Permit for Exposed Firearms Training
Overview
The California Private Security Industry is governed by laws enacted by the California Legislature and contained in the California Business and Professions Code. These laws are known as the Proprietary Security Services Act and the Private Security Services Act and can be found at www.bsis.ca.gov.
To provide for and protect public safety, the Legislature included laws to make sure that armed Security Guards obtain a minimum level of training on the carrying and use of a firearm.
To obtain a Firearm Qualification, while working as a security guard, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services has developed a specific course for training on the moral and legal aspects of carrying a firearm, de-escalation of potentially violent situations, knowledge of and maintaining the parts of a firearm, how to handle a weapon and actual experience of firing a weapon.
Specifically, California law requires that a Firearms Training Facility and the Firearms Instructor both be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. The course that is to be taught includes a minimum of 8 hours of classroom training and as many hours as needed range training.
The BSIS requires students to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency prior to course participation!
The firearm training course is designed to teach students basic technical aspects and legal responsibilities inherent in carrying and using a firearm. Knowing how and when to use a firearm are equally important. Knowing how to use the firearm may save your life. Knowing when to use the firearm may keep you from being criminally prosecuted and going to jail.
Prices
Back to top- Ammunition is NOT INCLUDED in course price.
| Permit for Exposed Firearm and Requalifications | Price |
|---|---|
| Firearms course, initial, 1 caliber | $140.00 |
| Firearms course, initial, 2 calibers | $180.00 |
| Firearms course, initial, 3 calibers | $220.00 | Requalification, 1 caliber | $40.00 |
| Each additional requalification per caliber | $20.00 |
Free gun rental with purchase of range ammo.
Additional gun rental costs for calibers other than 9mm or .40.
BSIS Application Fees: Permit for Exposed Firearm
Back to topBSIS License Fees
| Firearms Permit (FQ) | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial | $100 |
| Renewal | $80 |
| Replacement Certificate | $25 |
| Firearms Assessment (16pf) Paid directly to PSI Services, LLC (PSI) |
$60 |
Live Scan Fees (Background Check) for Exposed Firearm Permit
Applicants must submit fingerprints electronically using Live Scan. Fees are paid to the Live Scan operator.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Department of Justice (DOJ) Fingerprint Fee | $32.00 |
| Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Fee | $17.00 |
| Firearm Eligibility Application Fee | $38.00 |
| Live Scan Operator Fees (set by Live Scan operator) |
Variable |
| Total | $87.00+Variable |
Permit for Exposed Firearm Application
Back to topTo apply for a firearm permit, applicants must:
- Complete a 14-hour course (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range) in the carrying and use of firearms given by a Bureau-certified firearms training instructor at a Bureau certified training facility
- Pass the written and range exams given at the end of the course
- Be a United States citizen or have permanent legal alien status; and
- Submit a firearm permit application, pay an $80 application fee and submit a Live Scan form (which is appropriate to your license or registration) signed by the Live Scan site operator.
Renewals
Back to topFirearm permits expire two years from the date of issuance. An applicant must requalify four (4) times during the life of the permit: twice (2) during the first year after the date of issuance, and twice (2) during the second year. Requalifications must be at least four (4) months apart. The application for renewal should be submitted to the Bureau within 60 days before the expiration date. The current fee for renewing a firearm permit is $98. You may not renew your permit once you have allowed it to expire. You must instead apply for a new permit.
Failure to complete the twice-a-year course review and range requalification may result in the Bureau denying the application to renew a firearm permit at the expiration of the two-year permit. If the Bureau denies an application for a renewal of a firearm permit, the applicant must re-apply as an initial applicant for a new firearm permit. As a result, the applicant may not carry a firearm on duty until the Bureau issues a new firearm permit.
Guard Card Permit for Exposed Firearms Training
Back to topThe California Private Security Industry is governed by laws enacted by the California Legislature and contained in the California Business and Professions Code. These laws are known as the Proprietary Security Services Act and the Private Security Services Act and can be found at www.bsis.ca.gov.
To provide for and protect public safety, the Legislature included laws to make sure that armed Security Guards obtain a minimum level of training on the carrying and use of a firearm.
