What is the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
John Campbell
Updated on May 03, 2026
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services is part of the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. It licenses and regulates businesses and professionals in security, private patrol, alarm companies, locksmithing, reposessor agencies, and training facilities.
What is the Bureau of security?
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services is part of the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. It licenses and regulates businesses and professionals in security, private patrol, alarm companies, locksmithing, reposessor agencies, and training facilities.
What disqualifies you from getting a Guard Card in California?
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 contact the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services?
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday (excluding holidays) 8am – 5pm.
- Phone: (916) 322-4000.
- Address: 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270. Sacramento, CA 95834.
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 989002. West Sacramento, CA 95798.
What is a guard card?
The guard card is the basic license issued by the California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services. … The guard card license allows people to work as security guards, bouncers, loss prevention agents, in security patrol, etc.
How much do security guards make?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (updated in May 2019), the hourly wage for security guards ranges from $10.17 to $24.19. The median hourly wage in the United States is $14.27. The annual wage for security guards ranges from $21,150 to $50,310.
What does BSIS stand for?
AcronymDefinitionBSISBachelor of Science in Information Systems (various universities)BSISBig Shanty Intermediate School (Kennesaw, GA)BSISBachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (various locations)BSISBachelor of Science in Information Science (college degree)
How much is a Guard Card in California?
To see the BSIS requirements, get the Security Guard Fact Sheet, at the “BSIS website“. Note: If done online you will receive your California Guard Card in a few days instead of a few weeks. Typical fees for submitting an application is $50, with an additional $1 convenience fee if done online.Does Bsis take money orders?
1. Fee Payment: Make your personal check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services or BSIS. SUBMITTING CASH BY MAIL IS NOT PERMITTED.
How long does it take for Bsis to process application?It takes the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) between 15 and 20 days (sometimes less) to process new applications.
Article first time published onCan security guards carry batons in California?
The Bureau-issued firearms permit is mandatory, though, for security guards who carry guns. Baton Permit: Some California security guards carry batons. In order to be authorized to carry one, a security guard must have eight hours of training from an approved trainer.
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.
Can I use my California guard card in another state?
That being said, we recommend that you get the California guard card since it allows you to work anywhere in the State of California as an unarmed security guard. A California security officer with a guard card can work either for a private patrol operation or proprietary security employer.
Is it hard to get a guard card?
It isn’t hard to get a California Guard Card, but the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) has a few requirements you should know about before you get started.
Do Guard cards work in other states?
A security guard registration is valid for two years. Is my guard card valid in other states? No.
How many hours can a security guard work in a day?
According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the maximum normal working time allowed is 45 hours weekly. This is nine hours per day (excluding a lunch break) if the employee works a five-day week, and eight hours per day (excluding a lunch break) if the employee works more than 5 days per week.
Where do security guards get paid the most?
Best-Paying States for Security Guards The states and districts that pay Security Guards the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($44,200), Alaska ($43,060), Washington ($41,030), Missouri ($39,160), and Virginia ($38,000).
How much money can you make with a security plus certification?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $98,000 and as low as $21,000, the majority of Comptia Security+ Entry Level salaries currently range between $41,500 (25th percentile) to $69,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $84,500 annually across the United States.
What is Bsis firearms assessment?
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 …
What is Bsis email address?
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 [email protected].
Does gun license expire in California?
Renewing a Firearms Permit A BSIS Firearms Permit expires two years from the date of issuance. Approximately 90 days prior to the Firearms Permit’s expiration date, a renewal reminder will be mailed to the permitholder’s address of record.
Can security guards carry guns in California?
Security guards in California are allowed to carry guns while on duty if the job requires it. This means that they are not allowed to carry and use weapons if they’re not performing their job duties. … Only those that pass the criminal background check are allowed to carry a weapon.
How old do you have to be to be a security guard in California?
Requirements for Licensure Be at least 18 years old (BPC Section 7582.8) Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (BPC Sections 7581 and 7583.9) and.
How do you get a 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 firearms permit in California?
The processing period for California firearm permit application is ninety days.
How do I renew my guard card in Hawaii?
You may call our Licensing Branch at (808) 586-3000 or email the Board’s office at: [email protected] for the restoration application. Be sure to include your license name, address, license number and phone number.
Is it legal to carry a knife in California?
In California, it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted. The three most common types of knives — switchblades, folding knives, and fixed blade knives (also known as dirks and daggers) — have certain rules surrounding them and are explained in more detail below.
What can I carry for self defense in California?
- Stun Guns. Stun guns may seem excessive, but can you think of a more useful non-lethal defense weapon? …
- Tactical Gloves. …
- Household/Multipurpose Items. …
- Flashlight. …
- Pepper Spray. …
- Tactical Pens. …
- Tactical Knife. …
- Personal Alarms.
Is it illegal to carry a baseball bat in your car in California?
It is not illegal to carry a baseball bat in one’s vehicle. As a general proposition what makes an object a deadly weapon is its manner of use, assuming it is not specifically defined as an illegal weapon. A bat that is designed for use in sport is not illegal to possess or carry in your car.
What is Guard registration?
FACTSHEET. 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.
Can I transfer my California guard card to Arizona?
I have a guard card from another state Out of state guard licenses are not valid in Arizona. You must obtain an Arizona DPS license to work as a security guard or bodyguard in Arizona.
