Looking to hire a security guard—or just wondering if someone is actually licensed in California?
Before you trust anyone with your safety or business, you need to verify their BSIS Guard Card. This isn’t just a checkbox—it’s your way to stay legal, avoid headaches, and ensure peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why verification matters, how to check a Guard Card online, what to do if it’s missing, and how to get your own license quickly and easily.
A BSIS Guard Card is the official California license required to work as a security guard. It’s issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Every licensed security officer in California must have an active Guard Card to work legally.
Official BSIS Info: View The Official BSIS Security Guard Overview Here
Verifying a guard card protects your business, your clients, and the public. Here’s why it matters:
Legal Compliance: California law requires employers to ensure every security guard they hire has a valid license.
Avoid Penalties: Hiring an unlicensed guard can lead to fines and legal issues.
Public Safety: Verification confirms the guard passed background checks and completed required training.
Detect Suspensions or Revocations: You can see if a license is expired, suspended, or revoked before assigning duties.
Verifying a Guard Card is quick, easy, and completely free. Here’s the official process:
Go to the BSIS License Lookup Tool: https://search.dca.ca.gov
In the search fields, choose:
Board/Agency: “Bureau of Security and Investigative Services”
License Type: “Security Guard”
You can search by:
License Number (the fastest and most accurate)
Last Name and First Name
Look for:
Status: Active (good standing)
Expiration Date
Any disciplinary actions
BSIS License Lookup Here : https://search.dca.ca.gov
If you search for someone and their name or license number does not appear in the BSIS database, there are several possible reasons:
The application is still processing – After applying for a BSIS Guard Card, it can take several days for the information to appear in the system.
They haven’t completed the required training – To get a BSIS Guard Card, every applicant must complete the 8-Hour Initial Security Officer Certification Course, which covers Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
Their application was denied – If the guard failed the background check or had incomplete documentation, BSIS may deny the application.
They never applied – Some individuals may be working or offering security services without ever submitting an application for a Guard Card, which is illegal in California.
The National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) can help you:
To Get your Guard Card – Complete the state-required 8-hour course and submit your application.
Finish 32 hours of continuing security training within 6 months of guard card registration – Stay compliant and keep your license in good standing.
Renew or reinstate an expired Guard Card – We guide you through every step if your license expired or needs the annual training update.
All our courses are state-approved, online, self-paced, and hybrid, so you can learn on your schedule. Plus, we offer train now, pay later options.
👉Enroll in the 8-Hour Initial Security Officer Certification Course (California) Here Now: 8-Hour Security Officer Certification Course (California) Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force (Sign Up)
👉Explore our full California BSIS Security Officer Course Catalog and start your security career today: View & Enroll in All BSIS Courses Here
If you find that a license is:
Expired: The guard must renew through BSIS before working.
Suspended or Revoked: Do NOT assign them to security duties. They must resolve issues with BSIS.
View Official BSIS License Renewal Info Here
Enroll in the 8-Hour Annual Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course Here Now: (California) 8-Hour Annual Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course (Sign Up)
Learn more about how to renew or replace an expired Guard Card in California with our step-by-step guide: Read the Full Guide Here
Always verify before hiring and regularly check licenses during employment.
Keep a copy of the verification record in your files for compliance.
Train your HR team to use the BSIS database as part of onboarding.
Need help developing an onboarding, training, and record-keeping plan, or want to learn more about our California security firm staff training programs? 👉 Learn More Here
So, your search didn’t turn up a BSIS Guard Card, maybe yours has expired—or perhaps you’re just starting out and don’t even have one yet. Don’t worry! National IPS has your back.
We make the process fast, easy, and stress-free. Whether you need:
✅ Your first Guard Card – Complete the 8-Hour Initial Security Officer Certification Course covering Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
✅ 32 hours of online Guard Card Continued Training – Stay compliant and keep your license in good standing.
✅ Renewal, replacement, or Guard Card reinstatement – We guide you through every step if your license expired or needs updating.
Explore our full California BSIS Security Officer Course Catalog and get started on your security career today:
View & Enroll in All BSIS Courses Here
At National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS), we specialize in providing BSIS-approved California Guard Card training courses that prepare you for your role as a security officer and future public safety professional.
Here’s how our courses are structured:
The essential first step for every security professional. Covers:
Powers to Arrest
Appropriate Use of Force
Legal responsibilities
Delivery: Online and in-person at the University Center at College of the Canyons
Enroll in the 8-Hour Initial Security Officer Certification Course (California) Here Now: 8-Hour Security Officer Certification Course (California) Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force (Sign Up)
Required within the first 6 months of guard registration. This deeper training ensures you meet California’s state requirements and strengthens your practical knowledge.
Sign Up for the within first 6 months 32-Hour Security Officer Continued Training Course Bundle Here Now: (California) 32-Hour Security Officer Continued Training Course Bundle (Sign Up)
Stay current with laws, regulations, and best practices. This course is required every year to renew your California Guard Card and remain compliant with BSIS standards.
Enroll in the 8-Hour Annual Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course Here Now: (California) 8-Hour Annual Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course (Sign Up)
Verifying a BSIS Guard Card is a crucial step for staying compliant, protecting your business, and ensuring your security team is properly licensed. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly check license status, understand common issues, and take action if a guard card is missing, expired, or needs renewal. With the right training and resources, maintaining a fully qualified security team has never been easier.
We’re here to help you every step of the way—whether you’re getting certified, renewing, or replacing your Guard Card!
Phone: (302)-556-7446
Email: Contact@nationalIPS.com
Website: https://nationalips.com/
Don’t wait—get certified, stay compliant, and kickstart your security career today!
Explore our full California BSIS Security Officer Course Catalog and get started on your security career today:
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The National Institute of Public Safety is a licensed, nationwide provider of state-approved training for security officers and public safety professionals. We offer accessible, high-quality education through online, hybrid, and in-person programs that meet licensing, recertification, and career development requirements. Our mission is to prepare individuals and organizations to protect and serve their communities with integrity and professionalism.
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