Guard Card Guides · Eligibility

Can You Get a Guard Card With a Felony or Misdemeanor?

Short answer

It depends. BSIS reviews every applicant's criminal history case by case through a DOJ and FBI background check. Violent felonies and misdemeanors, and crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, are likely to disqualify you — as is applying while on probation or parole, or with an outstanding warrant. But older or non-violent convictions may still be approved, especially with evidence of rehabilitation, and BSIS offers an appeal process. You won't know for certain until you apply, and you must disclose everything honestly.

What Tends to Disqualify You

  • Violent felonies or misdemeanors (assault, robbery, and similar)
  • Crimes of dishonesty or moral turpitude — fraud, theft, embezzlement, perjury
  • Domestic violence convictions
  • Being on probation or parole for a disqualifying offense
  • Outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges
  • A false statement or omission on your application — that is an automatic denial

What May Still Be Approved

A record is not always a dead end. Older, non-violent offenses may still be approved, and BSIS weighs the type of offense, how much time has passed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Minor infractions like old traffic tickets are generally not a factor, and juvenile records are often sealed. Every application is reviewed individually.

How the Review Works

Your Live Scan fingerprints go to the DOJ and FBI, which report your record to BSIS. A clean check usually clears in about 4–6 weeks; if a conviction flags your file, review can extend to roughly 120 days while BSIS evaluates it. If you are denied, BSIS provides an appeal process.

Honesty Is Non-Negotiable

Disclose every conviction the application asks about — including expunged or dismissed cases where required. Lying or leaving something out is treated as grounds for automatic denial, which is worse than the record itself.

Related Questions

Do I have to disclose an expunged or dismissed conviction?
In most cases yes — BSIS requires full honesty, and certain expunged or dismissed cases must still be reported. A false statement is grounds for automatic denial, so when in doubt, disclose.
Can I get a guard card while on probation or parole?
Generally no, if the probation or parole is for a disqualifying offense. BSIS may deny or delay an application until your supervision ends and the matter is resolved.
Does a DUI disqualify me from a guard card?
Not automatically. A single, older, non-violent misdemeanor DUI may be reviewed and still approved, while multiple or aggravated offenses draw more scrutiny. It is decided case by case.
How long does the background check take if I have a record?
A clean check is usually about 4–6 weeks. If a conviction flags your application, BSIS review can extend to roughly 120 days.

See more in our full FAQ and guides, or contact us. Verified against bsis.ca.gov. BSIS License ATG #2995. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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