To get armed security guard license in California, you must hold two separate Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) credentials the Security Guard Registration (“Guard Card”) and an Exposed Firearms Permit.
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Steps to Get Armed Security Guard License in California
1. BSIS Security Guard Registration (“Guard Card”)
Who qualifies: Anyone 18 years or older with no disqualifying criminal history.
Training you need:
8 hours of Power to Arrest instruction before applying.
An additional 32 hours of security-skills training within six months of registration.
Background check: Submit Live-Scan fingerprints to the DOJ and FBI when you apply. Fees for Live Scan and both agencies are paid at the fingerprint site.
State fees & filing: File online through BreEZe or by mail and pay the $55 application fee to BSIS.
Processing time: BSIS lists 4-6 weeks for first-time approvals.
Once your Guard Card appears in the BSIS database (you can print a web approval while the plastic card is in the mail), you may work unarmed security and move on to the firearms step.
Once your Guard Card appears in the BSIS database (you can print a web approval while the plastic card is in the mail), you may work unarmed security and move on to the firearms step.
2. BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit
Who qualifies: You must already hold a Guard Card, be 21 years or older, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and pass the BSIS firearms psychological assessment plus another FBI/DOJ background check.
Training you need: Complete the BSIS-approved 14-hour firearms course (8 hours classroom on law, safety and liability + 6 hours live-fire range time) and qualify with every caliber you intend to carry.
Exams & qualification: Pass the written test and the range qualification during that course; thereafter you must re-qualify on the range twice each year to keep the permit valid.
State fees & filing:
$100 initial permit fee paid to BSIS.
Live-Scan fees for DOJ ($32), FBI ($17) and a $38 Firearm Eligibility check are collected at fingerprinting locations.
Renewal: The permit is good for two years and currently renews for $118 (includes $80 renewal + $38 DOJ fingerprint fee).
Putting it all together
Finish the 8-hour Power to Arrest class.
Submit your Guard Card application, fee and Live Scan.
Receive your Guard Card number.
Take the 14-hour firearms course, pass the written & range tests, and complete the firearms assessment.
File the Firearms Permit application with the $100 fee and new Live Scan receipts.
Carry both pocket cards and re-qualify at the range twice a year.
By following these two clearly defined BSIS processes, you secure the legal authority to work armed security anywhere in California.
How long does it take to become a security guard in California?
Getting your guard card takes roughly 5–6 weeks in total. This includes about one day for the 8-hour Power to Arrest course and same-day Live Scan fingerprints, plus 4–6 weeks for the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) to approve your Guard Card.
What documents are needed to apply for an armed security guard license in California?
The documents you need to apply for an armed security guard license in California include the BSIS Firearms Permit Initial Application (Form FQ-Initial), proof of your active Guard Card, a signed Firearms Training & Range-Qualification certificate for every caliber, the correct Live Scan fingerprint form/receipts, evidence that you passed the BSIS firearms assessment within the last six months, a citizenship/permanent resident document, and the $100 application fee.
1. Firearms Permit Initial Application (Form FQ-Initial)
This eight-page state form is the backbone of your packet; complete pages 1–2 yourself, and let your BSIS-certified firearms instructor fill out and sign the Certification of Firearms Range Qualification Training on page 3.
2. Proof of a Current Security Guard Registration (“Guard Card”)
Write the Guard Card number and expiration date on the application and attach a photocopy or a BreEZe print-out showing the registration is active. BSIS will not issue an armed permit unless you already hold or are simultaneously applying for a valid Guard Card.
3. Certificate of Firearms Training & Range Qualification
Your instructor must hand you the signed qualification pages showing you completed the 14-hour BSIS course, passed the 52-question written test (minimum 86 percent) and qualified on the range with each caliber you plan to carry. These pages go in the packet behind your application.
4. Live-Scan Request Form (“Security Guard w/ Firearm”) and Receipts
Submit a copy of the completed BCIA 8016 Live-Scan form that carries the ATI tracking number and operator signature, plus the DOJ/FBI/Firearm Eligibility fee receipts you paid at the fingerprint site. BSIS will match those prints to your application.
5. Firearms Psychological Assessment Result
Security-guard applicants must pass the BSIS firearms assessment administered by Psychological Services Industries within six months before the application date. The vendor sends results to BSIS electronically, but you should attach the confirmation page or candidate ID number as proof you have satisfied this step.
6. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent-Resident Status
Have a legible copy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent-resident (green) card. Your instructor notes the document type on the qualification form, and BSIS may ask you to mail or upload the copy if needed.
7. Payment for State Fees
Include a check or money order for $100 payable to “BSIS.” (Online BreEZe applicants pay the same amount by credit card when they upload the forms.)
One-Page Checklist
FQ-Initial application, pages 1-3 complete and signed
Copy of active Guard Card (or simultaneous Guard Card application)
Firearms course & range qualification certificate(s)
Live-Scan form + fingerprint fee receipts
Firearms assessment confirmation (within 6 months)
Citizenship/permanent-resident document copy
$100 fee payment