To obtain a Permit for Exposed Firearm, while working as a security guard, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services has developed a specific course for training on the moral and legal aspects of carrying a firearm, de-escalation of potentially violent situations, knowledge of and maintaining the parts of a firearm, how to handle a weapon and actual experience of firing a weapon.
Specifically, California law requires that a Firearms Training Facility and the Firearms Instructor both be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. The course that is to be taught includes a minimum of 8 hours of classroom training and as many hours as needed range training.
The BSIS requires students to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency prior to course participation!
The firearm training course is designed to teach students basic technical aspects and legal responsibilities inherent in carrying and using a firearm. Knowing how and when to use a firearm are both equally important. Knowing how to use the weapon may save your life. Knowing when to use the weapon may keep you from being criminally prosecuted and going to jail.
In Order to Carry An Exposed Firearm While On Duty
Back to top- SECURITY GUARD MUST POSSESS BOTH A VALID SECURITY GUARD REGISTRATION AND A VALID FIREARM PERMIT.
- AN ALARM AGENT MUST POSSESS BOTH A VALID ALARM AGENT REGISTRATION AND A VALID FIREARM PERMIT.
- A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR MUST HAVE PASSED THE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR EXAMINATION, POSSESS BOTH A VALID PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR LICENSE AND A VALID FIREARM PERMIT.
- A PRIVATE PATROL OPERATOR MUST HAVE PASSED THE PRIVATE PATROL OPERATOR EXAMINATION AND POSSESS BOTH A VALID PRIVATE PATROL OPERATOR LICENSE AND A VALID FIREARM PERMIT.
- AN ALARM COMPANY OPERATOR MUST HAVE PASSED THE ALARM COMPANY OPERATOR EXAMINATION AND POSSESS BOTH A VALID ALARM COMPANY QUALIFIED MANAGER LICENSE AND A VALID FIREARM PERMIT.
- You may not carry a gun on duty without having been issued a Permit for Exposed Firearm 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.
Permit for Exposed Firearm Restrictions
Back to top- Although students have paid the firearm course fees, successful completion of the course is not guaranteed. Students must establish to the instructor's satisfaction that they are proficient in the handling of the weapon and in meeting course requirements.
Peace Officers
Section 3: Active Duty Law Enforcement Officer Disclosure - As of January 1, 1997, California Business and Professions Code sections 7522 and 7582.2 (Stats. of 1996, ch. 710; SB 1375), require active duty peace officers who perform the duties of an armed private security officer, armed private investigator, armed private patrol operator, or armed alarm company operator or agent to maintain a qualifying license/registration and a firearm permit. If you are an active duty peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5, (commencing with section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, and are currently authorized by your employing agency to carry a firearm, you are exempt from completing a firearm training course but will be required to submit proof of active duty status before issuance of a firearm permit.
Felons, Prohibited Misdemeanors, and Domestic Violence Prohibitions
Firearm permits are not issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) to a person who has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor that prohibits the person from carrying or possessing a firearm.
Specifically, the Bureau SHALL NOT issue a firearm permit to: A convicted felon (Business and Professions Code Section 7583.23(d); Penal Code Sections 12021 and 12021.1); to a person convicted of a misdemeanor who is prohibited from possession of a firearm for a period of 10 years (Penal Code Section 12021(c)(1)); nor to an individual with a history of domestic violence or who is subject to a Temporary Restraining Order (a TRO) - (Penal Code Section 12028.5)
Students may also be denied a firearm permit if they have been convicted of a crime of violence, such as assault, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or a weapons violations, such as brandishing a weapon, illegal possession of and/or discharge of a weapon or carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed weapon permit.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Back to topBureau-certified Firearm Training Facilities/Instructors are required to verify the U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency status of any individual seeking firearm training, for the purpose of obtaining or renewing a Bureau Firearm Permit, prior to offering the firearms training course. This information can also be found in Attachment 1 of the Bureau-issued Firearms Training Manual.
Any initial or renewal Firearm Permit Application submitted to the Bureau without this required information will be sent back to the applicant with instructions to return the form to the instructor who completed the applicant's firearm training.
