Frequently Asked Questions

A California guard card requires a minimum of eight hours of training which consists of Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force along with a background check which requires live scan fingerprinting and submission of an Breeze application for a total of $296 if you go through Valley Guard Training for the entire process.

The initial California guard card training is 8 hours.

This required course covers Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force and must be completed in the 6 months prior to applying for a guard card with BSIS.

After receiving the guard card, security guards must also complete 32 additional hours of training within the first six months, followed by 8 hours of continuing education each year to maintain compliance.

If your guard card has expired, whether you can renew it depends on how long it has been expired.

If your guard card expired less than 60 days ago, you may still renew it by submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee along with a delinquency fee.

If your guard card has been expired for more than 60 days, it cannot be renewed. You must apply again as a new applicant and complete the guard card application process.

The BSIS renewal fee for a California guard card that has not expired is $44. This fee is paid to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services when submitting your renewal through the BreEZe system or by mail.

No. California does not recognize security guard licenses issued by other states. There is no reciprocity for security guard licensing.

Individuals who want to work as a security guard in California must meet all California licensing requirements, including completing the required training, submitting a BSIS application, and completing the background check process.

YES, The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) does not require the California guard card training course to be taught only in English. California law allows security guard training to be conducted in other languages, including Spanish, as long as the course covers the required BSIS curriculum, training hours, and instructional standards.

Training providers must ensure that students understand the material and that all examinations are administered in compliance with BSIS requirements. The language used for instruction does not change the legal training requirements or certification standards.

Yes. You can apply for a California guard card even if you live in another state. However, you must still complete all California licensing requirements.

This includes completing the required Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training, submitting a guard card application through the BSIS BreEZe system, and completing the required fingerprint background check. Out-of-state applicants cannot complete Live Scan fingerprinting and must instead submit fingerprint hard cards with their application for processing.

After completing the required training and submitting your application, BSIS must process your application and background check before issuing your guard card. The time it takes to receive your guard card depends on how quickly your application, Live Scan fingerprint results, and all required information are received and approved by BSIS.

Once BSIS completes processing and approves the application, the guard card will be issued.

A California guard card is valid for two (2) years. The license expires on the last day of the expiration month printed on the guard card. To continue working as a security guard, the guard card must be renewed before it expires.

Certain peace officers and qualifying reserve officers may be exempt from BSIS fingerprinting and some training requirements when applying for a guard card or firearms permit. To qualify, applicants must submit documentation verifying their peace officer status and applicable POST training.

Applicants seeking a firearms permit must still meet BSIS firearms training, qualification, and assessment requirements. Peace officers should consult the BSIS website for the most current instructions and documentation requirements, as eligibility and exemptions may vary depending on status and agency.

You should bring a valid state-issued photo ID and your Social Security number (you may bring the card or just the number). If you are taking the firearms course, you must also bring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

Other than these required items, students may want to bring a jacket, since the office can sometimes be cold, and a drink or snack to have during training.

If you are working in an unarmed security position for only one company, you may be able to work under either a California guard card or a Proprietary Private Security Officer (PPSO) registration, depending on the type of employer.

A PPSO registration allows a person to work as an in-house security officer for a single company that employs its own security staff. However, a PPSO registration only allows you to work for that specific employer.

We generally recommend obtaining a California guard card instead, because it allows you to work for any licensed security company or proprietary security employer anywhere in the State of California.

No. If your guard card application is denied, we cannot provide a refund for the guard card fee.

By the time the application is submitted, we have already provided the required training, completed your fingerprinting, and processed your online application, so those services cannot be refunded.

If your permit application is denied, BSIS will send you a written notice explaining the reason for the denial. You have the right to appeal the decision in writing within 30 days of receiving the denial notice.

If the denial is upheld, you may request an administrative hearing to appeal the decision in person. During this process, you may present evidence such as documentation of rehabilitation, character references, or other information supporting your eligibility for the permit.

Unpaid traffic tickets can affect whether your guard card is issued. Valley Guard Training recommends that you enter into a payment agreement with the court for any unpaid tickets before applying for your guard card. Once the matter is resolved or a payment plan is in place, BSIS may proceed with processing your application.

Unpaid child support can affect whether your guard card is issued. If you are behind on child support payments, BSIS may place a hold on your license or application.

If this happens, you must contact the court or child support agency and set up a payment arrangement. Once the issue is resolved and the agency releases the hold, BSIS can proceed with processing or issuing your guard card.

If you owe money to the State of California, it may affect whether your guard card can be issued. In many cases, you may need to enter into a repayment agreement with the appropriate agency before the state will issue your guard card.

Once the debt is resolved or a payment plan is in place, the hold may be released so BSIS can proceed with processing your application.

Yes. The BSIS requires a total of 40 hours of security guard training.

The first 8 hours of training must be completed before applying for your guard card. After your guard card is issued, you are required to complete the remaining 32 hours of training within the first six months. This additional training is often referred to as continuing education.

Yes. Once your guard card has been approved by BSIS, you may print a temporary guard card from the BreEZe system while you wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

The temporary printout will display your name, guard card number, and expiration date, and it can be used as proof that your registration has been issued. You must carry the printout along with valid photo identification when working until the official card arrives.