The following are the three simple steps required to get a California State Guard Card.

	Step 1: Take the BSIS 8-Hr Power to Arrest Course (Guard Card Course)
	Step 2: Submit an Online Security Guard Application to the BSIS
	Step 3: Get Fingerprinted by Live Scan Using the State Fingerprint Form
	After Step 3: Verify Your Guard Card Online

** Please read the instructions for all three steps before starting step one.

STEP 1 of 3:  Take and complete the CA state required 8-Hour Guard Card Course:

1. Purchase either the 8-Hour Guard Card Course or the full 40-Hour BSIS Course Package from the Home page of our website.
2. Complete the online 8-Hour Guard Card Course (Powers of Arrest) on our website.
3. Write down the serial number listed on the certificate of completion, or print out the certificate. The certificate serial number is required for step 2 of this process.

NOTE: You can view or print the certificate for the course any time you log in after completing the course, we never delete any certificates.

STEP 2 of 3:  Submit the Online Security Guard Application to the CA State BSIS:

1. Go to the CA State Department of Consumer Affairs website at: CA State Breeze Online License Application System to submit the online CA State Security Guard Application. On the home page, you need to click the link that says New Users - Breeze Registration on the lower right side of the page.
   
   
2. Create a new account within their system, and then login to the account.
   
   Please note that if you already have a Breeze account under your social security number, then the Breeze system won't allow you to create a new account. In this case, you will need to call (800) 952-5210 ext 3 to obtain your Breeze account login information from the BSIS, if you don't already have it.
3. Once you log in, on the left side of the page, under Quick Start Menu, is a section titled Applications. Under Applications,select "Bureau of Security and Investigative Services" and "Initial Security Guard Registration" from the two drop-down lists that appear, as shown in the diagram below:
   
4. Follow the online instructions to fill out the BSIS Security Guard Applicationform info as requested until you reach the paymen section. Once you make the payment, you are done.
5. Please make sure to use the info listed on your training certificate. This includes Instructor's name, School or Business Name, Our License # (TFF-1266), and your Certificate Serial Number.
   

If you have any issues or problems with the application, you can call the Breeze website support at: (916) 557-1208 or the BSIS directly at: (800) 952-5210.

Make sure to keep the receipt for the payment to the BSIS, you may need it in step 3.

You can also submit the application by mail at the link below (Processing is Slower):
CA State BSIS Mail-in Security Guard Application with Instructions

Check Your Application Status: You can check to see if your application has been certified by going to the CA State License search page and searching for your license. Once you are cleared, it will show up in the search results about seven to ten days before you get the card in the mail.

STEP 3 of 3: Get fingerprinted at an official Live Scan location:

1. Find a Live Scan location in your area:
   Click Here to find the location nearest to you.
2. Obtain the Live Scan security guard forms from the BSIS:
   Click Here to download the Live Scan - Standard Security Guard form
   Click Here to download the Live Scan - Security Guard w/firearm form
   NOTE: If you plan on also obtaining your BSIS Firearm Permit (for security guards) within the next 12 months, then use the w/firearm form linked above.
   
3. Fill out the Live Scan form Applicant Information section only (outlined in red in the image below).
   
4. Go to the Live Scan location with your completed Live Scan security guard form and get fingerprinted. Once they take your fee and give you a receipt with an ATI number, you are done with that part. You don't need to send anything in, it's all been sent electronically to the FBI and CA State DOJ for processing. You are now just waiting for the BSIS to process your guard card.
   
   Checking on Status of Your Live Scan Results: You can check the status on the DOJ website. On the DOJ website, you must provide the ATI number from the bottom of your completed Live Scan form and your date of birth. IMPORTANT: Unless the DOJ system specifically states “California/FBI responses were sent to the agency,” the BSIS is still waiting for your results.
   

AFTER STEP 3: Verify Online If Your Application Has Been Approved

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:

1. Go to the CA State Breeze License Search Page.
2. Select Security and Investigative Services, Bureau Of in the BOARDS AND BUREAUS box, then select Security Guard from the LICENSE TYPE Box:
   
   
3. Enter your first name and last name into the First Name and Last Name boxes.
4. Click the Search button.

Your license will only appear in the search results once you are approved. Once your name does show up, click on the link to go to your license page and view your license info. You can print that page and use it as a temporary card, until your BSIS printed card arrives in the mail.

Please note that if you previously had a guard card that expired, that license will show up in the search results, with its status of Cancelled, Expired, or Suspended, until you are cleared. Then the status will change to "Current."

You can also call the BSIS directly at: (800) 952-5210 to inquire about application processing, they are available from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, excluding holidays.