DOCUMENTS ACCEPTABLE AS EVIDENCE OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP OR U.S. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS:
- Alien Registration Receipt Card [green card] (INS Form I-151 or AR-3a; issued by INS prior to June 1978) -- This card must contain a photograph of the bearer.
- Permanent Resident Card [green card] (INS Form I-551, revised edition of INS Form I-151) -- This card must contain a photograph of the bearer.
- Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570) -- This certificate must contain a photograph of the bearer with a dry seal over the photograph.
- United States Citizen Identification Card (INS Form I-197) -- INS no longer issues these cards, however, once issued, they do not expire. Card must contain photo & physical description.
- Identification Card for use of Resident Citizen in the United States (INS Form I-179) -- INS stopped issuing this card in 1977; however, once issued, they do not expire. Card must contain photograph.
- Certificate of United States Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
- Certificate of Birth abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or form DS-1350)
- Native American Tribal documents
- United States Military ID card or DD214, Geneva Convention Identification card for Active Military Person
- Report of Separation [military discharge] (Form DD-214)
- Birth Certificate showing birth in the United States, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Swains Island, or United States Virgin Islands
- United States Passport Book (unexpired) or United States Passport Card (unexpired)
- Permit to Re-enter the United States (INS Form I-327)
- Refugee or parolee documents only if accompanied by INS Form I-151, AR-3a, or I-551
- Temporary Resident Card (INS Form I-688) ONLY IF the reverse side of the card displays a sticker that bears the seal of the U.S. Department of Justice issued by INS evidencing temporary proof of citizenship or permanent residence.
BSIS Notices
Back to topApril 13, 2020
BSIS COVID-19 Update
Effective Monday, April 13th, 2020, PSI has opened seven (7) additional examination sites for the Firearms Assessment and the Private Patrol Operator (PPO) examination. The following is a complete list:
- Agoura Hills: 30851 Agoura Rd, Suite 302, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
- Atascadero: 7305 Morro Rd, Suite 201A, Atascadero, CA 93422
- El Monte - Santa Fe Springs: 10330 Pioneer Blvd, Suite 285, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
- Lawndale: The Baytower Corporate Center: 15901 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 330, Lawndale, CA 90260
- Redding: 2861 Churn Creek, Unit C, Redding, CA 96002
- Riverside: 7888 Mission Grove Parkway S., Suite 130, Riverside, CA 92508
- Sacramento: 8950 Cal Center Dr, Suite 158, Sacramento, CA 95826
- San Francisco: 150 Executive Park Blvd, Suite 2400, San Francisco, CA 94134
- Santa Clara: 2936 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054
- Santa Rosa: 160 Wikiup Dr, Suite 105, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
- Ventura: 4245 Market St, Suite 208, Ventura, CA 93003
- Visalia: 3400 W Mineral King Ave, Suite D, Visalia, CA 93291
If you received a Notice of Eligibility for the Firearms Assessment or PPO QM Examination, and would like to move forward with taking the exams, please follow the instructions provided to you in the letters received. Alternatively, you can call PSI toll-free at: 1-800-733-9267.
April 3, 2020
BSIS COVID-19 Update
Firearms Initial Permits/Assessment Deadlines: The Bureau understands that there are applicants with Firearms Assessment eligibility deadlines on or after March 20 that were unable to schedule to take the Assessment due to PSI closures. Assessment eligibility deadlines that are on or after March 20 will be extended 60 days, as long as the application is not expired. Please note below that PSI is opening under limited conditions for the Assessment.
Firearms Renewal Permits: With the closure of many firing ranges, it has become difficult to obtain range qualifications during this time. The Bureau is working with the DCA Leadership team to identify any waivers for the Bureau that fall under the Governor's Executive Orders. Stay tuned for more information on this issue.
Exposed/Open Carry While Permits Are Pending: We have received reports that licensees have heard BSIS is allowing firearms applicants to expose/open carry while their permits are pending. This is NOT true; we are not allowing this. At this time, you still must wait until your permit is approved before carrying a firearm while on duty as a BSIS licensee.
