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.
No worries! You can Call One of Our Advisors at 📞 (302) 556-7446 for Guard Card Training Enrollment Assistance or Questions
Phone: 📞 (302) 556-7446
Email: Contact@Nationalips.com
Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page Here
A Guard Card is the official security officer license issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). It allows you to work legally as a security guard, Proprietary Security Officer (PSO), loss prevention officer, or patrol officer anywhere in California.
A BSIS Guard Card is a license that legally allows you to work as a security guard in California. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), under the California Department of Consumer Affairs, issues it.
The Guard Card confirms that you have:
Completed BSIS-mandated training
Passed a DOJ and FBI background check
Filed a state-approved application
Without this certification, you cannot be employed as a security guard—anywhere in California.
Visit the Official BSIS Guard Card Page
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 Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force 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
At National IPS, we make it easy to follow the state-required steps:
California requires 40 hours of BSIS Guard Card training to become a licensed security guard. National IPS offers all state-approved courses—online and in-person—so you can get certified affordably and on your schedule.
At National IPS, we provide all BSIS-required training, from your initial Guard Card to advanced certifications:
Covers Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force
Complete these steps before you apply for your Guard Card.”
Available online or in-person in Los Angeles County
Link to Initial Course (For New Guards) (Sign Up Here) 
: Enroll in the Hybrid (Half Online/Half In-Person) Initial Security officer Course
California requires 32 hours of training within your first 6 months on the job
Includes 16 hours mandatory + 16 hours elective topics
Flexible scheduling to fit around work and life
Link to 32- Hour Bundle (Within first 6 Months) (Sign Up Here) : Enroll in the Fully Online 32-Hour Security officer Course Bundle
)Complete all required Guard Card courses in one package
Save $120 off the full course price
Ideal for students who want to get everything done quickly and affordably
Link to the 40- Hour Bundle (Includes both the 8-Hour Initial Guard Guard Course + The 32-Hour Continued Guard Card Training Bundle) (Sign Up Here) : Enroll in the FULL 40-Hour Security officer Course Bundle
Required by BSIS to maintain your Guard Card
Keeps you sharp, compliant, and updated on the latest laws and security practices
Available online for maximum convenience
Link to Refresher/Renewal Course (Annually) (Sign Up Here) :Enroll in the Fully Online 8-Hour Refresher/Renewal Security Officer Course
Learn More About What Courses Are Required Here
Your future in security starts today. With National IPS California Guard Card Training Online, you can train now, pay later, and launch your career faster than ever.
Kickstart your journey to becoming a certified security officer or reinstate your California Guard Card with National IPS California Guard Card Training — online and ready when you are! Get certified quickly and conveniently, Reinstate your California Guard Card and take the first step toward building a stable, rewarding career in public safety
How to enroll:
Visit Our California Security Officer Course Page Here
Select “Train Now, Pay Later Partner AFFIRM, KLARNA, or AFTERPAY” at checkout
Start your training immediately and earn your California Guard Card!
Your future in security begins today—enroll now and take control of your career!
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
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.
Name: National Institute of Public Safety
Call or Text Us at: (302)-556-7446
Email: Contact@NationalIPS.com
Website: https://nationalips.com/
National IPS and BSIS provide all the tools and courses you need to get back to work quickly. These resources help you learn how to reactivate a suspended guard card.
8-Hour Initial CA BSIS Security Officer Certification Course (California)
8-Hour Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Always follow state regulations and consult official BSIS resources for compliance.
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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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