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How to become a licensed security guard in California. State license required. Unarmed training: 40 hours. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $249-$479. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
40 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$249-$479
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
California requires state-level Guard Card registration through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
40 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at a BSIS-approved training facility; effective January 1, 2026, must be administered by a single course provider within 6 months before application
Armed training available
16 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm at an approved range and pass written exam
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification at an approved range; quarterly for some endorsements
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Guard Card
Card Name
Processing Time
30-45 days via BreEZe online; 90+ days if criminal history or fingerprint issues
Valid Period
2 years
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $49 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$250 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $80 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $249-$479 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
8 hours of continuing education required annually
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification at an approved range
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
California does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
California requires 40 total hours of training -- among the highest in the nation. Training is phased: 8 hours must be completed before any work, with the remaining 32 hours completed within the first 6 months of employment. Effective 2026, all training must come from a single provider.
California has one of the most comprehensive security guard training requirements in the nation at 40 hours.
Training is phased: 8 hours before starting work (Powers to Arrest), then 16 hours within 30 days, then 16 more within 6 months.
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) under DCA regulates the industry.
Armed guards need a separate Firearms Permit in addition to the Guard Card.
SB 652 (eff Jan 1, 2026): The full 8-hour Powers to Arrest + Appropriate Use of Force course must be completed through a single BSIS-approved provider. Training must be completed within 6 months before application. SB 513 (eff Jan 1, 2026): Training records now classified as personnel file documents with 3-year minimum retention.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#8 of 51
Cost
#28 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$37,490
25th percentile
Median
$43,930
+14% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$47,270
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
185,510 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) — Licensing Requirements
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California requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 40 hours. All licensing is managed through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.