Has your California Guard Card expired? If so, you may be wondering whether you can renew your security guard license online, whether you need to complete training again, or whether you must start the application process over.
The good news is that California allows security guards to renew their registration up to 60 days after expiration, provided they pay the required renewal and delinquency fees.
However, if your Guard Card has been expired for more than 60 days, the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) requires you to submit a new application.
In this guide, A & C Security Group explains how to renew an expired Guard Card, what happens after the 60-day deadline, current renewal fees, and how to get back into the security industry.
Can You Renew an Expired Guard Card in California?
Yes, but only within 60 days after your Guard Card expires.
California security guard registrations generally remain valid for two years. When your registration approaches its expiration date, you must renew it through BSIS.
If you miss your renewal deadline, you may still qualify for late renewal within 60 days.
Once more than 60 days have passed, your registration is canceled, and you must submit a new initial application.
California Guard Card Expiration and Renewal Rules
| Guard Card status | What you need to do | BSIS application fee |
|---|---|---|
| Active, approaching expiration | Submit renewal application | $44 |
| Expired 1–60 days | Submit late renewal application | $69 |
| Expired more than 60 days | Submit new initial application | $60 |
| New application approved | Follow applicable training and registration requirements | Additional costs may apply |
The $69 late renewal amount includes the $44 renewal fee and a $25 delinquency fee.
These are BSIS application fees, not training or Live Scan fees. Always verify the latest fees before submitting payment.
What Happens if Your Guard Card Expires?
When your California Guard Card expires, your registration is no longer current.
You should not perform security guard duties requiring an active registration while your license is expired.
Even if you submit a late renewal application, submitting payment alone does not automatically authorize you to resume security guard work.
You should verify that BSIS has renewed your registration before returning to duties requiring registration.
Allowing your Guard Card to expire may affect your employment eligibility, work schedule, and ability to accept security assignments.
This is why renewing your security guard license before its expiration date is important.
How to Renew Your California Guard Card Online
California allows eligible security guards to renew their registration through the state’s BreEZe licensing system.
Step 1: Check Your Guard Card Expiration Date
Before submitting a renewal application, verify your registration status and expiration date.
You can search for your registration using the California Department of Consumer Affairs license verification system.
Verify Your California Guard Card
Step 2: Visit the BreEZe Website
Go to the official California BreEZe licensing website:
Renew Your Guard Card Through BreEZe
Sign in to your existing account or create an account if necessary.
Your security guard registration must be linked to your BreEZe account to complete the online renewal process.
Step 3: Select Security Guard Registration Renewal
Locate your Security Guard registration and select the available renewal option.
Review your personal information and verify that your contact details are correct.
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
Pay the applicable BSIS renewal fee.
If your registration has expired but remains within the 60-day late renewal period, the delinquency fee also applies.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review the application carefully before submitting it.
Save your payment confirmation and application information for your records.
Step 6: Verify Your Updated Registration
After BSIS processes your renewal, check your registration status and updated expiration date.
Do not assume your registration is active simply because you submitted a renewal application.
Can You Renew Your Guard Card by Mail?
Yes. California also accepts Security Guard registration renewal applications by mail.
Applicants can download the official renewal form from BSIS.
Download the California Security Guard Renewal Application (PDF)
Complete the application, include the appropriate payment, and mail it according to the instructions on the form.
Online renewal through BreEZe is generally recommended because it can reduce processing delays associated with mailed applications.
What if Your Guard Card Has Been Expired for More Than 60 Days?
If your Guard Card has been expired for more than 60 days, you cannot simply pay the late renewal fee to reactivate it.
Under California Business and Professions Code Section 7583.20, a Guard Card that is not renewed within the permitted 60-day period is canceled.
You must begin the initial registration application process again.
Steps to Reapply for a California Guard Card
Step 1: Confirm your registration status.
Check whether your Guard Card has been canceled due to expiration.
Step 2: Review the current initial training requirements.
