If your California guard card is about to expire — or has already expired — don’t panic. Renewing your guard card is easier than most people think, and with the right steps, you can keep working in security without interruption.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How to know when your guard card expires
- The training you need for renewal
- Renewal costs and fees (application + training + Live Scan, if needed)
- What to do if your card has already expired
- The fastest way to get it all done
👉 Quick Tip: In California, you should begin renewal at least 60 days before your expiration date to avoid lapses.
Step 1: Check Your Guard Card Expiration Date in California
Your California guard card is valid for two years from the issue date. Before you can renew your license, the first thing you must do is check your guard card expiration date:
- Within 90 days → Begin renewal immediately to avoid delays.
- Expired under 60 days → You can still renew, but submit your application right away.
- Expired over 60 days → You must reapply as a new applicant, which means starting the process over (new training, application, and Live Scan). For more, visit Expired Guard Card.
👉 Quick Tip: BSIS recommends starting your guard card renewal at least 60–90 days before expiration so your security license does not lapse.
Step 2: Complete Your BSIS Guard Card Renewal Training in California
To renew your security guard license in California, you must complete continuing education training approved by BSIS. This ensures guards stay updated on laws, procedures, and professional standards.
Requirements:
- 8 hours of training per year after your initial certification
- 32 hours total during your two-year renewal cycle
Topics Covered in Training:
- Security guard laws & powers
- Emergency response procedures
- Report writing & documentation
- Public relations & professionalism
👉 At A & C Security Group (BSIS Guard Card Training), you can complete your same-day guard card renewal training in Los Angeles. Walk in at 10 AM and leave with your certificate.
Step 3: Submit Your Guard Card Renewal Application
To officially renew your guard card in California, you need to submit your renewal application to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). You can do this online through BreEZe or by mailing in your application.
Required Documents:
- Completed renewal application
- Training completion certificates
- Payment
Quick Tip 💡
Submit your application 60–90 days before expiration to avoid lapses in your license.
Don’t stress about deadlines or paperwork — A & C Security Group makes guard card renewal simple.
We’ll provide you with the required BSIS renewal training and even help you submit your application so you can stay licensed without hassle.
🔹 Option 1: Online Renewal (Fastest & Recommended)
- Apply through the BSIS BreEZe system
- Fee: $55
- Processing Time: Usually 2–6 weeks
- Print a temporary copy of your license from BreEZe while waiting for the card
👉 Most applicants prefer this method because it’s faster and more reliable.
🔹 Option 2: Mail Renewal
- Download the Security Guard Registration Renewal Application from the BSIS website
- Pay by check or money order payable to:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) - Mail to:
P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
Fees:
- $40 if mailed on time
- $65 if mailed within 60 days after expiration
Step 4: Wait for Processing and Check Your Guard Card Status
Once you’ve submitted your renewal application, BSIS will need time to process it. The timeline depends on how you applied:
- Online Renewal (BreEZe): Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks.
- Mail Renewal: Processing can take longer because BSIS must receive and manually enter your paperwork.
How to Check Your Status
You can check your renewal status anytime on the BSIS website by entering your license number. This allows you to confirm when your application has been approved.
Temporary Proof of Renewal
If you submitted your application online through BreEZe, you can print a copy of your renewed license right away. This serves as temporary proof until your official guard card arrives in the mail.
Keep Copies of Your Records
Always hold onto:
- Your renewal training certificates
- Your BreEZe payment receipt or mailed application proof
- Any Live Scan ATI number if you had to redo fingerprinting
👉 Having these on hand protects you in case there’s ever a delay or request for additional documentation.
How to Verify Your Guard Card Status
Before starting the renewal process, check if your guard card has expired. You cannot renew a card that has been expired for more than 60 days. If it’s still within the expiration or grace period, you can proceed with renewal.
➡️ Not sure about your card’s status? Click here to check the status of it or log in to the BSIS BreEZe portal to check your expiration date.
Renewal Scenarios: What to Do
Scenario 1: Your Guard Card is Active, but Close to Expiring
Start the renewal process at least 60 days before the expiration date. Ensure your continuing education hours are completed and upload your certificates to avoid delays.
➡️ Enroll in our continuing education courses today and complete your training on time!
Scenario 2: Your Guard Card Has Expired (Within 60 Days)
You can still renew your guard card during the 60-day grace period, but you’ll need to pay a delinquency fee. Submit your renewal application and all required documents as soon as possible.
