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CA Private Security Officer (PSO)

CA Private Security Officer (PSO)

PSO Guard Training in California

  • PSO Info for Private Guards in CA
    • Do You Need a PSO Registration Card?
    • How to Determine if You’re a PSO or a Security Guard
    • More PSO FAQs for Private Security Officers in CA
  • How to Become a PSO
    • How to Complete PSO Training
    • How to Get Fingerprinted & Complete Live Scan Form
    • How to Complete & File BSIS Forms to get Your PSO Card
    • How to Verify You’re Registered as a PSO
    • How to Update / Renew / Replace Your PSO Registration in CA
  • PSO Training for Private Guards in California
    • CA PSO Training Requirements
    • Tips about & Benefits of PSO Online Courses
    • Tips about & Benefits of PSO Classroom Courses
    • PSO Continuing Education in CA
  • PSE Info for Businesses in CA Hiring Private Security Guards
    • How to Determine if You’re a PSE or PPO
    • How to Determine if Your Business Can Train a PSO
    • Tips for Choosing a PSO Training Provider
    • Important Information about PSE Insurance for Business Hiring Security Guards
    • More PSE FAQs for Employers that Hire Security Guards

How to Become a PSO

How to Become a Registered Proprietary Private Security Officer (PSO)

Becoming a security officer in California requires the following general steps. The steps should be done it the order listed. More details about each step are found on other pages in this Website.

  1. Complete private security training required by BSIS.
  2. Fill out Live Scan form in triplicate and get fingerprinted at a Live Scan location.
  3. Fill out and send in the BSIS PSO registration form.
  4. Verify that your PSO registration has been approved.

PSO Registration FAQs

Q. How long after I send my PSO registration application to the BSIS will I get my PSO license?
A. The BSIS is estimates about 30 days. Of course, the time depends on how long your criminal background check takes and how many applications the BSIS is processing. The BSIS handles a large number of PSO, security guard, PSE, PPO,  firearm, training provider, alarm installer, repossession agency, locksmith and private investigator license applications every year, so it takes time for your application to be approved. The DOJ is also processing fingerprints for many of these licenses as well as for police departments.

Q. How can I check the status of my PSO registration application?
A. Contact the BSIS at (800) 952-5210 or (916) 322-4000. Leave a message if no one answers the phone. Again, the BSIS handles a huge number of phone inquiries every day.

What should You Read Next?

  • If you want to find out how to get fingerprinted at a Live Scan location or how to fill out the Live Scan form, read How to Get Fingerprinted / Live  Scan.
  • If you want to find out how to fill out the BSIS PSO Registration form, read How to Complete and File BSIS Forms.
  • If you want to verify that your PSO Registration is up to date, read How to Verify You’re Registered as a PSO.
  • If you need to change some information on your PSO registration or renew your license, read How to Update / Renew Your PSO Registration.
  • If you want to know more about the PSO training requirements, read PSO Training.

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