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How to Become an Armed Guard in California – Firearm Permit Application Process

Armed Guard Firearm Permit Requirements - CaliforniaTo apply for a firearm permit in the State of California, you must:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal alien status.
  2. Pass a 14 hour training course in the carrying and use of firearms.
  3. Submit a firearm permit application, pay the $80 application fee, and submit a Security Guard Registration w/Firearm Permit Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan site operator. A $38 Firearm Eligibility application, $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.

The firearm training course is 8 hours of classroom training, and 6 hours on the firing range.

The training course covers the following subjects:

  • Moral and Legal Aspects
  • Firearms Terminology
  • Weapon Handling and Shooting Fundamentals
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Range Training

The course must be given by a Bureau-certified firearms training instructor at a Bureau-certified training facility, and you will complete a written and range exam at the end of the course.

Please note that you are allowed to apply for guard registration and a firearm permit at the same time, for a total fee of $219.

You may not carry a gun on duty without having been issued a firearm permit by the Bureau. Also, a firearm permit issued by the Bureau does not authorize you to carry a concealed weapon. You may not carry a concealed weapon on duty without a Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW) issued by local authorities, nor carry a caliber handgun not listed on your firearm permit.

Note: A firearms qualification card expires two years from the date it was issued. An applicant must requalify four times during the life of the permit: twice during the first year after the date of issuance, and twice during the second year. Requalifications must be at least four months apart.

Reference: Security Guard Fact Sheet – Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

49 Responses to “How to Become an Armed Guard in California – Firearm Permit Application Process”

  1. Rodney Lee Young, on August 16th, 2011 at 4:55 am Said:

    Send information for all necessary training for armed security guard in California. I prefer a class room environment. I need locations and phone numbers that are closest to Moreno Valley as possible.

  2. Brian, on January 30th, 2012 at 9:29 pm Said:

    Do you need to be 21 in order to become an armed security guard in California?

  3. HAYDAR MOUSSAWI, on September 4th, 2012 at 11:37 pm Said:

    IM INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ARMED GUARD

  4. Security Guard Training in Los Angeles | Security Guard Training - Your Security Guard Training Resource, on September 22nd, 2012 at 9:25 pm Said:

    […] If you’re already an unarmed security guard in the State of California and would like information about becoming an armed guard and holding a firearm while on duty, please click here. […]

  5. Hugo, on February 7th, 2013 at 12:06 am Said:

    this does not show where to get training please update where to get training.

  6. Daniel Stoy, on March 19th, 2013 at 3:00 am Said:

    i was in the marines for 16 years do i have to go throught the armed guard protion if i was a weapons instructor.

  7. ERIC HANSEN, on March 25th, 2013 at 3:21 am Said:

    I would like to get started to becoming an armed guard. If you can get back to me and let me know how and when I can get started ASAP . That would be great thanks

  8. Erick, on April 1st, 2013 at 3:53 am Said:

    I am only 18. Am I allowed to be an armed guard? I already have a guard card

  9. Juancarlos, on April 13th, 2013 at 12:37 am Said:

    Hi, Im 18 years old I would like to know if i need to be older than 18 to be an armed security guard

  10. jjfad, on June 22nd, 2013 at 10:29 pm Said:

    To Daniel Story: Yes unfortunately you do. Even off duty law enforcement must obtain one if the department does not issue the written permission at least here in ca

  11. Ed Perez, on August 11th, 2013 at 4:33 pm Said:

    I have Washington and Oregon state armed/unarmed endorsement is it transferable.

  12. Gary Phillips, on September 27th, 2013 at 8:07 pm Said:

    trying to get my guard card and gun permit all at once need a location in the Inland Empire area

  13. Anthony Patterson, on January 22nd, 2014 at 5:43 am Said:

    Seeing as you cannot own, carry, or purchase a pistol or even ammunition for a pistol until the age of 21in the state of California, I would assume you must be 21 to be granted this certification. If anyone can dispel of my ignorance, please do so!

  14. Aaron Bucchino, on June 12th, 2014 at 9:31 pm Said:

    I have a unarmed security guard card and is interested in getting my armed guard card

  15. Jaatan, on November 5th, 2014 at 5:35 pm Said:

    i’m not a U.S. Citizen but I have work permit from ca , so at this situation may I join the arms cecurity training or not I have military background if you give me right answer I would be very greatful to you. Thank you

  16. Robert Reed, on February 27th, 2015 at 4:59 pm Said:

    I have a CCW already.would like to get my guard card too can u help me on taking first steep please?

  17. Sebastian Delgadillo, on April 18th, 2015 at 4:51 pm Said:

    I am only 18, I was wondering if I had to be 21 to carry a firearm to be an armed guard?

  18. Tiffany, on May 6th, 2015 at 4:32 pm Said:

    Hi
    My boyfriend would like to become Security guard (not Sure if Armed or not).
    But he is swiss.. Can he?
    Thank You!

  19. William Harrell, on May 8th, 2015 at 3:03 pm Said:

    Hello, i am transitioning out of the Marine Corps after 16yrs of faithful service. My question is am I exempt from having to take the courses having the training in the military?

  20. Security Guard Training in Los Angeles – Ad Example | Security Guard Training - Your Security Guard Training Resource, on July 7th, 2015 at 7:12 pm Said:

    […] If you’re already an unarmed security guard in the State of California and would like information about becoming an armed guard and holding a firearm while on duty, please click here. […]

  21. Tony, on July 10th, 2015 at 5:51 am Said:

    Hi i’m a close protection operative from the UK, Whats the procedure for me to get a permit

  22. Jacob Valdivia, on August 16th, 2015 at 5:13 am Said:

    Hello, I am currently qualified with a 9mm handgun and am in the Army National Guard and am wondering if I would still need to do all the testing and so on required to receive the gun carry permit?

