Guard Card Guides · Cost

How Much Does a California Guard Card Cost?

Short answer

If you take the full guard card path with Nocturnal Protective Services, your typical total runs about $226: $80 for the required 8-hour Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course, $60 for the BSIS application through BreEZe (plus the state's 2.3% service surcharge), and $84 for Live Scan fingerprinting with the NPS coupon at our partner UPS Store right downstairs from the classroom. Live Scan prices vary at other providers, so the total can run higher or lower if you fingerprint elsewhere. Veterans, reserve, and active-duty pay $70 for the course — about $216 total.

The Cost, Line by Line

  • 8-hour guard card course — $80 ($70 for veterans). The BSIS-required Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force training. With NPS this is all-in: certificate, printed application guide, and materials included.
  • BSIS state application — $60 + 2.3% service surcharge. Paid to the State of California through BreEZe when you submit your application.
  • Live Scan fingerprinting — $84 with the NPS coupon at the UPS Store downstairs. Prices vary at other locations (typically $70–$120 depending on the provider's rolling fee). Paid directly to the Live Scan provider at your appointment.
  • Estimated total with NPS: ~$226 (~$216 for veterans). No hidden fees.

Fees change — always confirm current amounts on the official BSIS fee schedule.

What's Included in the $80 Course

  • BSIS-recognized certificate of completion, issued the same day
  • Printed step-by-step guide to applying for your guard card
  • All course materials, plus instructor access before, during, and after class

Costs After You're Licensed

Your guard card is valid two years. Renewal is $44 through BreEZe. California also requires 32 hours of skills training in your first six months and 8 hours of continuing training each year after — budget for those with your chosen provider.

Related Questions

Is the guard card course fee refundable?
Class fees are non-refundable once a seat is reserved. Date transfers are $10 with at least 48 hours written notice, subject to availability.
Are there any hidden fees with the $80 course?
No. The $80 is a flat course fee — it covers the full 8-hour class, your same-day certificate, a printed application guide, and all materials. The $60 BSIS application fee (plus the state's 2.3% service surcharge) and Live Scan fingerprinting are separate costs you pay directly to those providers, not to NPS. If you Live Scan with us at the partner UPS Store downstairs with the NPS coupon it's $84; prices vary at other locations.
How much is the BSIS guard card renewal?
The biennial renewal is $44 through BreEZe. A delinquent renewal is $69, and a replacement card is $25 (fees effective October 1, 2025).

More questions? See our full FAQ and the step-by-step Guard Card requirements guide, or contact us. Verified against bsis.ca.gov. BSIS License ATG #2995.

Know the Cost? Book Step One.

The $80 8-hour course is your first step — same-day certificate, printed guide to every fee and form after.

Book the 8-Hour Course — $80