Can you get a guard card without a Social Security number in California?
If you’re interested in becoming a security guard but don’t have a Social Security number (SSN), you may be wondering whether you’re eligible to apply for a California security guard license.
The good news is that California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) recognizes an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as an alternative to a Social Security number for its security guard registration application.
However, there are important differences between qualifying for a professional registration and being legally authorized to work in the United States.
In this guide, A & C Security Group explains the SSN and ITIN requirements, who may qualify for a California guard card, and what you should know before submitting your application.
Can You Get a California Guard Card Without an SSN?
Yes. California allows security guard applicants to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number on the BSIS application.
Under California Business and Professions Code Section 30, licensing agencies collect SSNs or ITINs for purposes including tax enforcement and compliance with certain family support obligations.
The official BSIS security guard registration application explains that the Bureau cannot process an application unless the applicant provides an SSN or ITIN.
This means that not having a Social Security number does not automatically prevent someone from applying for a California guard card.
However, applicants must still satisfy all other applicable licensing requirements.
What Is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, commonly called an ITIN, is a tax-processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
ITINs are generally issued to individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security number.
An ITIN consists of nine digits and is used primarily for federal tax administration.
Is an ITIN the Same as a Social Security Number?
No.
Although both are nine-digit identification numbers, they serve different purposes.
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) |
|---|---|
| Issued by the Social Security Administration | Issued by the IRS |
| Used for Social Security and other authorized purposes | Used primarily for tax administration |
| May be issued to individuals authorized to work | Does not establish employment authorization |
| Accepted on BSIS guard card applications | Accepted on BSIS guard card applications |
Important: An ITIN does not provide immigration status or authorization to work in the United States.
Can You Apply for a Guard Card With an ITIN in California?
Yes. Applicants may use an ITIN when completing the appropriate identification section of the California security guard registration application.
However, an ITIN alone does not guarantee approval.
Applicants must also satisfy the applicable BSIS requirements, including age, training, and background check requirements.
Basic California Guard Card Requirements
To apply for a California security guard registration, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Complete the required initial Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training.
- Submit a security guard registration application.
- Provide an SSN or ITIN as required.
- Complete the required DOJ and FBI criminal history background checks.
- Pay the applicable application and fingerprint processing fees.
- Meet the Bureau’s eligibility requirements.
BSIS reviews applications and makes the final registration determination.
Can Undocumented Immigrants Get a Guard Card in California?
California has laws addressing the use of immigration or citizenship status in professional licensing.
However, immigration status, professional licensing eligibility, and employment authorization are separate legal matters.
An applicant should not assume that having an ITIN automatically establishes eligibility for every type of professional registration or authorizes employment.
Similarly, receiving a California guard card does not itself grant permission to work in the United States.
Individuals with questions about their particular immigration or employment authorization circumstances should consult a qualified immigration attorney or other appropriate legal professional.
A & C Security Group provides security guard training and application assistance but does not determine immigration status or employment authorization.
Does an ITIN Allow You to Work as a Security Guard?
No. An ITIN does not independently authorize employment in the United States.
A person may have an ITIN for tax purposes without having federal employment authorization.
California guard card registration and federal employment eligibility are separate requirements.
Employers must comply with applicable federal employment verification requirements.
Therefore, applicants should understand the distinction between:
BSIS Registration: State authorization to perform regulated security guard duties when all applicable requirements are satisfied.
Employment Authorization: Legal eligibility to work in the United States under applicable federal law.
Obtaining a guard card does not replace federal employment authorization requirements.
Even after submitting your application, you must wait until your registration is issued before performing security guard duties that require registration. Learn more about working while waiting for your guard card and when you may begin working in California.
How to Apply for a California Guard Card With an ITIN
If you’re preparing to submit your registration, review our complete guide to the California guard card application process for step-by-step instructions on applying through BSIS. If you have an ITIN and want to apply for a California security guard registration, the process generally involves the following steps.
Step 1: Complete Your Initial Security Guard Training
California requires initial security guard training before registration is issued.
The initial training includes Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force instruction.
A & C Security Group offers initial security guard training in Los Angeles for applicants beginning the licensing process.
Step 2: Complete Your Live Scan Fingerprinting
Security guard applicants must undergo criminal history background checks through the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
California applicants generally complete this requirement through Live Scan fingerprinting.
Use the appropriate BSIS Security Guard Request for Live Scan Service form.
Make sure the personal information entered during fingerprinting matches your registration application.
Step 3: Complete Your BSIS Guard Card Application
Applicants may submit their security guard registration application through California’s BreEZe licensing system or by using the official paper application.
Review the instructions carefully.
If you are applying with an ITIN, make sure you understand how the application requests your taxpayer identification information.
