BSIS Gun Card (Initial) Permit & Caliber Addition
What are my Total Costs?:
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$65 fee for the Psychological Assesment. You can go directly to PSI Signup Portal and follow these step-by-step instructions HERE. You will get your results immediately after the test. You must pass this assessment before taking the Firearms class.
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$200 for the 16 Hr (2-Day) Class. This includes classroom Instruction, Range Training and Qualification with two Calibers. (9mm and .40 Cal.). Ammo is included in this class. Equipment, including Guns, is loaned to you for the class. Additional Calibers will be an extra charge.
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$100 Application Fee paid to the State of CA. Paid online with a card or via mail (Check/MO). This can be completed later, after the class.
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$95 Approx. for Background/LiveScan Fingerprint. This will be completed later, after the class.
Your total cost will be approximately $460. You only need the $200 when you come for the class.
Total Hours: 16 Hours. Day 1 is 8 Hrs classroom and exam. Day 2 is Live Fire Range. Download the Student manual HERE.
Date / Time & Location: As listed on the schedule.
Documents to Bring: Valid Guard Card or Proof you have taken the Guard Card Class (8 Hrs). Know your Social Security number. ID Proof that you are over 21 years old. Additionally, one of the documents listed below (Eligibility Document as specified on Page 22 of Firearms Manual).
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Birth Cert showing birth in the USA
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Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship.
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Valid USA Passport or Passport Card
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Military Discharge (DD214) or a Valid CAT Card.
Dress Code: Business Casual. A shirt/top, with pants/jeans/dress are preferred. No shorts, No Tank Tops, No Crop Tops, No Spaghetti Tops, No Low Cut Tops, No short or mini dresses. Women must wear supportive brassieres for Defensive Tactics. Shoes or boots closed-toe and heels covered. No open-toe footwear. No Uniforms, Patches, Shields, or Badges for Police or Security. Bring a jacket as it can get cold.
Additional items to Bring: Working pen and notebook. Bring a packed lunch for yourself. Eye and Ear protection. Bring your gun and magazines, duty belt, etc, to try it out.
Before Coming to Class:
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Set up an online BREEZE account so you may save weeks on processing time.
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Follow the Steps HERE to Register. Info to complete the online app will be given in class which will be unique for your app.
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Sign up and take the Psychological Assesment Cost $65. You can go directly to PSI Signup Portal and follow these step-by-step instructions HERE. You will get your results immediately after the test.
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Download the Student Firearms Manual HERE.
Read up on the Range FAQs on the Resource Page.
For New Permits, you must meet the following requirements:
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You must be 21 years of age or older.
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You cannot have a violent felony or misdemeanor. For more details, read HERE.
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You can find more details HERE (BSIS Firearms Fact Sheet).
For Caliber Additions:
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Bring a valid Guard and Gun Card.
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Bring a valid government-issued picture ID to class.
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Bring a Valid form of Eligibility Document as specified on Page 19 Firearms Manual.
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Caliber Adds Do NOT have to do a Psych Test.
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Caliber Adds Do NOT have to do LiveScan Background.
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You can find more info HERE on the FA Fact Sheet.
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However, the Law does require you to take the 2-day class.
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There is no BSIS application fee for Caliber add, only a fee to reprint your updated permit when you submit the no-fee application.
Additional Information:
What are all the steps/Costs involved?
Step 1 - Sign up and take the Psychological assessment Cost $65.
You can go directly to the PSI Signup Portal and follow these step-by-step instructions HERE. You will get your results immediately after the test.
Step 2 - Take the 16 Hour Initial Firearms Class. Cost $240, and includes ammo, guns, range fees, etc. The First Day is in the classroom, and the 2nd day is in the range. At the end of the 2nd day, you get a complete application package.
Step 3 - Submit an application and the application fees. Cost $100 for New Permits. No Charge for Caliber Additions other than a reprint of your permit once a new caliber is added. Highly encouraged to complete and pay the fees for the application online. A physical hard copy application will be completed in class. Submitting applications online can save weeks!
Step 4 - Get live scan fingerprints for background. Cost $75 approx.
Take the live scan form completed in class to any UPS store (or a place of your preference) and get live scan fingerprints completed.
What is the passing score for the written exam?