  23. SURESH K PARAG, on September 16th, 2015 at 3:05 am Said:

    I INTERESTED IN GETTING A WEAPONS LICENSE PERMIT SO THAT I CAN WORK FOR ARMORED, VIP PROTECTION ETC FOR HIGHER PAYING JOBS. I AM ALREADY A LICENSED SECURITY OFFICER SUPERVISOR WITH EXPRENICED IN PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT. I AM SEEKING JON AND TRAINING HERE IN SAN FRANCISCO, BAY AREA ONLY.

  24. Joe Ramos, on May 6th, 2016 at 2:03 pm Said:

    Taking the training and firearm course would that count for the eligibility requirements when applying for a CCW ?

  25. lawrence, on October 11th, 2016 at 4:23 pm Said:

    I would like help getting my arm guard and weapon license, we’re could I go and do I need to own my own gun. Please can someone direct me in the right way. Thank you

  26. Mike, on October 23rd, 2016 at 12:17 am Said:

    If you have a cannabis card can you still get a firearms card?

  27. Rob Smith, on December 16th, 2016 at 7:13 pm Said:

    I am previous Military (13 years) – I read on this website that if you are previous Military that a portion of the mandatory initial training can be waived. Can you elaborate?

    Thank you. Rob

  28. Nolan, on January 25th, 2017 at 9:19 pm Said:

    If I have a medical marijuana card can i be qualified to become an armed guard legally?

  29. Dwane Davis, on March 3rd, 2017 at 12:39 am Said:

    Please email me were to go for security training

  30. Jaimul Waiters, on April 14th, 2017 at 4:41 pm Said:

    I’m currently taking the armed securityguard class. I completing security guard class waiting on BSIS exposed firearm permit class. Whit this in motion do i still need to apply for gun permit and how would i obtain the concealed weapons permit once i have obtain firearm permit.

  31. Penelope A. Dukes, on May 30th, 2017 at 2:06 pm Said:

    I am an unarmed security guard now and am interested in becoming an armed security guard in San Diego, CA. Please contact me immediately and let me know where to go to get this started. Thank you very much!

  32. Debra Briley, on August 23rd, 2017 at 4:37 pm Said:

    I have a guard card but I want to become an armed guard. Do I need to submit another livescan fingerprints?

  33. Rose Trujillo, on November 30th, 2017 at 5:53 am Said:

    To do both classes for guard and firearm do I have to pay two separate life scans?

  34. Alex Callahan, on December 3rd, 2017 at 6:50 pm Said:

    I would like to begin a career in the industry. i am eager to start my training and get on the job!

  35. Chris. Thomas, on February 28th, 2018 at 1:18 am Said:

    I’ve currently been receiving offers from your state of California for armed/unarmed employment. Chicago has the same quals,just different names for the same I.D’s. My query is are my credentials transferable?Pls reply asap to my email only.

  36. Taylor Hughes, on April 22nd, 2018 at 6:17 pm Said:

    You CANNOT be an armed guard if you are not at least 21. Federal law states that no persons under 21 shall own a handgun. You can’t be an armed guard with an ar strapped to your back.

  37. Ramon Jovon Middleton, on June 14th, 2018 at 12:24 am Said:

    hi my name is ramon middleton. I am trying to get into the armed security field and was hoping if you guys can point me in the right direction. i live in san francisco, california and i have my unarmed guard card already.

  38. Rannessa, on August 12th, 2018 at 5:07 am Said:

    I already have my Guard card it’s renewed doesn’t expire Till 2020

    I just want to now how to get a fire arm Permit

  39. Kevin Dang, on September 7th, 2018 at 10:47 pm Said:

    I am looking for armed security permit.

  40. Javier cazares, on September 17th, 2018 at 2:16 am Said:

    What does a armed security officer training cost

  41. Cornell Slaton, on May 5th, 2019 at 7:38 pm Said:

    Please send me more info on locations in The Bay Area

  42. Tajender Singh, on May 17th, 2019 at 1:35 am Said:

    Hello i need a firearm license for security job. can u plz help me. what caliber i need for security job and where i can get it

  43. Kevin Jay Myers, on July 11th, 2019 at 4:10 pm Said:

    I have a firearm license and would like to register for the armed security guard card. Can you tell me where that is and how to register? Thanks

  44. Yvette scott, on November 2nd, 2019 at 5:28 am Said:

    hello I am wondering where about do I go to get my armed security guard card. I already have my guard card but would like to advance in my career.. i live in northern California red bluff to be exact. thank you in advance.

  45. How Do I Become an Armed Security Guard? | Security Guard Training HQ, on February 23rd, 2020 at 10:01 am Said:

    […] California […]

  46. Eddie N., on April 16th, 2020 at 3:51 pm Said:

    I would like to become an armed guard and was wondering if you could send me information on everything I would need and where I can take my classes in the Modesto area. Thank you

  47. Adiel castillo, on December 10th, 2020 at 6:05 am Said:

    Already have a security lic but want to get a arm guard lic where can I go and how much will cost me here in modesto manteca or tracy area?

  48. concealed weapons classes in florida, on December 22nd, 2020 at 11:06 am Said:

    I was in the dec 29 class in rushford With about 20+participants, instructor did a great job! I have been training at Frontsight firearms in Nevada but due to mn carry laws I had to take the mn course .At Frontsight a 2 or 4 day course is followed by the concealed carry course which allows everyone to become very proficient in weapons handling. It may be something to consider as a future option for people that don’t want to travel for training.

  49. Juan, on April 27th, 2021 at 9:34 pm Said:

    I was wondering if a permit can be transferred from another state. Can a Florida exposed firearms permit be transferred to a BSIS California permit? If so, what steps do I take?

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