California Guard Card Renewal
You worked hard to get your California guard card. Don’t let all of that effort go to waste. Make sure you follow the proper procedures to renew your guard card when the time comes.
The most important point to know is that continuing education training is MANDATORY.
BSIS requires you to certify that you’ve completed ALL of your continuing education training prior to guard card renewal. That includes 32 hours of additional training required your first year and 8 hours of refresher courses required your second year.
To make the process as painless as possible, you can take all of the required courses online with us:
Once your continuing education training is out of the way, the following tips will help you avoid complications and get your license renewed as fast as possible.
Keep your address up-to-date with BSIS.
BSIS will send a guard card renewal application to the address they have on file for you approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of your guard card.
If you’ve recently moved, you can download a change-of-address form here:
Note: If you renew your guard card and update your address online at the same time, there’s a chance that the automated licensing system will mail your renewal to your old address. So be sure to file any change of address with BSIS as soon as possible before renewal.
Use the most current BSIS renewal application form for your license type.
BSIS updates their forms on a regular basis, so be sure to use the most current version. You can download the latest form from the BSIS website or find out if you qualify to apply for renewal online here:
Make sure you sign the form.
Renewal application forms without the proper signature verifying that you have completed your continuing education training are considered deficient, which could delay your renewal.
Pay the correct guard card renewal fee.
The California guard card renewal fee is $40 if renewed before the expiration date. (The application must be postmarked before the expiration date that appears on your guard card.)
You can still renew your guard card up to 60 days after the expiration date, but the fee increases to $65. If you don’t include the applicable delinquency fee with your application, your renewal will be delayed.
Mail your application to BSIS between 60 and 90 days before your current guard card expires.
Your license is valid for two years and expires the day after the expiration date that appears on your card. It’s recommended that you submit your guard card renewal application to BSIS at least 60 days prior to the expiration date but no sooner than 90 days.
Mail your application to:
BUREAU OF SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
Post Office Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
After you submit your guard card renewal application…
Once BSIS has processed your renewal application, you can use a printout of your renewed license from the BSIS website while you wait for your actual guard card to arrive in the mail. Just be sure the printout shows your new expiration date and that you also carry a valid driver’s license or State-issued ID card while on post.
Remember, your employer CANNOT put you on post without a valid guard card.
If you don’t follow the proper procedures to renew your guard card or if you don’t renew within 60 days after the expiration date (i.e. the allowed delinquency period) you will have to apply for a new guard card. That means paying for guard card classes, fingerprinting, and all the applicable BSIS fees for a new application.
Be smart. Renew your California guard card on time.