Can You Get a Guard Card With a Record? Often, Yes. Here’s How It Works.
Before you pay for any class, understand how BSIS actually reviews criminal history — and what you can do to improve your odds. No judgment. Just straight information.
Talk to us first — confidentially
Call (619) 303-3104 before you enroll. We’ll tell you honestly what we’ve seen happen in situations like yours. We’re not lawyers, and only BSIS makes the decision, but we’d rather you know the risks before you spend a dollar.
How BSIS looks at a criminal record
Your Live Scan fingerprints go to the California DOJ and the FBI. If anything comes back, BSIS reviews it as a whole rather than rejecting automatically. Under California’s licensing law (Business and Professions Code §480), the key questions are:
- Is it substantially related to the duties of a security guard? Violence, theft, fraud, dishonesty and weapons offenses get the closest look.
- How long ago did it happen, and has there been anything since?
- Evidence of rehabilitation: completed probation, steady work, education, letters of reference, a certificate of rehabilitation.
The #1 mistake: leaving something off
Many denials have nothing to do with the original conviction. They happen because the applicant didn’t disclose it, and then it showed up on the background check. Read the current BSIS application instructions carefully and answer every question truthfully. If you’re not sure whether something counts, get your court records or ask an attorney before you submit.
Things that help your application
- Get certified copies of your court dispositions ahead of time.
- Write a short, honest explanation: what happened, what you’ve done since.
- Gather proof of rehabilitation — completion of probation, employment letters, certificates, references.
- Make sure your name and personal details match exactly on the application and the Live Scan form. Mismatches cause delays for everyone.
Armed work is different
A firearm permit requires that you can legally possess a firearm. Felony convictions, some misdemeanors (including many domestic violence offenses), and certain protective orders prohibit possession under state or federal law. If that applies to you, an unarmed guard card may still be possible even when a firearm permit isn’t.
If you’re denied
You have appeal rights. The denial letter will explain them — typically an informal review by the Bureau’s Disciplinary Review Committee or a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. Deadlines are short, so act right away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a guard card with a misdemeanor?
Often, yes. A misdemeanor is not an automatic disqualifier. BSIS looks at whether the offense is substantially related to the duties of a security guard, how long ago it happened, and evidence of rehabilitation. Offenses involving violence, theft, dishonesty or weapons get closer scrutiny.
Can I get a guard card with a felony in California?
It depends on the offense, how long ago it was, and what you have done since. Some applicants with older felonies are approved; others are denied. A felony conviction does, however, generally prevent you from getting a firearm permit, because felons cannot legally possess firearms in California unless their rights are restored.
Do I have to disclose an expunged conviction on my BSIS application?
Follow the current BSIS application instructions exactly. BSIS guidance has stated that convictions dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4 must be disclosed. Leaving something off that later appears on your Live Scan results is itself grounds for denial. If you are unsure, ask an attorney before you submit.
How long does BSIS take if I have a record?
Applications with criminal history are reviewed individually and can take noticeably longer than clean applications. Requesting your court records ahead of time and submitting complete, honest information helps.
What if BSIS denies my guard card application?
You can appeal. BSIS denial letters explain your options, which include asking for an informal review by the Bureau's Disciplinary Review Committee or requesting a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. Deadlines are short, so act quickly.
This page is general information, not legal advice. BSIS makes every licensing decision. For advice about your specific record, consult a California attorney.
Ask before you enroll. It’s free and confidential.
Tell us what’s on your record and what you want to do. We’ll give you a straight answer about the path forward.