How to Become an Armed Guard in California – Firearm Permit Application Process

To apply for a firearm permit in the State of California, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal alien status.
2. Pass a 14 hour training course in the carrying and use of firearms.
3. Submit a firearm permit application, pay the $80 application fee, and submit a Security Guard Registration w/Firearm Permit Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan site operator. A $38 Firearm Eligibility application, $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.

The firearm training course is 8 hours of classroom training, and 6 hours on the firing range.

The training course covers the following subjects:

• Moral and Legal Aspects
• Firearms Terminology
• Weapon Handling and Shooting Fundamentals
• Emergency Procedures
• Range Training

The course must be given by a Bureau-certified firearms training instructor at a Bureau-certified training facility, and you will complete a written and range exam at the end of the course.

Please note that you are allowed to apply for guard registration and a firearm permit at the same time, for a total fee of $219.

You may not carry a gun on duty without having been issued a firearm permit by the Bureau. Also, a firearm permit issued by the Bureau does not authorize you to carry a concealed weapon. You may not carry a concealed weapon on duty without a Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW) issued by local authorities, nor carry a caliber handgun not listed on your firearm permit.

Note: A firearms qualification card expires two years from the date it was issued. An applicant must requalify four times during the life of the permit: twice during the first year after the date of issuance, and twice during the second year. Requalifications must be at least four months apart.
Reference: Security Guard Fact Sheet – Bureau of Security and Investigative Services