bsis license

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (Bureau or BSIS) licenses and regulates the Alarm, Locksmith, Private Investigator, Private Security Services, and Repossession Industries.

How do I get my security guard license in California?

In order to get your security certification in CA, you must first complete 8-hours of guard card training with a certified facility or online training center. After your 8 hours are completed and you have passed your initial exam, you are then able to get hired as a security guard.

How long does it take to get a BSIS guard card?

It can take as little as 15-20 business days to process the application if there is no criminal background and all of your information is correct and matches. From the time it gets processed and approved, it takes an additional 2 weeks for BSIS to send you the actual guard card in the mail.

Can a security guard detain you in California?

They are not police. Security guards are there to prevent, observe, and report. In that sense, security guards have no greater right than you to perform a civilian’s arrest. If they perform a civilian’s arrest, security guards must use reasonable force.

Can a felon get a guard card in California?

What if I have a felony or misdemeanor conviction? Crimes of violence and felonies automatically disqualify you from applying to be a security guard in the State of California. For all others, the State considers the circumstances surrounding your conviction and evidence of rehabilitation.

How do I renew my BSIS guard card?

To renew your guard card online: Your guard card has to be within 60 days of the renewal date. For example if your guard card expires Dec 31, 2022, the online renewal will be availble on Nov 1, 2022. To renew online, go to the CA State License Registration website, at and log in.

How do I contact BSIS?

If you have not heard from the Bureau within 60 days from submission of your application, you may call the Bureau at (916) 322-4000 or (800) 952-5210 or email the Bureau at .

What type of firearm is allowed to be issued to the security guards?

As an armed security guard, you may carry a variety of weapons; these include a handgun, such as a Colt 1911 or a Ruger-P series. You may also carry various non-lethal weapons, such as a baton, stun gun or taser, and pepper spray.

How do I get a BSIS guard card?

You can apply for your guard card, either on-line at the Bureau’s website at or by postal mail. Once you receive your guard card, you are required to compete an additional 32 hours of education.

How do I know if my guard card is cleared?

The State of CA has a search page that allows to check if your license (guard card) has been approved, or updated in the case of an expired license: Go to the CA State Breeze License Search Page.

How do I become a bodyguard in California?

How to become a bodyguard in California
Get the California Guard Card. Get the California Security Exposed Firearms Permit. Get the Certification in First Aid and CPR. Unarmed Fighting Skills. Get the Guard Permit for OC Pepper Spray. Tactical Firearms Training. Concealed Firearms Permit.

What disqualifies you from being a security guard?

Felonies. Vital Ethics also states that if you have a conviction for violent crimes such as assault, rape and murder or if you have been convicted of fraud or arson, you won’t get your license or be hired anywhere as a security guard.

How long does BSIS take to process application?

The BSIS strives to complete the application review process within 2-months (60-days). The online (versus paper) process is a week or so faster.

What is BSIS firearms assessment?

What is the name of the assessment? The assessment is named the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16pf), which is a personality test used in various settings including employers of protective services personnel (e.g., police officers, firefighters and security guards).

Can you stop a shoplifter?

An owner has the legal right to use force in detaining an alleged shoplifter. The shopkeeper’s privilege allows a store owner to use a reasonable amount of nondeadly force on the detainee that is necessary to: protect himself, and. prevent the escape from store property of the particular person being detained.

Can I carry handcuffs in California?

§ 10-147 Possession of handcuffs, thumb-cuffs or leg irons by unauthorized persons prohibited. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly possess any type of handcuffs, including disposable cinch cuffs, thumb cuffs or leg irons.

Can security guards touch you?

Can security guards touch you and can a security guard grab you? Yes, security guards, just like anyone else, has the right to use reasonable force against someone. This means they can touch you in order to perform a citizen’s arrest or to remove you from somewhere if necessary.