Firearms Assessment and Private Patrol Operator (PPO) Qualified Manager (QM) Examination Sites: Some PSI test administration centers for the Firearms Assessment and the PPO QM Examination have temporarily reopened under limited conditions. The open sites are as follows, and most will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
- Sacramento: 8950 Cal Center Dr, Suite 158, Sacramento, CA 95826
- Redding: 2861 Churn Creek, Unit C, Redding, CA 96002
- San Francisco: 150 Executive Park Blvd, Suite 2400, San Francisco, CA 94134
- Lawndale: The Baytower Corporate Center: 15901 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 330, Lawndale, CA 90260
- Agoura Hills: 30851 Agoura Rd, Suite 302, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
NOTE: If you received a Notice of Eligibility for the Firearms Assessment or PPO QM Examination, and would like to move forward with taking the exams, please follow the instructions provided to you in the letters received.
As always, we want to emphasize that our online initial and renewal license processes are much faster than paper applications. We are still accepting paper applications, however please note that our online processing times are usually weeks faster. See our processing times here:
https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/app_processing_timeframes.shtml
January 01, 2020
New Age Requirement for Firearms Permit Applicants
Please be advised that as a result of recently enacted legislation (Senate Bill 609, Chapter 377, Statutes of 2019), effective January 1, 2020, an exposed firearms permit may only be issued to applicants who are 21 years of age or older. Initial firearms applications submitted by individuals who do not meet the new age requirement will be returned to them with their payment refunded.
For a comprehensive list of all legislation enacted into law in 2019 that impact the Practice Acts regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, visit https://www.bsis.ca.gov/about_us/enactedlegislation_2019.pdf.
November 07, 2019
Initial Firearms Permit Application is Now on BreEZe!
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (Bureau) is pleased to announce that the Initial Firearms Permit Application is now on BreEZe. Applicants can find the option by logging into their BreEZe account here: www.breeze.ca.gov. Please note that online application processing times are generally faster than that of paper applications.
Applicants are still required to scan and upload, as an attachment, the Certification of Firearms Range Qualification Training provided to them by a BSIS Certified Firearms Instructor. This Certification can be found on Page 3 of the Firearms Permit Initial Application, which can be accessed here: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fq_initial.pdf
Further, applicants are still required to submit their fingerprints to the California Department of Justice for a background check.
January 10, 2019
New Applications to Request Replacement License
Please be advised that the Bureau has revised all of its applications and forms to reflect the transition to the new administration of Governor Gavin Newsom. All BSIS initial, renewal, reinstatement, and miscellaneous applications and forms now reflect the change in Governor and have a revision date of January 2019. Licensees and applicants are hereby instructed to use the January 2019 applications and forms when submitting said applications and forms to the Bureau effective today- January 10th, 2019.
Please note, the revised initial applications for an Alarm Agent, Locksmith Employee, and Repossession Agency Employee are not available online and may only be obtained through a licensed Alarm Company Operator (ACO), Locksmith Company (LCO), or Repossession Agency (RA), respectively. Licensed ACOs, LCOs, and RAs may request the January 2019 employee applications from the Bureau by emailing the corresponding company email account.
The revised applications and forms can be downloaded from the Bureau's website at https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/index.shtml.
November 13, 2018
New Applications to Request Replacement License
The Bureau has recently updated the application to request a replacement registration, permit, certificate, or license. Previously, all BSIS licensees submitted the same application form to request a replacement registration, permit, certificate, or license. Effective October 26, 2018 each license type (e.g. Security Guard, Alarm Company, Private Investigator, etc.) has its own application that is specific to the laws and regulations governing that license type.
To access the applications and review additional information about requesting a replacement registration, permit, certificate, or license please visit the Bureau's website at https://www.bsis.ca.gov/replacementlicense.shtml.
To receive email notifications regarding Bureau web updates, proposed regulations, and public meeting notices and agendas, visit https://www.bsis.ca.gov/subscriptions.shtml.
BSIS Security Guard Firearms Permit Assessment Requirement
Effective JULY 1, 2018
Please be advised that BSIS has contracted with PSI Services LLC (PSI) to administer the assessment required for a BSIS security guard registrant seeking an initial BSIS firearms permit on or after July 1, 2018. Specifically, Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7583.23 requires that the security guard complete the assessment, specified in BPC Section 7583.47, for the purposes of determining whether he/she possesses, at the time of the assessment, appropriate judgement, restraint, and self-control to carry a firearm while on duty. PSI is an industry leader in administering licensing, credentialing and public safety tests and has 23 locations throughout California where the assessment will be offered.
