Hold up, future protector of Los Angeles! Think you've got what it takes to rock that security uniform and keep the peace? Getting your Guard Card in the City of Angels isn't as tough as scoring a parking spot downtown, but it does take some hustle. This guide is your ultimate, no-sweat map to becoming a registered Security Guard in California. Get ready to level up your life!
You’re gonna be working under the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), so we gotta follow their rules. Think of them as the super-boss who hands out the official license to be a bona fide guardian.
Step 1: Check Your Vitals (Are You Legit?)
Before you drop any cash on training, make sure you meet the super basic requirements. This is the non-negotiable stuff, so pay attention!
1.1. Are you 18 or older? Yep, gotta be a full-blown adult for this gig. If you're still waiting for that 18th birthday, hang tight and maybe practice your "stop right there!" voice in the mirror.
1.2. Can you legally work in the U.S.? Obvious, but important. You need to be allowed to work in the good ol' USA.
1.3. Do you have a mostly clean background? This is a biggie. You'll go through a serious check by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI. Don't sweat minor, old stuff, but if you have a felony or a major sticky situation on your record, you might be disqualified. Don't try to hide anything, they will find out! It's best to let the BSIS make the final call.
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| How To Get A Guard Card In Los Angeles |
Step 2: Get Your Brain Fuel (The Mandatory Training)
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Time to hit the books! Well, maybe a classroom or your computer. The state requires a total of 40 hours of training, but you only need the first 8 hours to apply for your card and start working. Sweet, right?
2.1. The "Power to Arrest" Course (8 Hours) This is the required pre-licensing training. You must complete this initial 8-hour course before you can even apply for your Guard Card. It's usually split into two parts:
Part A: Power to Arrest (PTA): This teaches you the legal stuff—what you can and can’t do, your responsibilities, and the limits of your authority as a security guard. Super important so you don't end up in trouble.
Part B: Appropriate Use of Force (AUOF) / Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Terrorism Awareness: This covers how to handle yourself in tense situations and how to spot seriously shady stuff. Heads up: As of early 2024, the AUOF portion must be completed in-person with a certified instructor. The rest can often be done online.
2.2. Find a BSIS-Approved Trainer in LA Don't just go to any random spot. You need a training facility that is licensed by the BSIS. A quick search for "BSIS approved security guard training Los Angeles" will pull up legit schools. Shop around! Prices for the 8-hour course can vary wildly, so look for a good deal that fits your budget. Some places offer the whole 40-hour package upfront, which can save you time later.
Step 3: Get Zapped! (The Live Scan Fingerprinting)
This is the background check part. It’s quick, easy, and a little weird feeling.
3.1. Grab the Official Form Before you go, you need the official 'Security Guard Request for Live Scan Service' form from the BSIS website. DO NOT use a generic Live Scan form—it won't have the correct codes, and your application will be delayed. Seriously, don't mess this up.
3.2. Find a Live Scan Location in LA Live Scan sites are everywhere—like, in shipping centers, mail places, or dedicated Live Scan offices. Find one near you. They digitally scan your fingerprints and send them straight to the DOJ and the FBI.
3.3. Pay the Fees (Bring the Dough!) You'll pay a fee for the DOJ check, a fee for the FBI check, and a "rolling fee" for the Live Scan operator. This isn't paid to the BSIS or your training school. It’s a separate cost, so make sure you bring cash or a card.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Pro Tip: The Live Scan is what usually takes the longest! Some people clear in days, others wait weeks. It's totally random, so do this ASAP!
Step 4: The Final Boss (Submitting Your Application)
Training done! Prints zapped! Now it's time to make it official and tell the BSIS you're ready to be a guard.
4.1. Apply Online via BreEZe (The Super-Fast Way) The BSIS has an online system called BreEZe. Seriously, this is the fastest way to apply. You'll create an account and submit your Application for Security Guard Registration there. You'll need to upload your certificate of completion for the 8-hour training.