If the online system does not clearly accommodate your circumstances, contact BSIS for instructions before submitting incorrect information.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
Applicants must pay the applicable BSIS registration fee and fingerprint processing fees.
These fees are separate from security guard training costs.
Step 5: Wait for BSIS Approval
After submitting the required information, BSIS reviews the application and background check results.
Processing times vary.
You can monitor the Bureau’s published processing information and review available application information through BreEZe.
Remember: Completing training or submitting an application does not mean your guard card has been approved.
Application processing times vary depending on BSIS workload, fingerprint processing, and whether additional review is necessary. For more information, read our guide explaining how long it takes to get a California guard card.
What If You Don’t Have an SSN or ITIN?
If you do not have either identification number, you should not assume you can submit a complete guard card application.
The official BSIS security guard application states that an SSN or ITIN is required for processing.
If you believe you qualify for an ITIN, review the IRS requirements for obtaining one.
The IRS generally uses Form W-7 for ITIN applications.
However, an ITIN is not automatically issued simply because someone wants to apply for a professional license. Applicants must satisfy the IRS eligibility and documentation requirements.
Do not enter a false Social Security number, use another person’s identification number, or provide inaccurate information on your BSIS application.
If you are unsure how to proceed, contact the appropriate agency before applying.
Can You Complete Security Guard Training Without a Social Security Number?
Completing a security guard training course and obtaining a BSIS registration are separate steps.
A training provider may have its own identification and enrollment procedures.
However, completing a training course does not eliminate the identification requirements for state registration.
Before paying for training, applicants who do not have an SSN should confirm their eligibility to complete the licensing process.
At A & C Security Group, prospective students can contact our office with questions about training enrollment and the general guard card application process.
What Happens If Your SSN or ITIN Doesn’t Match Your Live Scan?
Incorrect personal identification information can cause application processing delays.
BSIS identifies mismatched applicant information as one of the common reasons applications are delayed.
For example, if the identifying information on your application differs from the information entered by the Live Scan operator, additional review may be necessary.
To reduce potential problems:
- Use your correct legal name.
- Verify your date of birth.
- Enter your SSN or ITIN accurately where required.
- Review your Live Scan information before submission.
- Follow BSIS instructions if a correction is needed.
If you discover an error after submitting your application, contact BSIS for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a California Guard Card With an ITIN?
Yes. The official BSIS security guard registration application recognizes an ITIN as an alternative to an SSN. Applicants must still satisfy all applicable registration requirements.
Is a Social Security Number Required for a California Guard Card?
BSIS requires an SSN or ITIN to process the application. An SSN is not the only accepted taxpayer identification number.
Can I Use Someone Else’s Social Security Number to Apply?
No. Applicants must provide accurate personal information. Using another person’s identification number can result in serious legal and licensing consequences.
Can I Get a Guard Card Without Being a U.S. Citizen?
U.S. citizenship is not listed among the basic eligibility requirements on the BSIS security guard registration fact sheet. However, applicants must meet all applicable licensing requirements, and employment authorization is a separate issue.
Does Having an ITIN Mean I Can Legally Work in Security?
No. An ITIN does not establish authorization to work in the United States.
Can I Apply for a Guard Card Without an SSN Through BreEZe?
BSIS recognizes ITINs on its security guard application. Applicants should follow the current BreEZe instructions and contact the Bureau if the online application does not clearly accommodate their identification information.
Can I Take Guard Card Classes Before Receiving My ITIN?
Training enrollment and state registration are separate processes. Contact your training provider about enrollment requirements, and verify your licensing eligibility before paying for training.
Can I Renew an Expired California Guard Card Without a Social Security Number?
BSIS accepts an SSN or ITIN for applicable registration applications. However, renewal requirements depend on your registration status and the Bureau’s current procedures.
If your registration has already expired, review our guide to renewing an expired California guard card to understand when renewal or a new application may be necessary.
Start Your California Security Guard Training With A & C Security Group
Interested in becoming a security guard in California?
A & C Security Group offers security guard training, Live Scan fingerprinting, and application assistance in Downtown Los Angeles.
Our training options include:
8-Hour Initial Security Guard Training — $125
Complete your initial training and prepare for the California guard card application process.
Starter Package — $329
Includes initial security guard training, Live Scan fingerprinting, and application assistance.
All-in-One 40-Hour Security Guard Training — $515
Includes initial training, additional security officer skills training, Live Scan fingerprinting, and application assistance.
Need Help Understanding the Guard Card Application Process?
Our team can assist with general application procedures and training requirements.
Please note that A & C Security Group does not make BSIS licensing decisions or determine federal employment eligibility.
A & C Security Group
1605 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: 877-714-8701
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Walk-in Check-in: 10:00 AM–10:30 AM
Ready to Begin? Explore Our California Security Guard Training Options Today!