The assessment that will be administered is the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16pf), which is a personality test widely used in various settings including employers of protective services personnel (e.g., police officers, firefighters and security guards), with scoring standards designed for the attributes specified in BPC Section 7583.47: appropriate judgment, restraint and self-control.
Given that other BSIS license types (e.g., private investigator license, private patrol operator license, alarm company operator license, etc.) can be associated with a BSIS firearms permit, in addition to a security guard applying for an initial firearms permit, under certain circumstances an individual seeking to associate a firearms permit to a security guard registration will need to complete/pass the assessment as a condition for the association.
The fee to take the assessment will be $60.00 and will need to be paid as part of the assessment appointment scheduling process.
The bureau is in the process of mailing letters to all Private Patrol Operators, Firearms Training Facilities, and Firearms Training Instructors which will include more information regarding the assessment. Also, additional assessment-related information can be found on the bureau's website at
June 18, 2018
REQUEST TO ASSOCIATE BSIS FIREARMS PERMIT WITH ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING LICENSE(S)AND REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT FIREARMS PERMIT
A current and clear BSIS Firearms Permit authorizes the permit holder to carry an exposed firearm while performing the duties of only those license types listed on the firearms permit itself. For example, a permit holder who only has a security guard registration listed on his/her firearms permit and who also holds a Private Investigator (PI) license cannot work armed while carrying out the duties of a PI licensee. The firearms permit card must list the PI license for the permitholder to work as an armed PI licensee.
The Bureau created a new form called the Request to Associate BSIS Firearms Permit with Additional Qualifying License(s) and Request for Replacement Firearms Permit which can be used to associate a current and clear qualifying license that the requestor holds to the requestor’s current and clear firearms permit outside the firearms permit renewal process.
Please be advised that effective July 1, 2018, a BSIS security guard registrant seeking an initial BSIS firearms permit must complete an assessment for the purposes of determining whether he/she possesses, at the time of the assessment, appropriate judgement, restraint, and self-control to carry a firearm while on duty (Business and Professions Code Sections 7583.23 and 7583.47). Given that other BSIS license types can be associated with the firearms permit, under certain circumstances an individual seeking to associate a firearms permit to a security guard registration will need to complete/pass the assessment as a condition for the association. For additional information about the assessment, including when someone is required to complete it, visit this link on our website: www.bsis.ca.gov/firearmsassessment.
While the Bureau does not charge a fee for the association of a BSIS Firearms Permit with additional qualifying licenses, if you wish to obtain a firearms permit replacement card that reflects the additional associated licenses, you must submit the replacement fee along with the form.
Replacement Permit Fees submitted in-person, online in BreEZe, or postmarked:
- Before July 1, 2018: $10
- On or after July 1, 2018: $25
June 5, 2018
BSIS Firearms Permit - Assessment Requirement for Security Guards
March 5, 2018
New Licensing Fees Effective July 1, 2018
January 3, 2018
2017 Legislative Update
Below is a synopsis of the legislation enacted into law in 2017 that impact the Practice Acts regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services along with a brief explanation of the substantive changes for each bill.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of the enacted legislation go into effect on January 1, 2018.
(BPC = Business and Professions Code Section)
Private Security Services Act
- Senate Bill 547 (Chapter 429):
- Revises the implementation date for the assessment that will be required for a BSIS firearms permit applicant who is a security guard registrant to "January 1, 2018, or on a date to be determined by the bureau, but no later than July 1, 2018."" (BPC Sections 7583.23 and 7583.47)
- Effective July 1, 2018 revises various fees in the Private Security Services Act including those listed below. (BPC 7588)
- Private Patrol Operator Application/Examination and License Fees:
$550 for application and $770 for licensure for initial license and $900 for renewal. - Security Guard Registration Fees: $55 for initial registration and $40 for renewal.
- Firearms Training Facility Certificate Fees: $800 for initial certification and $750 for renewal.
- Baton Training Facility Certificate Fees: $700 for initial certification and $550 for renewal.