California requires eight hours of initial security guard training covering Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
If you previously completed training, confirm with BSIS whether your existing certificates meet current requirements before enrolling again.
Step 3: Submit a new Security Guard registration application.
Complete a new application through BreEZe or another BSIS-approved method.
Step 4: Complete the required fingerprint background check.
A new application generally requires new fingerprints, even if you previously completed Live Scan for an earlier registration.
Step 5: Wait for registration approval.
Monitor your application and verify that BSIS has issued your new registration.
Step 6: Satisfy any applicable training requirements.
Follow current BSIS requirements for additional training and maintain your certificates of completion.
Need to Start Your Guard Card Application Again?
If your California Guard Card has been canceled and you need to reapply, A & C Security Group offers initial security guard training and additional training courses.
Our team can help you understand available training options and prepare for the applicable registration process.
Explore California Security Guard Training Courses
Do You Have to Retake the 8-Hour Guard Card Training if Your License Expires?
Not necessarily in every situation.
If your Guard Card expired within the permitted 60-day renewal period, you generally do not need to repeat initial training solely because your registration expired.
If your registration was canceled and you must submit a new initial application, the training requirements are different.
California’s current initial application requirements may require recently completed training that meets current BSIS standards.
Before paying for a new course, verify whether your previous training is acceptable for your new application.
California’s Initial 8-Hour Guard Card Training
| Training course | Required hours |
|---|---|
| Power to Arrest | 3 hours |
| Appropriate Use of Force | 5 hours |
| Total | 8 hours |
A & C Security Group offers initial 8-hour Guard Card training for individuals entering or returning to the California security industry.
View Our Security Officer Training Programs
Do You Need Renewal Training for a California Guard Card?
California requires registered security guards to complete eight hours of continuing education annually.
This training helps security personnel maintain their knowledge of professional responsibilities, safety practices, and applicable security procedures.
The annual training requirement is separate from the two-year BSIS registration renewal process.
Initial Training vs. Annual Training vs. Registration Renewal
| Requirement | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Initial 8-hour training | Meet initial training requirements | For initial registration, as applicable |
| Additional 32-hour training | Complete required security officer skills training | Within initial registration deadlines |
| Annual 8-hour continuing education | Maintain security training compliance | Every year |
| BSIS Guard Card renewal | Renew state registration | Every 2 years |
Completing a renewal training course does not automatically renew your Guard Card with BSIS.
You must separately submit the required renewal application and payment.
Complete Your Security Guard Renewal Training
A & C Security Group offers security guard renewal training for individuals who need to complete their annual continuing education requirements.
We welcome returning students and security professionals looking to maintain their training compliance.
Training location: Downtown Los Angeles, California
Training availability: Monday through Saturday
Check-in: 10:00 AM–10:30 AM
Explore our available security training courses and prepare for your next renewal.
View Security Guard Training and Renewal Options
How Early Should You Renew Your Guard Card?
BSIS instructs security guards to submit their renewal application at least 60 days before expiration.
Renewal applications submitted more than 120 days before expiration may be returned.
The recommended renewal window is therefore approximately 60–120 days before your Guard Card expires.
Renewing early helps reduce the risk of delays that could interrupt your ability to work.
How Long Does Guard Card Renewal Take in California?
Processing times vary depending on the application method, BSIS workload, and whether your application is complete.
Online applications submitted through BreEZe may be processed faster than mailed applications.
Incomplete information, incorrect payments, or missing documentation can cause delays.
For current processing estimates, visit the official BSIS Application Processing Times page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing a Guard Card
Avoid these common problems when renewing your California security guard registration:
- Waiting until after the 60-day late renewal deadline.
- Assuming that paying a renewal fee immediately restores an expired registration.
- Forgetting to update your address with BSIS.
- Submitting the incorrect renewal fee.
- Confusing annual security training with state registration renewal.
- Failing to keep copies of training certificates.
- Continuing to perform regulated security work while registration is expired.
If you are unsure of your current registration status, verify it directly with BSIS before accepting security assignments.
