How to Get a Guard Card in California

The first step to working in security is to obtain your California guard card. While it’s not an overly complicated process, there are specific steps you need to follow in order to do it correctly.

This guide will walk you through the entire process from start to finish so you know exactly what to do, where to do it, and what to expect at every point along the way.

Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements

Before anything else, confirm you're eligible to apply. California's BSIS Security Guard Registration requires that you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are legally authorized to work in the United States
• Can pass a criminal background check through both the California DOJ and the FBI

Specific felony convictions will disqualify you automatically. Non-violent misdemeanors are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have any prior convictions, check the BSIS website before investing time and money into training.

Learn more about what exactly required in our article about California Guard Card Requirements.

Step 2: Complete Your 8-Hour Guard Card Training

This is the most important step, and as of January 1, 2026, it must happen before you submit your application. You cannot apply first and complete training later.

The 8-hour course covers two required topics under California's Senate Bill 652:

• Power to Arrest (3 hours)
• Appropriate Use of Force (5 hours)

The training must be completed through a single BSIS-licensed provider, you cannot split hours between two different schools. It must also be completed within 6 months before submitting your application.

At Securing Communities, we offer in-person guard card training in Sacramento that covers the full 8-hour curriculum in a single day for just $80. After completing training you'll receive a certificate that you'll need for your application.

Reserve your spot if you are interested.

Step 3: Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting

Live Scan is California's digital fingerprinting system used to run your background check through the DOJ and FBI. Here's what you need to know:

• Download and print the official Security Guard Request for Live Scan Service form from the BSIS website. You must use this specific form, not a generic one
• Find your nearest Live Scan location at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
• The Live Scan fee is approximately $49 plus the site fee, this varies by location

Make sure all your personal details on the Live Scan form match your application exactly. Name, date of birth, and identifying information must be consistent or it will cause delays in processing.

You can complete Live Scan before or after submitting your application, but doing it at the same time is recommended to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Submit Your Application Through BreEZe

Once your training is complete, go to breeze.ca.gov, this is the official BSIS online portal where you submit your guard card application.

Applying online is significantly faster than a paper application and can reduce processing time by up to two weeks. Here's what you'll need:

• Your training certificate from your BSIS-licensed provider
• Government-issued photo ID
• Payment for the $60 BSIS application fee
• Your Live Scan confirmation (if already completed)

Fill out the application completely and accurately. Any discrepancies between your application and your Live Scan results will slow things down.

Step 5: Wait for BSIS Approval

Processing times vary but typically take 4-6 weeks. During this time BSIS is verifying your background check results and reviewing your application.

You can check your application status anytime at breeze.ca.gov. Once your status changes to "Active" you can print that confirmation screen, it serves as a valid temporary work permit while your physical guard card arrives in the mail.

Important: Don't start working as a security guard until your status shows as Active. Working without a valid guard card in California is illegal and can result in fines for both you and your employer.

Step 6: Start Working and Complete Your Remaining Training

Once your guard card is active you can legally start working as a security guard in California. But you're not done with training yet.

Under BSIS requirements, all new guards must complete 32 additional hours of security officer skills training within their first 6 months on the job:

• 16 hours within the first 30 days of employment
• Remaining 16 hours within 6 months

Your employer is typically responsible for facilitating this training. Make sure to confirm this before accepting a position.

After your first year, you'll need to complete 8 hours of continuing education annually to keep your guard card active.

At Securing Communities, we provide this yearly continuing training, as well as supplemental training from industry professionals.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Here's a realistic timeline from start to finish:

• Day 1: Complete 8-hour training
• Day 1-3: Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
• Day 1-3: Submit application through BreEZe
• Weeks 4-6: BSIS approval and Active status
• Weeks 6-8: Physical guard card arrives in the mail

The fastest path from zero to licensed is roughly 6-8 weeks if you complete training, Live Scan, and your application in the same week.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Guard Card?

Here's a full cost breakdown:

• Guard card training: $80 (at Securing Communities)
• BSIS application fee: $60
• Live Scan fingerprinting: ~ $49 + site fee

Total: ~$189-$200

Get Your Guard Card Training in Sacramento

If you're in the Sacramento area, Securing Communities offers in-person guard card training that satisfies the full 8-hour BSIS requirement in a single day. Fully compliant with 2026 SB 652 requirements.

• Cost: $80 registration
• Format: In-person, Sacramento
• Duration: 8 hours, completed in one day
• Covers: Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force from a single licensed provider

We are also open to hiring guards who complete training with us. If you're looking for work after getting your guard card, check out our open positions, we'd love to hear from you.

Reserve your spot in an upcoming class.