- Firearms Training Instructor Certificate Fees: $350 for initial certification and $300 for renewal.
- Baton Training Instructor Certificate Fees: $350 for initial certification and $275 for renewal.
- Firearms Permit Fees: $100 for initial permit issuance and $80 for renewal.
- Private Patrol Operator Application/Examination and License Fees:
- Senate Bill 800 (Chapter 573): Eliminates the requirement that when a licensee, qualified manager of licensee, or guard registrant holds a BSIS firearms permit, that the expiration date of the licensee or registration be synchronized with the expiration date of the firearms permit. (BPC Sections 7583.20 and 7586)
December 27, 2017
FIREARM ASSESSMENT - NEW DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION
Senate Bill 547 (Chapter 429, Statutes of 2017) was signed into law by Governor Brown to extend the January 1, 2018 implementation date for the new assessment. Under the new law, the assessment will begin on a date to be determined by the Bureau but no later than July 1, 2018. The Bureau is continuing its efforts to secure a third party vendor to administer the assessment. Be assured that the Bureau will issue an interested parties email when a vendor is secured as well as notify BSIS certified firearms training facilities and instructors of the start date for the assessment.
You can review the changes made to the assessment start date in Business and Professions Code Section 7583.47 at http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB547
December 27, 2017
1. Senate Bill 547 (Chapter 429):
- Revises the implementation date for the assessment that will be required for a BSIS firearms permit applicant who is a security guard registrant to "January 1, 2018, or on a date to be determined by the bureau, but no later than July 1, 2018". (BPC Sections 7583.23 and 7583.47)
- Effective July 1, 2018 revises various fees in the Private Security Services Act including those listed below. (BPC 7588)
- Private Patrol Operator Application/Examination and License Fees: $550 for application and $770 for licensure for initial license and $900 for renewal.
- Security Guard Registration Fees: $55 for initial registration and $40 for renewal.
- Firearms Training Facility Certificate Fees: $800 for initial certification and $750 for renewal.
- Baton Training Facility Certificate Fees: $700 for initial certification and $550 for renewal.
- Firearms Training Instructor Certificate Fees: $350 for initial certification and $300 for renewal.
- Baton Training Instructor Certificate Fees: $350 for initial certification and $275 for renewal.
- Firearms Permit Fees: $100 for initial permit issuance and $80 for renewal.
September 29, 2016
Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1196 (Hill) into law on September 29, 2016. This bill makes various changes to the practice acts regulated by the Bureau. Below are summaries of some changes made by the legislation that impact security guards seeking exposed firearms permits:
Private Security Services Act.
Effective January 1, 2018, a security guard applying for an initial BSIS Firearms Permit must be found capable of exercising appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control for the purposes of carrying a firearm during the course of their guard duties. The determination will be carried out via an assessment administered by a third-party vendor selected by the Bureau. The cost of the assessment will be borne by the applicant; however, a designee or the applicant's employer may elect to cover the costs of this assessment.
July 20, 2016
This notice follows up the Bureau's advisement in June 2016 that it had suspended the practice of adding a caliber to a current BSIS Firearms Permit because the process being used was not specified in law.
After extensive analysis of the laws and regulations, the Bureau has determined that the only legal pathway to add a caliber to an existing firearms permit under current Bureau law and regulations is for the permit holder to complete the course of training in the carrying and use of a firearm required to obtain an initial firearm permit, as prescribed by, Title 16, Division 7, Section 635 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically:
- Completion of at least 8 hours of classroom instruction on the carrying and use of a firearm,
- Passing a Bureau-approved written firearm exam with a minimum score of 85%, and
- Discharging 50 rounds a minimum of two (2) times, one (1) round for practice and one (1) round for score.
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code sections 7583.2(f) and 7599.40, the Bureau has developed the Certificate of Proficiency in Specified Caliber(s) and Request for Replacement Permit form.
The form can be found on the Bureau's website at
http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/proficiency_cert.pdf
and additional information for instructors and firearms permit holders may be found at
http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/calibar_add.pdf
June 1, 2016
*NOTICE REGARDING "ADD CALIBERS" TO BSIS FIREARMS PERMIT*
The Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (Bureau) has suspended the practice of adding a caliber on a current BSIS Firearms Permit. Any "Add Caliber" requests postmarked after June 3, 2016 will not be processed.
