Guard Card Guides · Cost

How Much Does a California Guard Card Cost?

Short answer

In 2026, plan for roughly $210–$230 total to get your California guard card: about $80 for the required 8-hour course, a $60 BSIS application fee, and roughly $70–$90 for Live Scan fingerprinting (DOJ and FBI fees plus the Live Scan location's rolling fee). With Nocturnal Protective Services, the 8-hour Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course is a flat $80 in Los Angeles and Orange County, with no hidden fees.

The Cost, Line by Line

  • 8-hour guard card course — $80. 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 application fee — $60. Paid to the state when you submit your BreEZe application.
  • Live Scan fingerprinting — about $70–$90. Roughly $49 in DOJ and FBI fees plus the Live Scan location's rolling fee (commonly $20–$40). Paid at your appointment.

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 covers the full 8-hour course, your same-day certificate, a printed application guide, and all materials. Live Scan and the $60 BSIS application fee are paid separately to those providers.
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