86% is the Passing score. You have to get at least 45 correct answers from a total of 52 questions, as listed on Page 94 of the Manual. However, we will allow you to retake the test if you fail. To make sure you have the best chance of passing the test, you should download and print the Powers to Arrest manual. Click here to download the manual.
If I fail the course do I have to take the whole thing over again?
Yes. Page 94 of the manual states.. NOTE: If a student fails to pass the written examination, they must repeat the entire classroom instruction before retaking the written examination. (BPC Section 7585.6(c)). You may NOT use the book or your notes during the firearms permit test. However, we have found that students who bring a copy of the course manual to class are more successful when taking the test. We suggest that you download and print a copy of the manual and bring it with you to class.
What is the range qualification like?
To qualify on the range for an Exposed Firearms Permit, a security officer must fire 50 rounds with a passing score of 200 out of a possible 250 points for each caliber. The course of fire is listed on Page 39 of the Firearms Manual.
What if I fail the range shooting Qualification?
For an additional fee, you may retake the shooting test within 30 days after passing the written exam. After 30 days, you will have to retake the entire class.
How many calibers should I add to my permit?
Only the ones you need. You DO NOT get hired because you have more calibers listed on your permits, Period. Its adds cost over time. Requal charges are per caliber, incurring additional ammunition expenses for every requalification.
What Calibers can I add to my permit?
You can only qualify with 9mm, .40, .45, .38, .357, 10mm, and .380.
What is LiveScan?
LiveScan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses. Live Scan is required for Guard Card and Firearm Permit Applications.
Can I carry a firearm while I’m waiting for my permit to arrive?
No. You must wait for your Firearm Permit to be issued. You may work with the printout from the BSIS website that shows a valid permit while yours is being printed and mailed out.
How long will it take to get my firearms permit from the state?
Click Here for Current Processing times.
Can I get a firearms permit even if I have a criminal record?
Perhaps. It depends on the crime and when it occurred. Please read more HERE.
Will I get a firearms permit if I have been convicted of a felony?
No. If you have any of the following, BSIS or the Sheriff’s Department WILL NOT issue you a firearm permit: A felony conviction or Misdemeanor conviction that prohibits you from possession of a firearm for a period of 10 years. History of domestic violence. Subject to a Temporary Restraining Order May not receive a permit if convicted of a crime of violence, such as assault, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or a weapons violation, such as brandishing a weapon, illegal possession of and/or discharge of a weapon or carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed weapon permit.
If BSIS denies me a permit, do I get a refund?
No. There are refunds, not from the state or for any class.
Do I have to complete the class before I apply for the firearms permit?
Yes, the class is a requirement before you submit your application for a permit. The class includes attending and passing the shooting as well.
How old do you have to be to get a BSIS firearms permit?
The minimum age requirement for a BSIS Firearms Permit is 21 years of age.
Does the Gun Permit Expire?
Yes. Gun permits are valid for 2 years as long as you maintain the requalification schedule of shooting for each caliber listed on your permit, twice each year, no less than 4 months apart and no more than 6 months apart. Read more HERE.
Does the BSIS firearms permit allow me to carry a concealed weapon?
No, The CA BSIS Firearms Permit only allows for exposed carry. Your exposed carry is only valid for the hours you are on duty At or to and from your home and work, while in full uniform with all permits on upon you. For concealed carry, an additional permit is required from your county’s Sheriff's Department.
Can I take the BSIS class if I can’t provide proof of my citizenship or legal residency?
No. Unless you provide proof of citizenship, or legal residency and authorization to work, you cannot participate in this firearm training course. (B&P Code Section 7585.8(a)). The following documents are accepted by BSIS as proof of eligibility: A valid U.S. Passport. Valid active duty or retired U.S. Military ID. U.S. Birth Certificate combined with a valid government PICTURE ID (Driver’s license is acceptable). DD214 combined with a valid government PICTURE ID (Driver’s license is acceptable). Valid immigration paperwork showing current immigration status and right to work.
Am I guaranteed a firearms permit if I pass this course?
No. Passing this course does not guarantee that you will be issued a permit.
If I completed PC 832 firearms training, do I still have to take this course?
Yes. PC Section 832 training is not accepted by BSIS and cannot be used as a substitute course of training.