During the recent revisions of the Firearms Permit Application, it was noted that the process used to add a caliber to an existing firearms permit is not specified in law.
The Bureau is researching how to address this issue as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and will provide an update once this issue has been resolved.
May 2016: New BSIS Firearms Permit Forms
On May 20, 2016 the BSIS published new Exposed Firearms Permit applications. There are now two (2) forms: One (1) for the initial application and a second (2) for the periodic requalifications.
In an effort to simplify the BSIS Firearms Permit application process, the Bureau separated the Application for Firearms Permit, which was used for both initial issuance and renewal of a BSIS Firearms Permit, into two separate forms. Specifically, the two new forms are:
Firearms Permit Initial Application
Firearms Permit Renewal Application
The new forms, which are dated May 2016, provide additional information on the respective application process and requirements, and are available on the Bureau's website at www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/index.shtml.
Effective September 1, 2016, the Bureau will only accept firearm permit applications on the new forms. Outdated forms may be deemed deficient and require the completion of a new application on the current form.
NOTE: For individuals who have begun their requalification requirements prior to September 1, 2016, they may provide the requalification information on the prior application form. However, any requalifications completed after September 1, 2016 and the submission of the renewal application after September 1, 2016 must be submitted on the new forms.
May 2016: New DOJ Live Scan Process Delays Applications
LIVE SCAN PROCESS UPDATE
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently changed their process for issuing criminal history responses when an applicant submits one set of fingerprints for both a BSIS license and firearms permit using a combination Live Scan forms (e.g. Security Guard w/Firearm). This change may delay the Bureau's processing of your license application.
To help avoid delays in the processing of your license application, you may wish to consider submitting two sets of fingerprints with separate Live Scan forms (e.g. Security Guard and Security Guard w/Firearm). Please note, however, that submitting fingerprints through two Live Scan forms is more expensive than submitting fingerprints with one combination Live Scan form.
Source: http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/update.shtml
July 16, 2015
The Bureau would like to remind Bureau Certified Firearm Training Facilities and Instructors to use the current version, revised 11/2014, of the Bureau's Application for Firearms Permit which is located on the Bureau's website.
Older versions of the Application for Firearms Permit lack required legal updates which have been made as a result of law changes. In the event that an older version of the Application for Firearms Permit is submitted, the Bureau may return it to the applicant/licensee as deficient if required information is missing. An application deficiency will cause a delay with processing an initial or renewal firearms permit application.
You may contact the Bureau with any questions you may have:
Phone: 916-322-4000 or 800-952-5210
July 7, 2015
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (Bureau or BSIS) would like to remind Bureau-certified Firearm Training Facilities and Instructors that they are statutorily mandated to verify the U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency status of any individual seeking firearm training, for the purpose of obtaining or renewing a Bureau Firearm Permit, prior to offering the firearms training course. Accordingly, Firearm Training Facilities and Instructors must complete the U.S. citizenship/residence certification section on the BSIS Application for Firearms Permit.
Any initial or renewal Firearms Permit Application submitted without the Citizenship or Permanent Residence Verification section completed will be returned to the applicant with instructions to return to the Firearm Training Facility so that the instructor who completed the firearm training may complete the section.
Disclaimer
Back to topSecurity Training Center® is not a government department or organization. The information and links on this page are provided as a courtesy. Although great pains have been taken to collect the information provided here, Security Training Center® does not guarantee the accuracy, currency, or completeness of the information provided.
All questions regarding trainer licensure, applications, notices, and announcements should be directed to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS):
| Hours of Operation | Monday | 9:00am |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00am |
| Wednesday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:00am |
| Friday | 9:00am |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
BSIS Forms (Guard Card)
- Application for Registration (03/2020)
- Request for Live Scan Service (Guard Card)
- Renewal Application (01/2019)
- Application for Replacement License (01/2019)
- Change of Address Form (01/2019)
- Name Change and/or Correction (Personal)
- Report of Incident Form (01/2019)
- BSIS SG Fact Sheet (03/2020)
- Submitting "Hard Card" Fingerprint Cards