BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit

The initial BSIS exposed firearms permit course is a 16-hour course. The State of California mandates this course for all security officers who want to work as an armed security officer in California. Successful completion of this course allows otherwise legally qualified and licensed security officers to obtain an exposed firearms permit and to carry an exposed firearm in the course and scope of their duties. Once issued, the permit is valid for 2 years.

Prerequisites for the initial class: Students must have either a current and valid Security Guard Registration "Guard Card," or are applying for the Guard Card and Firearms Permit at the same time.

BSIS allows only the following calibers on Exposed Firearms Permits:

• 9mm
• .380
• .38
• .357
• .40
• .45
• 10mm

What you need to bring to class:

• Valid Driver License or State issued ID card
• Current and valid Guard Card (unless also applying for guard card)
• BSIS accepted document to prove United States citizenship or permanent residency (see below)
• Firearms you are qualifying with (unless renting firearm)
• At least 2 magazines or speed loaders for each firearm (unless renting firearm)
• Holster and magazine or speed loader pouch (if you already possess them)
• 50 rounds of ammunition for each caliber you're qualifying with
• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Note pad and pen if you want to take notes
• Positive and safe attitude and an open mind

NOTE:  A BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit does not allow a security officer to carry a concealed firearm on duty. A valid concealed weapons permit (CCW) is required for concealed carry.

In order to renew an exposed firearms permit, the State of California mandates that security officers take a 2-hour refresher course and requalify with their firearms twice during each year of their 2-year permit cycle (total of 4 qualifications). Qualifications must be no less than 4 months apart. Officers may qualify using an approved firearms training simulator once during each year of their 2-year permit cycle. 

What you need to bring to class:

• Valid Driver License or State issued ID card
• Current and valid Guard Card (unless also applying for guard card)
• BSIS accepted document to prove United States citizenship or permanent residency (see below)
• Firearms you are qualifying with (unless renting firearm)
• At least 2 magazines or speed loaders for each firearm (unless renting firearm)
• Holster and magazine or speed loader pouch (if you already possess them)
• 50 rounds of ammunition for each caliber you're qualifying with
• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Note pad and pen if you want to take notes
• Positive and safe attitude and an open mind

BSIS accepts the following documents as proof of U.S. citizenship / permanent residency:

• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Birth abroad
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card  (unexpired)
• DD Form 214
• U.S. Military ID card
• Geneva Convention ID card (for Active Duty military personnel)
• Native American Tribal documents
• Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
• Permanent Resident Card "green card" (INS Form I-551)
• U.S. Citizen ID Card (INS Form I-197)
• ID Card for Use of Resident Citizen in U.S. ( INS Form I-179)
• Permit to Re-enter the U.S. (INS Form I-327)
• Refugee or parolee documents (if accompanied by INS Form AR-3a or I-551)

Please visit the following BSIS page for all Exposed Firearms Permit licensing requirements: 

Exposed Firearms Permit