Use the California BSIS online lookup to verify security guard license california records before hiring or assigning a guard. The state calls an individual credential a guard registration, and the security guard hiring guide explains how to evaluate providers alongside credential checks.
## How do you verify security guard license California? Search the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) license lookup using the guard’s name or registration number. Match the result to the person’s identification and confirm the displayed credential is current for the work you need.
### Check the individual record A guard card is an individual BSIS registration, not a company license. Ask the guard for their full legal name and registration number, then compare both details with the state record rather than relying on a photograph or a staffing company’s assurance.
- Search by the registration number when available.
- Compare the listed name with the guard’s identification.
- Review the credential type and current status.
- Save the search date and result for your hiring file.
### Match the credential to the assignment A valid registration supports work as an unarmed security guard, but it does not establish that a company is licensed or that the person holds every required permit. For an unarmed assignment, confirm the individual record and the provider’s business credentials; see unarmed security guards for the service category.
## How do you verify a PPO company license? Search BSIS for the company’s Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license by its legal business name or license number. Confirm that the record identifies the business you are considering and shows a status appropriate for the proposed services.
### Verify the actual contracting business A brand name, website, or salesperson’s name may differ from the licensed entity. Compare the PPO record with the name on the proposal, service agreement, invoice, and certificate of insurance, and ask the provider to explain any mismatch before signing.
- Request the PPO license number from the contracting company.
- Search the number in the BSIS lookup.
- Match the licensed entity to the contract and proposal.
### Keep individual and company checks separate A PPO license does not replace the registration check for each assigned guard. Check the company and each guard, and ask who supervises the assignment and how the provider verifies staff credentials.
## What do BSIS license statuses mean? A BSIS status tells you how the state record stands, so read the exact label and any listed restrictions before relying on a credential. BSIS is the source for the record; do not treat a badge, old printout, or company statement as a substitute for the current lookup.
### Interpret the result carefully A current status indicates the credential is active in the lookup, while an expired status indicates its term has ended. Suspended or revoked statuses signal that the credential is not in good standing for the stated period; a canceled or other status requires checking the record details and contacting BSIS when the meaning is unclear.
- Confirm the result belongs to the correct person or business.
- Read notices, restrictions, and dates shown with the status.
- Contact BSIS to resolve unclear or conflicting information.
- Do not assign work based on an inactive or restricted credential.
## What should you do if a license is expired? Do not treat an expired credential as valid for a new assignment. Pause the hiring or deployment decision, notify the guard or company, and verify the status again through BSIS after the responsible party addresses the renewal or record issue.
### Document and resolve the gap Keep a dated copy of the lookup and record the steps taken. Ask the provider for updated evidence, but independently confirm any changed status in the BSIS system before approving work.
- Hold the assignment until the record supports it.
- Record the search date, result, and follow-up request.
- Recheck the individual and PPO records before work begins.
### Apply the same process to armed assignments An active guard registration alone does not authorize armed work. Verify the required BSIS exposed firearm permit and related credentials separately, and review the requirements for armed security guards before approving an armed post.