4.2. Pay the Application Fee There is a non-refundable initial application fee that you pay directly to the BSIS. Check the official BSIS website for the current fee—it changes sometimes, but it’s usually around $55. You can pay with a credit card on BreEZe.
Paper Option (The Slow Lane): You can also mail in a paper application, but expect it to take way longer. BreEZe is the clear winner here.
4.3. Wait for Approval (The Hardest Part) Once your application is in and your background check clears, the BSIS will approve you! You can actually check the status online using the BSIS "Verify a License" tool. Once your name pops up as "Security Guard - Registered," you are officially cleared to work!
Heads Up: The hard-copy plastic card gets mailed to you, which can take a few weeks. But as soon as you are visible and current on the BSIS 'Verify a License' page, you can print that page out—it acts as your temporary card until the official one arrives!
Step 5: Don't Slack Off! (The Post-Application Training)
Remember we said 40 hours total? You've only done 8! Now that you're registered and maybe even working, you have deadlines to finish the rest of the training.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
5.1. The Next 16 Hours (Due in 30 Days) You have 30 days from the time your Guard Card is issued to complete an additional 16 hours of training. This covers mandatory topics like:
Public Relations (4 Hours)
Observation and Documentation (4 Hours)
Communication and its Significance (4 Hours)
Liability / Legal Aspects (4 Hours)
5.2. The Final 16 Hours (Due in 6 Months) You have six months from the date your Guard Card is issued to finish the last 16 hours of training. This is usually elective courses, which means you get to pick from a list of fun stuff like:
Access Control
Handling Difficult People
Workplace Violence
First Aid/CPR/AED
Seriously Note: While the BSIS doesn't technically require you to submit the certificates for the 32 hours, your employer will and you are legally required to complete the training. Don't skip it!
Your New Reality: Welcome to the Guard Life!
You've officially conquered the system! Now go out there and be the rockstar security professional LA needs. Remember to always be professional, stay alert, and keep that Guard Card on you while you're on duty. Good luck, you got this!
FAQs: Quick Hits for the Future Guard
How to start working immediately after applying? Once your application is approved and your status shows "Security Guard - Registered" on the BSIS "Verify a License" page, you can print that page and use it as a temporary Guard Card while you wait for the hard copy.
How to find a Live Scan location? You can find authorized Live Scan locations on the California Department of Justice (DOJ) website. Search for sites near your Los Angeles area.
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to know if my criminal record will disqualify me? Certain felonies or crimes of moral turpitude can disqualify you. BSIS reviews each case, but if you're unsure, the best bet is to complete the Live Scan and application and let the BSIS make the official determination.
How to renew my Guard Card? Your Guard Card is valid for two years. To renew, you must submit a renewal application, pay the renewal fee, and complete an additional 8 hours of continuing education training each year (16 hours total every two years) before your license expires.
How to get training for a firearm permit (Armed Guard)? This is a separate process! You need a Guard Card first, and then you must complete an additional 14 hours of approved firearms training (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range) and pass a shooting qualification before applying for an Exposed Firearm Permit.
How to complete the remaining 32 hours of training? You must complete 16 hours within 30 days of registration and the final 16 hours within six months. You can often take these courses online from a BSIS-approved training provider.
How to check my application status? Use the BSIS "Verify a License" online tool. Search for your name; once approved, your registration details will appear.
How to use the BreEZe system? BreEZe is the BSIS online portal for licensing. You create an account, select the "Security Guard Registration" application, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the fee online.
How to get a new Guard Card if I lose mine? You can submit a "Request for Duplicate/Replacement Security Guard Registration Card" application and pay a replacement fee to the BSIS. This can often be done quickly through the BreEZe system.
How to become a Proprietary Private Security Officer (PSO) instead? A PSO works for one employer only (like a movie studio or hospital). The training is slightly different (a minimum of 16 hours), and you register as a PSO with the state, not a standard Security Guard. The general steps are similar.
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