BSIS Firearms Permit · California-Specific

The credential that lets a guard legally carry.

A BSIS Firearms Permit is California's authorization for a security guard to carry a loaded firearm on duty. It's separate from a CCW, separate from your guard card, and it requires its own course, exam, range qualification, and annual re-qualification.

Get Qualified · $398 What You're Getting Into
14-Hr Course
CA-specific firearms law
Annual Re-Qual
Range qualification yearly
Issued by BSIS
CA Bureau of Security
The Credential, Plainly

What a BSIS Firearms Permit actually authorizes.

A common confusion: a Firearms Permit is not a CCW (Carry Concealed Weapon). The two are issued under different parts of California law, by different agencies, and authorize different things.

BSIS Firearms PermitCalifornia CCW
Issuing agencyCalifornia BSISCounty Sheriff or PD
Authorizes you toCarry on duty as a security guard, only at authorized postsCarry concealed off-duty, in approved counties
Requires guard card?Yes — must be activeNo — civilian credential
Training hours14 hours · BSIS curriculumVaries by county · 8–16 hrs typical
Range qualificationRequired, annuallyRequired, varies by county
Where you can carryAuthorized employer post · on dutyPublic, with restrictions
Exposed (visible) carryYes — duty-visible holsterNo — concealed only
Off-duty carryNot authorizedYes
Three Layers of Law

Federal. State. Employer policy.

A Firearms Permit makes you legal under BSIS rules, but you're also subject to federal firearms law (ATF) and your specific employer's use-of-force policy. All three apply simultaneously.

Federal Layer · ATF
Federal firearms law (Gun Control Act, Lautenberg Amendment) governs who can possess any firearm. Felony convictions, domestic-violence misdemeanors, certain mental-health adjudications, and unlawful drug use all disqualify federally — and BSIS will reject your application accordingly.
State Layer · BSIS + DOJ
California adds its own firearms restrictions (Penal Code 29800 series), tighter weapon definitions (assault-weapon laws), and the BSIS regulatory layer. Your Firearms Permit is your authorization to carry under state law as a security guard.
Employer Layer · Post Orders
Your employer's use-of-force policy and specific post orders are the third layer. A permit lets you carry; the employer decides whether you carry on a specific post and under what circumstances. Many posts are "armed-presence only" — never deploy unless directly threatened.
Reporting Layer · Every Deployment
If you deploy a firearm on duty (even drawing without firing), the incident must be reported to your employer, BSIS, and frequently law enforcement. Our course covers exactly what to document and how to write reports that hold up.
Annual Re-Qualification

A permit is not a one-time credential.

California requires every Firearms Permit holder to re-qualify on the range annually. Miss the window and your permit lapses — and any carry on duty becomes illegal until re-qualified.

What's required annually
  • Live-fire range qualification at a BSIS-approved range
  • Passing score on practical accuracy + judgment scenarios
  • Updated background-check screening
  • Re-qualification fee paid to BSIS
What we automate for you
  • 30-day reminder email + SMS before expiry
  • One-click re-qualification scheduling at partner ranges
  • Discount code attached to your reminder
  • BSIS re-qualification submission walkthrough
Compliance Note
Final permit, qualification, and renewal decisions are determined by BSIS and federal regulators (ATF). Online Guard Cards is a private training provider — we are not BSIS, the State of California, the DOJ, or the ATF.
Permit FAQ

The legal questions candidates ask first.

Is a BSIS Firearms Permit the same as a CCW?
No. A BSIS Firearms Permit authorizes on-duty carry as a security guard. A CCW is a civilian credential issued by your county Sheriff for off-duty concealed carry. Two different credentials, two different agencies, two different scopes.
Can I use my own personal handgun?
Sometimes — depends on (1) BSIS approval of caliber/type, (2) your employer's policy. Many employers issue or require specific duty weapons. The course covers approved configurations.
What disqualifies me from getting a permit?
Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions (violence, drugs, weapons), domestic-violence records (Lautenberg), restraining orders, certain mental-health adjudications, dishonorable military discharge, and unlawful drug use all disqualify under federal or state law. BSIS makes the final determination.
If my permit lapses, can I keep working unarmed?
Yes, as long as your guard card is still active. You just can't carry on duty until you re-qualify and get a fresh permit. We'll remind you 30 days before expiry so this never happens.
How long does BSIS take to issue the permit?
Typically 2–4 weeks after submission. Your training certificate + range qualification cert + Live Scan all need to be on file with BSIS before they issue.

Ready to get qualified?

The fastest path: enroll in the bundled Armed Guard package — 14-hour course + range + permit submission, all in one.

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