A California Guard Card runs about $200 to $360 total. That covers a $60 state application fee, $49 in fixed fingerprint fees, a Live Scan operator charge that varies by site, and $85 to $200 or more for the required 40 hours of training. The exact figure depends mostly on which training provider you choose and where you get fingerprinted.
State and Fingerprint Fees
The government portion of the cost is fixed. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) charges a $60 application fee for a new Security Guard Registration, paid directly to the state when you submit through the BreEZe online portal or by mail.1Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. BSIS Licensing Fees
Every applicant also has to complete Live Scan electronic fingerprinting for a DOJ and FBI background check. Three fees get collected at the fingerprinting site:
- DOJ fingerprint fee: $32
- FBI fingerprint fee: $17
- Live Scan operator fee: varies by location, typically $20 to $50
The DOJ and FBI amounts are set by those agencies and don’t change between vendors.2Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Criminal History Background Check Requirement The operator fee is whatever the fingerprinting location charges, so calling two or three sites can save you $20 or more. Total fingerprinting cost usually lands between $69 and $99.3State of California Department of Justice. California Department of Justice Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees
If you lose the card after it has been issued, a replacement costs $25.1Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. BSIS Licensing Fees
Training Costs
California requires 40 hours of training, but it is split across two phases, which changes when you pay.
The first 8 hours cover the power to arrest and appropriate use of force. You have to finish this course before you apply, and it has to be done in person at a BSIS-approved facility.4Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Security Guard Registration It typically runs $50 to $100.
The remaining 32 hours are skills training on topics like public relations, observation and documentation, communication, and liability awareness.5Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Security Guard Training Regulation They are split into 16 hours due within 30 days of registration or your first day of employment, and another 16 hours within six months.
Most BSIS-approved schools sell the full 40-hour package for $85 to $200 or more. Online providers tend to charge toward the low end for the 32-hour skills portion; in-person classroom programs cost more. All training payments go to the school, not to the state.
Add-On Permit Costs
A basic Guard Card only authorizes unarmed work. If you want to carry a firearm, baton, or chemical agent on duty, each requires its own BSIS permit, with separate fees and training.
Firearms Permit
The BSIS application fee for an exposed firearms permit is $110, plus another Live Scan background check.1Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. BSIS Licensing Fees You also need a 16-hour firearms course from a BSIS-approved instructor, typically $200 to $250. Ammunition, range time, and weapon rental may or may not be included. You must be at least 21, and the BSIS requires a psychological assessment of judgment and self-control before issuing the permit. The renewal fee is $126.
Baton Permit
A baton permit requires a BSIS-approved baton course and a written exam, then a separate application with the applicable fee.6Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Baton Permit Fact Sheet Training generally costs $50 to $100.
Chemical Agent Permit
Pepper spray or tear gas use on duty requires BSIS authorization. Training covers California tear gas laws, delivery methods, and proper deployment, and typically costs around $80.
Renewal Costs
A California Guard Card is valid for two years. Keeping it active requires 8 hours of continuing education each year, with at least 2 of those hours on appropriate use of force.5Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Security Guard Training Regulation Annual refresher courses start around $35 online and run $50 or more in person.
The BSIS renewal fee is $44 if you file before your card expires.1Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. BSIS Licensing Fees The state wants the renewal at least 60 days before expiration but won’t accept it more than 120 days early.7Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Security Guard Registration Renewal Application
Miss the deadline and you have a 60-day grace period to renew with a $25 delinquency fee added, for a total of $69.1Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. BSIS Licensing Fees After 60 days past expiration, the registration is gone and you start over as a new applicant, paying the full $60 fee and completing the training requirements again.7Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Security Guard Registration Renewal Application