➡️ Enroll in our continuing education courses today and complete your training on time!
Scenario 3: Your Guard Card Has Been Expired for Over 60 Days
If your guard card is expired beyond the grace period, you’ll need to reapply as a new applicant. This includes retaking the Power to Arrest training, completing a background check, and paying the application fee.
➡️ Avoid this hassle! Renew on time with our renewal assistance services.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Renewal Process
- Start Early: Begin the renewal process at least 60 days before the expiration date.
- Meet Training Requirements: Keep track of your hours of continuing education to avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Keep Your Documents Handy: Save your training certificates, BreEZe login details, and renewal application records.
- Double-Check Payments: Make sure you pay the correct renewal fee to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
➡️ Check out more answers to common questions about the guard card process on our FAQ page.
How much does it cost to renew a California guard card?
1. How much does it cost to renew a California guard card?
The renewal fee depends on how you submit your application: $55 online, $40 by mail (on time), or $65 by mail (late, within 60 days). In addition, BSIS requires continuing education training, which typically can costs about $100. Training costs are separate from the application fee.
2. How long does it take to renew my guard card?
Online renewals through BreEZe usually take 2–6 weeks. Mailed applications may take longer to process because they are handled manually. To avoid delays, apply 60–90 days before your expiration date.
3. Can I still work if my guard card is expired?
No. If your guard card has expired, you are not legally allowed to work as a security guard in California. If it’s expired less than 60 days, you can still renew. If it’s expired over 60 days, you must reapply as a new applicant.
4. How many hours of training do I need to renew my guard card?
You must complete 8 hours of continuing education per year after your initial certification, for a total of 32 hours every two years. This training is required by BSIS and must be completed before renewal.
5. Do I need Live Scan again for renewal?
Not usually. Live Scan is only required if your guard card has been expired for more than 60 days. In that case, you must reapply as a new applicant, which includes fingerprinting and background checks.
6. Where can I renew my guard card in Los Angeles?
You can complete your renewal training and application support at A & C Security Group | BSIS Guard Card Training, located in Downtown Los Angeles. We offer same-day classes and application assistance.
7. Can I renew my guard card after it expires?
Yes, but only within the 60-day grace period. After that, you must reapply for a new card.
8. How much is the delinquency fee?
The delinquency fee is $25, bringing the total renewal cost to $65 if renewing late.
9. How do I submit proof of training?
Upload your training certificates directly to the BreEZe portal when completing your renewal application.
10. What happens if I don’t renew on time?
You cannot work as a security guard if your guard card expires. Renewing late incurs additional fees and delays.
11. When and How Often Do You Have to Renew Your Guard Card?
Your guard card expires every two years from the date it was issued. To avoid losing your ability to work as a security guard, start the renewal process at least 60 days before the expiration date.
Even if you miss the deadline, you have a 60-day grace period to renew. However, a delinquency fee will apply if you renew after the expiration date.
If more than 60 days pass after your card’s expiration, you’ll need to reapply for a new guard card.
12. How can i renew online?
Renewing your guard card online through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) BreEZe system is the fastest and easiest option. Visit the BSIS BreEZe portal and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, create one using your personal and license information.
13. Training Requirements and Continuing Education
➡️ Need help completing your required training? Explore our continuing education courses.
To renew your guard card, you must meet continuing education training requirements:
- First Renewal: Complete 32 hours of training within your first two years. This includes 8 hours annually and additional required coursework.
- Subsequent Renewals: Complete 8 hours of continuing education annually.
Save all your training certificates to upload during your renewal process. These records are vital for BSIS compliance.
14. What If Your Guard Card Expires?
➡️ Avoid expiration issues by renewing on time. Learn more about our renewal assistance services.
If your guard card expires, you can still renew within the 60-day grace period, but you’ll need to pay the delinquency fee. However, you cannot legally work as a security guard until your renewed license is approved.
If 60 days pass after your card’s expiration, you’ll need to restart the process, including retaking the Power to Arrest training, completing a background check, and submitting a new application.
Need Help Renewing Your Guard Card?
At BSIS Guard Card Training, we offer training programs to help you meet your renewal requirements, including continuing education courses.
➡️ Contact us today to get assistance with your renewal application and keep your security career on track!