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Security Guard
Total cost: $249-$479
Governing Authority
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), Department of Consumer Affairs
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)
Application Fee
$60
BSIS Security Guard application fee per Oct 1, 2025 fee schedule (bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/newfees.pdf)
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$49
Training Fee
$100-$250
Varies by training provider
Armed License Fee
$80
Renewal Fee
$44
BSIS renewal fee per Oct 1, 2025 fee schedule
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
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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
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee BSIS Security Guard application fee per Oct 1, 2025 fee schedule (bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/newfees.pdf) | $60 |
Fingerprint Fee | $49 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$250 |
Armed License Fee | $80 |
Renewal Fee BSIS renewal fee per Oct 1, 2025 fee schedule | $44 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $249-$479 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
8 hours of continuing training required annually (per BPC 7583.6 and CCR Section 643)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare California with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in California verified against Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), Department of Consumer Affairs, March 2026.