In California only private security businesses are required to obtain licensure while individual employees, including proprietary security guards, must register with the department.

There are two categories of individual registration in California:
I. Security guard

Security guards are employed by licensed private patrol operators or private security employers to protect persons or property or prevent theft as defined in Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7582.1.

Security Guard Registration applicants are not required to be employed at the time filing for registration. Upon commencing employment, the employer has to report the employee to the board.

California permits both paper and online applications for registration purposes.
See: Security Guard application form

Fees:
$55   Initial Application fee
$49   LiveScan Fingerprinting fees

Business and Professions Code Section 7574.11 (f) 
License must be renewed every two years.
$40   Renewal fee
$65   Delinquent Renewal Fee ($40 renewal fee + $25 delinquency fee)
$25   Replacement Guard Card Fee

See: Security Guard Fact Sheet

II. Proprietary Private Security Officer

A proprietary private security officer is defined generally as an unarmed individual, (1) who is employed exclusively by a single employer, (2) whose primary duty is to provide security services for that employer, (3) whose services are not contracted to any other entity or person, and (4) who meets both of the following criteria:
a.   He or she is required to wear a distinctive uniform clearly identifying the individual as a security officer, and
b.   He or she is likely to interact with the public while performing his or her duties.
See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.01

Fees:
$55   Initial Application fee
$49   LiveScan Fingerprinting fees

License must be renewed every two years.
$40   Renewal fee
$65   Delinquent Renewal Fee
$25   Replacement Guard Card Fee

See: Proprietary Security Officer Fact Sheet

See: New Fee schedules effective July 1, 2018

Special Exception
California, in deference to its movie and film industry, exempts unarmed uniformed security officers from registration requirements when working for the industry. The regulations designate an exemption to those “employed exclusively and regularly by a motion picture studio facility employer.”
See: 7582 q

Armed Security:  BSIS issues Firearms Permits (also referred to as a “Firearms Qualification Card (FQ)” or “Exposed Firearms Permit”) as specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 7540) of Chapter 11.3, Article 4 (commencing with Section 7583) of Chapter 11.5 and Article 6 (commencing with Section 7596) of Chapter 11.6 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code (BPC).
See: Firearms Permit Fact Sheet

Firearms Assessment:  Effective July 1, 2018, a BSIS security guard registrant seeking an initial BSIS firearms permit must complete an assessment for the purposes of determining whether he/she possesses, at the time of the assessment, appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control to carry a firearm while on duty (Business and Professions Code Sections 7583.23 and 7583.47).

NOTE: Effective January 1, 2022, the assessment must be completed prior to submitting an Application for an Initial Firearms Permit. This is a significant change. Prior practice was to take the assessment AFTER you applied; as of January 1, 2022, you must take it PRIOR to applying for a firearms permit.

See Firearms Permit Assessment

See separate applications for initial vs renewal firearms applications:

• Firearms Permit Initial Application
• Firearms Permit Renewal Application

California Code, Business and Professions Code – BCP § 7583.9:
Upon accepting employment by a private patrol operator, any employee who performs the function of a security guard or security patrol person who is not currently registered with the bureau, shall complete an application for registration on a form as prescribed by the director, and obtain two classifiable fingerprint cards for submission to the Department of Justice.

I. Security Guard
California Business and Professions Code, Section 7582.8:
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age

II. Proprietary Private Security Officer
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
See: Proprietary Security Officer Fact Sheet

ARMED GUARDS: To be eligible for a BSIS Firearms Permit, applicants must be at least 21 years of age (BPC Sections 7542.2, 7583.23, and 7596.3).

See: Firearms Permit Fact Sheet

Although the legislation does not dictate this requirement, the applicants are required to provide their social security or tax identification number.

ARMED GUARDS: To be eligible for a BSIS Firearms Permit, applicants must be a citizen of the United States or have permanent legal alien status (BPC Sections 7542.2, 7583.23, and 7596.3)

See: Firearms Permit Fact Sheet

None required

I. Security Guard

If you are a currently employed, full time peace officer holding peace officer status under Chapter 4.5, (commencing with section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a level I or level II reserve officer under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 832.6 of the Penal Code and have completed a course of study in the exercise of the power to arrest approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training then you are not required to complete a Power to Arrest course approved by the Bureau at a Bureau certified Training Facility. Furthermore, you are exempt from the live scan (electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses) requirement if you are only applying for a security guard registration.

