ADDITIONAL GUARD CARD INFORMATION

A California guard card is a state license to work as a security guard in the State of California.  BSIS requires that all security guards employed by a Private Patrol Operator posses a valid guard card registration.  A security guard must complete an 8 hour course called Power to Arrest and Weapons of Mass Destruction before applying for California guard card.  The 8 hour course is available through our advanced online training system for only $50.  After completion of the California guard card course, you must visit a Live Scan fingerprint center such as a police station or a UPS store to get fingerprinted.  You can search for the nearest Live Scan center by clicking on step 2.  Don't forget to print the Live Scan forms located in step 2 because you'll need to fill them out and hand carry them to the Live Scan center.  The ATI number given to you by the Live Scan center will be located on your Live Scan forms and will be used in step 3 to apply for a guard card.  Step 3 will require you to submit our license number, our business name and address that are all located on your certificate of completion. Our website provides the complete 40-hours of training that the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services requires for all California security guards.  All 40-hours of training must be completed within 6 months.  If you have already taken the 8-hour course, you're still required to take the remaining 32-hours of training.  Additionally, you can purchase the 16 hour course package "A" to fulfill your 30 day training requirement and the 16 hour course package "B" to fulfill the 6 month training requirement.  Individual 4 hour courses are also available to take one at a time so that you can become one step closer to completing your California guard card training. California guard card requirements for active duty, retired, or reserve peace officers can be found on the BSIS frequently asked questions page for peace officers.   Requirements for peace officers to carry a baton and/or exposed firearm slightly varies while wearing  civilian clothes or security guard attire.  Guard card training and application requirements for peace officers is also covered on the  BSIS frequently asked questions page.  California guard card cost may be slightly cheaper for a peace officer as compared to a regular civilian due to certain exemptions.   California armed guard card is a term commonly used in the security industry to identify a security guard that has both a guard card license and a firearm permit.  There's no such thing as an armed guard card, it's simply a guard card and firearm permit. California guard card renewal is required every two years at a cost of $35.  BSIS will mail you a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your license is due to expire.  Your guard card can be renewed online where you originally applied for your license or you can mail the renewal fee to BSIS.  If you have any questions regarding how to get a California guard card or any other guard card related questions, please feel free to contact us.