Requirements for a California Security Guard Registration (Guard Card)

Security Guard Card Registration

Under California law, individuals employed as security guards by licensed Private Patrol Operators or private security employers must obtain a Security Guard Registration issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

STEP #1

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
    (Business and Professions Code § 7582.8) 
  • Be employed by, or seeking employment with, a licensed Private Patrol Operator (PPO) or qualifying private security employer 

(BPC § 7582.1) 

Criminal History Background Check

STEP #2

Before a Guard Card can be issued, the applicant must:

  • Undergo a criminal history background check through both:
    • The California Department of Justice (DOJ), and
    • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Complete Live Scan fingerprinting using the BSIS-designated Security Guard Live Scan form
  • Pay all applicable DOJ, FBI, and Live Scan processing fees

(BPC §§ 7581 and 7583.9) 

Mandatory Training Requirements

STEP #3
Power to Arrest Training
  • The applicant must complete the 8-hour Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training.
  • This training must be completed prior to issuance of the Guard Card, unless the registrant is unable to provide proof at the time of employment, in which case it must be completed within six (6) months of employment. (BPC §§ 7583.6 and 7583.7) 
Security Officer Skills Training (32 Hours)
  • A total of 32 hours of security officer skills training is required.
  • Training deadlines:
    • 16 hours within the first 30 days of employment
    • Remaining 16 hours within six (6) months of registration
  • Training must be completed even if the officer changes employers.
Annual Continuing Training RequirementSecurity Officer Skills Training (32 Hours)
  • Eight (8) hours of continuing training must be completed annually.
  • This requirement applies every year the guard holds an active registration.
  • Training may be provided by:
    • A Private Patrol Operator,
    • A Bureau-certified training facility, or
    • A Bureau-approved course provider. 

(BPC § 7583.6; Title 16 CCR § 643) 

Application Submission

STEP #4

Applicants must submit:

  • A completed Application for Security Guard Registration
  • The required application fee
  • Proof of completed training (as applicable)
  • Fingerprint background check results

Applications may be submitted:

  • Online via BreEZe (recommended), or
  • By mail to BSIS

Carrying Proof of Registration While Working

STEP #5
  • A security guard must carry a valid and current Guard Card while on duty.
  • If the physical card has not yet arrived, the guard may work if they:
    • Have been approved by BSIS, and
    • Carry a printed approval from the BSIS website along with valid photo identification

(BPC §§ 7583.3 and 7583.17) 

Recordkeeping Obligations

STEP #6
  • Guards must maintain training certificates until registration expires or is canceled.
  • Employers must maintain training records for the duration of the guard’s employment.

(BPC § 7583.6) 

Renewal Requirements

STEP #7
  • Guard Cards must be renewed before expiration.
  • BSIS sends renewal notices approximately 90 days prior to expiration.
  • Failure to renew within 60 days after expiration results in cancellation, requiring a new application.

Summary

To legally work as a security guard in California, an individual must:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Pass DOJ and FBI background checks
  • Complete required training (Power to Arrest, 32 hours skills training, and annual refresher training)
  • Apply through BSIS and receive approval
  • Maintain training compliance and renew registration on time