- What a California guard card is and why it's important
- Requirements for obtaining a guard card
- A step-by-step guide to the application process
- Tips for maintaining and renewing your guard card
- Benefits of holding a California guard card
Let’s get started by explaining what is a California guard card and why aspiring guards must have one.
What is a California guard card?
In California, individuals working as security guards are required to obtain a guard card, a common term for the license.
The official name of this credential is just the Security Guard License, and it’s issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). This license grants individuals the authority to work in the industry.
A California security guard card shows that the holder has met specific criteria and undergone the necessary training and background checks to carry out their tasks legally.
Requirements: How to get a guard card in California
To be eligible for a California guard card, an individual must meet the following criteria:
Age requirement
The minimum age to apply for a California guard card is 18 years old.
Background check and fingerprinting
All applicants must undergo a thorough background check, which includes a criminal history check through both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The background check process involves Live Scan fingerprinting, an electronic system that captures fingerprints and submits them to the DOJ and FBI for review.
Required training courses
Before a California guard card can be issued, applicants must complete a mandatory Power to Arrest training course and a “Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorism Awareness” course.
We encourage readers to check the details of extra mandatory courses on the BSIS security training regulation site.
Additionally, within the first six months of receiving their guard card, individuals must complete 32 hours of training in security officer skills. This training can be obtained from various providers, including:
- Licensed private patrol operators
- BSIS-certified training facilities
- BSIS-approved course providers
It's important to retain certificates of completion for all training courses as proof of fulfilling these requirements.
Note: For more details on registration requirements, you can check BSIS’s Security Guard Registration factsheet.
Step-by-step process to apply for a California guard card
Let’s now go over each step of the application process for a California guard card:
Step 1: Complete the required training
Before applying for a California guard card, you must complete the mandatory training courses. These include the training courses we mentioned before and 32 hours of security officer skills training within your first six months of registration.
Training covers topics such as:
- Observation and documentation
- Communication and reporting procedures
- Public relations and ethics
- Legal powers and limitations
- Emergency response procedures
Remember: There are some extra mandatory courses covering more topics related to security. As we stated before, BSIS’s dedicated site has some extra info on this.
Step 2: Get fingerprinted
All applicants must undergo a criminal history background check, which involves Live Scan fingerprinting.
Applicants can visit any Live Scan site in California to have their fingerprints electronically submitted to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The associated fees for fingerprinting are $32 for the DOJ and $17 for the FBI, and you may need to pay an additional fee to the Live Scan Operator.
Step 3: Submit the application
Aspiring guards can submit their application for a California guard card online or by mail. The online application can be accessed through the BreEZe system. If applying by mail, they can download the application form from the BSIS website.
Note: Along with their application, they’ll need to provide proof of completion of training and a valid form of identification.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
The application fee for a California guard card is $55. Aspiring guards can pay this fee online using a credit card if they’re applying through BreEZe, or you can include a check or money order with your mailed application.
Step 5: Wait for approval
Once applicants have submitted their application and paid the fee, they’ll need to wait for approval from the BSIS. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks. If any additional information or documentation is required, the Bureau will contact them.
Maintaining and renewing your California guard card
Once a guard has their California guard card, it's essential to keep it current and valid. This involves fulfilling certain requirements and renewing your registration periodically. Let’s take a closer look:
Renewal frequency
California guard cards must be renewed every two years. Licensees must submit their renewal application at least 60 days before the expiration date to avoid any lapse in their registration. Just like regular licensing, renewals can be done through BreEZe as well.
To maintain their California guard card, they’ll also need to complete 8 hours of continuing education each year. This guarantees that they stay up-to-date with the latest security practices and regulations.
Note: The BSIS provides resources and updates on California security laws and guard card guidelines. Guards can visit their website or subscribe to their newsletters to stay informed about any changes or new requirements.
Benefits of a California guard card
Holding a California guard card offers several advantages for security professionals in California. Here are some key benefits:
- Better job opportunities: A California guard card is a requirement for many security positions in the state, opening doors to a wider range of job opportunities.
- Higher earning potential: With a California guard card, licensees may be eligible for higher-paying security roles that demand greater responsibility and expertise.
- Increased trust and credibility: Clients and employers are more likely to trust and hire security guards who have met the state's licensing requirements.
Using Belfry for California guard card compliance and smoother operations
We’ve explained how to get a California guard card. For security companies overseeing numerous guards, there's more to consider than just the initial acquisition. Staying on top of renewals, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance requires a dedicated system.
That's where Belfry comes in.
Belfry's all-in-one platform is designed to handle the finer details of guard card compliance and help companies run smoother and more efficient security operations.
Here's how Belfry helps security companies in California:
- Centralized guard card profiles: Maintain a secure, easily accessible record of each guard's card details, training certifications, and renewal status — all in one place.
- Automated renewal management: Prevent compliance gaps with automatic reminders and notifications leading up to each guard's card expiration date.
- Training and certification tracking: Schedule, track, and manage guard training to confirm compliance with California's specific requirements and keep your team ahead of industry standards.
- Better on-site performance: Empower guards with Belfry's mobile app, featuring tools for efficient task completion, real-time location tracking, and detailed activity logging, improving on-site accountability and performance.