II. Proprietary Private Security Officer:
This chapter shall not apply to the following: (a) An officer or employee of the United States of America, or of this state or a political subdivision thereof, while the officer or employee is engaged in the performance of his or her official duties, including uniformed peace officers employed part time by a public agency pursuant to a written agreement between a chief of police or sheriff and the public agency, provided the part-time employment does not exceed 50 hours in a calendar month.
See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.14 for a full list of exemptions.

Armed Guards:

As stated in the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Firearms Training Manual (dated January 2022):

Exemption from Completion of BSIS Firearms Training Course
Who is Eligible: A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of
Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, is exempt from completing the BSIS Firearms Training
Course if he/she has successfully completed a course of study in the use of firearms [BPC
Section 7583.22]. NOTE: Issuance of a firearms permit is contingent upon the applicant being
approved for or already holding a qualifying license (i.e., security guard registration, private
patrol operator license, or qualified manager associated with a license.)

Proof for Exemption: The following documentation is acceptable to demonstrate eligibility and
prior training: a photocopy of the front and back of the peace officer’s identification card to
demonstrate peace officer status and a letter from the officer’s current Commanding Officer
attesting to the officer’s completion of firearms training, a copy of the officer’s Basic or
Specialized Basic POST course completion certificate or a copy of the officer’s POST profile
detailing completion of Basic or Specialized Basic training in the use of firearms.

Exemption from BSIS Range Requalification for Renewal of Firearms Permit
Who is Eligible: A duly appointed peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with
Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, who is authorized to carry a firearm in the
course of their law enforcement duties and has successfully completed requalification training
with their law enforcement agency is exempt from the BSIS firearm range requalification
requirements [BPC Section 7583.32].

Proof for Exemption: The following documentation is acceptable to demonstrate eligibility and
prior training: a photocopy of the front and back of the peace officer’s identification card to
demonstrate peace officer status and a firearms requalification training completion document
signed by the agency’s Range Master, a copy of the officer’s POST profile detailing the
requalification(s), or a letter signed by the officer’s commanding officer or agency’s Range
Master, on the law enforcement agency’s letterhead, attesting to the officer’s successful
completion of firearms requalification training

Also:

1.   An active duty peace officer may carry an exposed or concealed weapon while on duty as a security guard provided all of the following conditions are satisfied: The peace officer is employed as a security guard and is either on the pay-roll (paid on a W-2) of a private patrol operator (i.e. paid with a W-2), or is employed by a proprietary private security employer (i.e. such as in-house security) and is an employee (not a subcontractor) of the employer (i.e. a VIP being protected). While on duty as an armed security guard, the peace officer must possess a guard registration card and an exposed weapon permit issued by the bureau. An active duty peace officer is not required to complete the Bureau’s firearm course nor satisfy the bureau’s twice-a-year range requalifications. An active duty or level I or II reserve peace officer is exempt from the training and the requalifying requirements as long as they are required to requalify with their law enforcement employer. An active duty peace officer who contracts to provide armed security services must possess a private patrol operator’s license issued by the bureau.

2.   An honorably retired peace officer with an endorsement from a law enforcement agency to carry a concealed weapon may carry a concealed weapon while on duty as a private patrol operator (qualified manager), security guard, private investigator (qualified manager), alarm company qualified manager or alarm agent, provided that he/she has a valid private patrol operator license, security guard registration, private investigator license, alarm company qualified manager license or alarm agent registration, and a valid firearm permit issued by the bureau. Retired peace officers must complete the bureau’s course of fire and the twice-a-year requalification requirements.

3.   Reserve peace officers authorized and qualified by their agency to carry a firearm are exempt from completing the twice-a-year two-hour course review and range requalifications. Reserve peace officers not authorized and qualified to carry a firearm while on duty must complete the twice-a-year course review and the range requalifications (California Code of Regulations, Section 633(e)). Reserve peace officers must submit proof from their agency that they are authorized and qualified to carry a firearm in order to be exempt from the requalification requirements.

In California, “Permit” means any license, certificate, registration or any other form of authorization required by state agency to engage in a particular activity.
See:16 CCR §601.4

ARMED GUARDS:

A Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Firearms Permit is required.