How to Renew Your Guard Card on BreEZe
If you’re wondering how to renew your California Guard Card online, the California Department of Consumer Affairs provides an online licensing system called BreEZe.
To complete your BSIS Guard Card renewal, visit www.breeze.ca.gov, sign in to your account, locate your Security Guard registration, and select the available renewal application.
Before submitting your application, verify your expiration date, review your personal information, and pay the applicable renewal fee.
If your registration has already expired, you may still qualify for late renewal within the permitted 60-day period. After that period, you must submit a new initial application.
For additional guidance, read our step-by-step California Guard Card renewal guide.
Need to complete your annual security guard training? Explore Guard Card renewal training with A & C Security Group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expired Guard Cards
Can I renew my Guard Card after it expires?
Yes. California permits late renewal for up to 60 days after expiration, with payment of the renewal and delinquency fees.
What happens if my Guard Card expired over 60 days ago?
Your registration is canceled and cannot be renewed. You must submit a new initial Security Guard registration application.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Guard Card in California?
The BSIS renewal fee is $44 before expiration. During the permitted 60-day late renewal period, the total is $69, including the $25 delinquency fee.
Can I renew my California Guard Card online?
Yes. Eligible applicants can submit their renewal applications through California’s BreEZe licensing system.
Can I work while my Guard Card renewal is pending?
You should not perform security guard duties requiring registration while your Guard Card is expired. Verify that your registration is current before resuming regulated security work.
Do I need to complete Live Scan again if my Guard Card expired?
If your registration has been canceled and you must submit a new initial application, new fingerprint submission is generally required.
A standard renewal within the permitted renewal period does not ordinarily require repeating Live Scan.
Do I have to retake Guard Card training?
If you are completing a regular or eligible late renewal, you generally do not need to repeat the initial eight-hour course solely because of the expiration.
If you must reapply, verify that your training satisfies the current initial application requirements.
Is annual renewal training the same as renewing my Guard Card?
No. Annual continuing education and the two-year BSIS registration renewal are separate requirements.
How can I check whether my Guard Card is still valid?
Use the California Department of Consumer Affairs License Search to verify your registration status and expiration date.
Renew Your Security Training With A & C Security Group
Whether your Guard Card is approaching expiration, recently expired, or has been canceled, understanding your options can help you take the correct next step.
At A & C Security Group, we provide California security guard training for new applicants and experienced security personnel.
Our available training programs include initial Guard Card training, additional security officer skills training, and renewal training.
Need Help Renewing Your California Guard Card?
If your Guard Card is still active or expired within the last 60 days, you may qualify for renewal through BSIS.
A & C Security Group offers security guard renewal training in Los Angeles, helping security professionals complete applicable continuing education requirements.
Explore Guard Card Renewal Training With A & C Security Group
For detailed application instructions, read our step-by-step California Guard Card renewal guide.
Has Your Guard Card Been Expired for More Than 60 Days?
If your Guard Card has been expired for more than 60 days, you generally must submit a new initial registration application rather than a renewal.
Before starting, review our complete BSIS Guard Card guide to understand the application process, fingerprinting, and training requirements.
You can also read Where Do I Get My Guard Card? for information about beginning the California security guard registration process.
A & C Security Group offers initial 8-hour Guard Card training, additional security training, Live Scan fingerprinting, and application assistance.
Explore Our California Security Officer Training Courses
What if Your Guard Card Is Lost Rather Than Expired?
If your Guard Card is still active but your physical pocket card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you may only need a replacement card rather than a new registration.
Read our guide on how to replace a lost security guard license in California to learn about the replacement process.
Remember, replacing a lost Guard Card does not extend the registration’s expiration date.
If you’re ready to complete your required security training, explore our courses and get started.
Explore Security Guard Training at A & C Security Group
For official licensing and renewal information, visit the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information. BSIS fees, training requirements, and application procedures may change. Always confirm current requirements with BSIS before submitting an application.