California Guard Card Rules Changed in 2026. Here’s What It Means for You.
SB 652 took effect January 1, 2026, and BSIS fees went up on October 1, 2025. If you’re getting your guard card now, these four changes decide whether your application sails through or gets sent back.
The short version
Take your entire 8-hour Power to Arrest & Use of Force course from one BSIS-approved provider, in person for the use-of-force part, and submit your application within 6 months. Budget $60 for the state fee. That’s exactly how SOTC runs it.
1. One provider for the whole 8-hour course
Before 2026, some applicants bought a cheap online “Power to Arrest” module from one company and picked up the in-person use-of-force hours somewhere else. SB 652 ended that. The training in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force must now be administered and certified by a single course provider.
Why the Legislature did it: the bill analysis describes online-only providers selling incomplete courses, leaving applicants to find — and pay for — the missing hours elsewhere, with inconsistent results.
What to do: before you pay anyone, ask “Will you administer and certify the entire 8-hour course, including the in-person use-of-force portion?” If the answer is anything but a clear yes, walk away.
2. Your training must be less than 6 months old when you apply
Under the amended Business and Professions Code sections 7583.6 and 7583.10, the course must be completed within the six months preceding the date your application is submitted to BSIS. A certificate from last year won’t work for a new application.
What to do: apply right after class. At SOTC, we file your BSIS application through BreEZe for you, so the clock never becomes a problem.
3. Use of force is taught face-to-face — and you need 100%
The 2023 BSIS curriculum (built on AB 229) includes appropriate use of force, de-escalation, bias, behavioral-health interactions, duty to intercede, and active-shooter response, with key parts delivered in person. California regulations require a 100% score on the course exam. It’s open-book, and missed questions can be reviewed and retaken.
Try our free 2026 practice exam →
4. BSIS fees went up about 10%
New fees took effect October 1, 2025:
| License / permit | Initial | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Security guard registration | $60 | $44 |
| Exposed firearm permit | $110 | $126 |
| Baton permit | $66 | $44 |
| Proprietary private security officer | $60 | $44 |
Live Scan fingerprinting fees are separate and paid to the Live Scan site. Replacement certificates remain $25.
Get it right the first time
One provider, in person, filed for you. Weekday and Saturday classes in Spring Valley.
What did not change
- You still need to be 18+ and pass a DOJ/FBI background check via Live Scan.
- After your card is issued, you still complete 32 hours of skills training: 16 within 30 days and 16 more within 6 months.
- You still complete 8 hours every year, including at least 2 hours of use-of-force review.
- You can work only after BSIS approves you — carry the approval printout and a photo ID until your card arrives. (A training certificate alone is not permission to work.)
- Your guard card is valid for two years and must be renewed on time.
Red flags when shopping for a guard card class in 2026
- “100% online” for the full 8-hour pre-registration course.
- A school that only sells half the course and tells you to “get the rest anywhere.”
- “Start working the day after class with your certificate.”
- No BSIS license numbers on the website. (Ours are in the footer — verify them on the DCA License Search.)
Frequently asked questions
What is SB 652?
SB 652 (Chapter 94, Statutes of 2025) amended Business and Professions Code sections 7583.6 and 7583.10. Starting January 1, 2026, the security guard training course in the power to arrest and appropriate use of force must be administered and certified by a single course provider and completed within six months before the guard card application is submitted. It also limits licensed private patrol operators to training only their own applicants and direct employees.
Does SB 652 affect guards who already have a guard card?
SB 652 is aimed at new applicants and the initial 8-hour course. Current guards still must complete their 32 hours of skills training, 8 hours of annual training, and renew on time.
Can I still take guard card training online in 2026?
Parts of some courses can be delivered online, but the appropriate-use-of-force portion requires in-person instruction, and since 2026 the whole 8-hour course must come from one provider. Mixing an online course from one company with in-person hours from another can cause your application to be rejected.
How much are BSIS fees in 2026?
BSIS fees rose about 10% on October 1, 2025. A new guard registration is $60 and renewal is $44. An initial exposed firearm permit is $110 and renewal $126. A baton permit is $66 initial and $44 renewal. Live Scan fingerprint fees are separate.
My 8-hour training certificate is older than six months. Is it still valid?
Not for a new application. Under SB 652, the training must be completed within the six months before you submit your application. You will need to retake the course.
Sources: SB 652 (Chapter 94, Statutes of 2025), Business & Professions Code §§7583.6 and 7583.10; 16 CCR §628; BSIS Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Training Manual (rev. July 2023); BSIS fee schedule effective October 1, 2025; BSIS Security Guard Fact Sheet. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Skip the guesswork. Train once, with one provider.
SOTC has trained 2,000+ California security professionals. We’ll get your application right the first time.