See: Instructions on how to obtain and comply with firearms laws and regulations

A new law went into effect on July 1, 2018 that requires a BSIS security guard registrant seeking to associate a BSIS Firearms Permit to the guard registration to complete an assessment to demonstrate that they are capable, at the time the assessment is completed, of demonstrating appropriate judgment, restraint and self-control for the purposes of carrying and using a firearm when performing security guard duties. (Business and Professions Code Section 7583.23 and 7583.47).

NOTE: Effective January 1, 2022, the assessment must be completed prior to submitting an Application for an Initial Firearms Permit. This is a significant change. Prior practice was to take the assessment AFTER you applied; as of January 1, 2022, you must take it PRIOR to applying for a firearms permit.

See separate forms for initial application vs renewal application:

• Firearms Permit Initial Application
• Firearms Permit Renewal Application

I. Security Guard
California requires a Photo ID for Security Officer Registrants.
See Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Photo ID Card Instructions

A security guard must possess a valid and current security guard registration card on his or her person while on duty.
See: Fact sheet and CA Bus & Prof Code §7583.3(a)

Licensees shall at any times while in the course of their duties maintain in their possession any bureau-issued identification cards relevant to the duties being performed.
See: 16 CCR §608.3

II. Proprietary Private Security Officer
The individual must obtain and carry an PSO card.
The PSO card will be mailed upon successful registration.
See: Proprietary Security Officer Fact Sheet

A person registered as a proprietary private security officer shall carry on his or her person, while on duty, a valid and current proprietary private security officer’s registration card or a hard copy printout of the bureau’s approval from the bureau’s Internet Web site and either a valid driver’s license issued pursuant to Section 12811 of the Vehicle Code or a valid identification card issued pursuant to Section 13000 of the Vehicle Code.
See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.22

No baseline requirement

I. Security Guard

Fingerprints are submitted electronically through the Live Scan system to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Applicants are responsible for paying all Live Scan, DOJ and FBI processing fees at the time of fingerprinting.

See here for the Security Guard Request for Live Scan Form
See here for the Live Scan Locations

Retrieved from Security Guard Fact Sheet

Exemption from Fingerprint Submission Requirement: If you are a California peace officer as specified above and are seeking an exemption from the fingerprint requirement, you must provide proof of your current sworn status.

II. Proprietary Private Security Officer

An application for a proprietary private security officer shall include the submission of fingerprints to the Department of Justice.
See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.11
Fingerprints are submitted electronically through the Live Scan system to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Applicants are required to prepare three identical duplicates (copies) of a Proprietary Security Officer Live Scan Form.
Fees payable the Live Scan Operator:
$32.00   DOJ Fingerprint Processing Fee
$17.00   FBI Fingerprint Processing Fee
SubTotal: $49.00
In addition, a processing fee at the Live Scan site incurs. Each Live Scan site sets its processing fee, which can vary within a range established by law. BSIS does not set the fee.

See here for the Live Scan Locations

Retrieved from Proprietary Private Security Officer Fact Sheet

(c)The director may refuse to approve a proprietary private security officer registration pursuant to Section 7574.11 to a person who has committed any act or crime constituting grounds for denial under Section 480.

ARMED GUARDS:

Applicants for a BSIS Firearms Permit must submit their fingerprints electronically through the Live Scan system to the FBI and the DOJ.

See here for the Security Guard Request for Live Scan Form
See here for the Live Scan Locations

No baseline requirement

No baseline requirement for unarmed guards

For ARMED GUARDS:

Firearms Assessment
A BSIS Security Guard registrant seeking an initial BSIS Firearms Permit must pass an
assessment for the purposes of determining whether he/she possesses, at the time of the
assessment, appropriate judgment, restraint, and self- control to carry a firearm while on
duty, within the six months preceding the date the application is submitted to the Bureau
(BPC Sections 7583.23 and 7583.47).

NOTE: Effective January 1, 2022, the assessment must be completed prior to submitting an Application for an Initial Firearms Permit. This is a significant change. Prior practice was to take the assessment AFTER you applied; as of January 1, 2022, you must take it PRIOR to applying for a firearms permit.

See Firearms Assessment Information

See Firearms Permit Fact Sheet

I. Security Guard

Applicants for a BSIS Security Guard Registration must undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Applicants are responsible for paying all Live Scan, DOJ and FBI processing fees at the time of fingerprinting.

See here for the Security Guard Request for Live Scan Form
See here for the Live Scan Locations

Retrieved from Security Guard Fact Sheet

II. Proprietary Private Security Officer

Applicants must undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

See here for the Proprietary Security Officer Live Scan Form
See here for the Live Scan Locations

Retrieved from Proprietary Private Security Officer Fact Sheet

California Business and Professions Code section 7583.9:
(e)   Upon receipt of an applicant’s electronic or hard card fingerprints as provided in this section, the Department of Justice shall disseminate the following information to the bureau:

(1)   Every conviction rendered against the applicant.
(2)   Every arrest for an offense for which the applicant is presently awaiting trial, whether the applicant is incarcerated or has been released on bail or on his or her own recognizance pending trial.

ARMED GUARDS:

Applicants must undergo a criminal history background check through the FBI and the DOJ.

Applicants for a BSIS Firearms Permit must not be prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm pursuant to State or Federal Law.

In addition to completing the required Live Scan, applicants must also complete and submit the Firearm Eligibility Application to DOJ and pay the $38.00 application fee to the Live Scan operator.
See here for the Security Guard Firearm Request for Live Scan Form
See here for the Live Scan Locations

Not required

I. Security Guard

•   The power to arrest training must be completed prior to the issuance of a Security Guard Registration (BPC Sections 7583.6 and 7583.8);
•   The thirty-two (32) hours of training in security officer skills must be completed within the first six (6) months of licensure;
•   Eight (8) hours of continuing training must be completed annually (BPC 7583.6 and CCR 643);
•   The training may be administered by the guard’s employing private patrol operator or by a Bureau-approved course provider.

For a detailed list of courses and training please see Security Guard Training Regulation
Retrieved from Security Guard Fact Sheet

II. Proprietary Security Officer

Except for a person who has completed the course of training required by Section 7583.45, a person registered and hired as a proprietary private security officer shall complete training in security officer skills within six months from the date upon which registration is issued, or within six months of his or her employment with a proprietary private security employer.
See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.18(a)

A person registered or hired as a proprietary private security officer shall complete training in security officer skills within six months from the date upon which registration is issued, or within six months of his or her employment with a proprietary private security employer.
See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.18(h)

The complete course of training shall consist of a minimum of 16 hours and shall be completed within the first six months from either the date of employment or date of issuance of the proprietary private security officer’s registration.
The courses cover the following subjects:

•   Four(4) hours minimum of Section I.   Power to Arrest training;
•   Twelve (12) hours minimum of the Sections:

II. Roles and Responsibilities;
III.   Public and Employer Expectations;
IV.   Liability Issued;
V.   Communication/ Conflict Management;
VI.   Emergency Procedures.

A person registered or hired as a proprietary private security officer shall complete training in security officer skills within six months from the date upon which registration is issued, or within six months of his or her employment with a proprietary private security employer.
See: See: CA Bus & Prof Code §7574.18(a)

For a detailed list of courses please see the Training Syllabus (PDF)

ARMED GUARDS:

See Firearms Training Manual (dated January 2022)

Not required

For Armed Guards:  According to the BSIS Firearms Permit Fact Sheet, “Applicants must complete the Course of Firearms Training (CCR Section 635) at a Bureau-approved Firearms Training Facility, from a Bureau-approved Firearms Training Instructor, and pass the written examination (scoring 86% or better) and range qualifications.  

See also:

• Firearms Permit Initial Application
• Firearms Permit Renewal Application

The state may suspend any occupational or professional license for failure to pay child support.
See: Cal Fam Code § 17520

I. Security Guard
•   Application for Security Guard (PDF)
•   Security Guard Links Overview
•   Security Guard Fact Sheet

II. Proprietary Security Officer
•   Application for Proprietary Security Officer (PDF)
•   Proprietary Security Officer Links Overview
•   Proprietary Security Officer Fact Sheet

Legislation
•   California Code of Regulations – Division 7. Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
•   BPC Chapter 11.4 Proprietary Security Services
•   BPC Chapter 11.5 Private Security Services

Live Scan
•   Live Scan Instructions

Application
•   The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Online Application
•   Common Mistakes in the Application Process

Firearms:

• Firearms Training Manual
• Firearm Permit Fact Sheet