Initial Firearms
Subject: Firearms
Class Duration: 14/16 hours
Description: 8 hours classroom first day, training to include lecture, videos, testing, handout second day is range training, shooting test
Supplies: All necessary materials are provided
Documents needed: California driver’s license, or California ID, personal information to fill out state forms such as social security number, address, Guard Card and one of the following:
Birth certificate
DD214
Passport
Green card
Naturalization
If you do not have a Guard card yet you will be required to provide your Guard Card class certificate of completion (if you took your Initial Guard Card Class with us you will not be required to provide proof since we have your records)
Class Fee $160 (paid in cash or money order and covers both days of class, *NO additional fees needed for range, ammo or gun usage)
* In Addition To Cash And Money Orders We Will Accept Most Credit Cards, Google Pay And Apple Pay However A Processing Fee Will Be Added
**We Do Not Accept Checks Unless It Is A Company Or Organization Check
Live Scan fee $117 (call the live scan location of your choice to see what forms of payment are accepted)
State Fee $100 (paid by credit card)
Total $377
*Additional fees will apply for additional calibers and/or retaking of the class
Note: You will need to take a Firearms Assessment with PSI, their fee is $65
(not included in the $377 total).
Information Regarding How to Obtain Your Firearms from BSIS:
Step 1: Take your Firearms Assessment with PSI
Step 2: Attend Your Initial Firearms Class
Step 3: Submit your application electronically
Step 4: Get your background check done
At the end of class you will receive a packet that will include all the information you will need.
Class Requirements
You must be 21 years or older to attend the Initial Firearms Class.
You MUST either have a valid Guard Card permit or have completed the 8 hour initial BSIS Guard Card Class BEFORE attending the Initial Firearms Class.
You cannot take the Initial Firearms Class before the Initial Guard Card Class. If you do them in reverse the Initial Firearms paperwork will be classified as invalid and cannot be used to obtain the Firearms permit from BSIS. You will be required to retake the Initial Firearms Class again to obtain new paperwork.
You cannot be on prole or probation (regular or summary), have crimes of violence, have restraining orders or any conviction that prohibits you from being near or possessing a firearm.
If you are not sure if you are able to possess a Firearms click here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding the personal firearms eligibility.
If you would like to submit an application for the personal firearms eligibility
click here for the form.
This is a 2 day class (1st day classroom, 2nd day range) The first day you will need to pass the examination with a score of 85% or higher. The second day you will need to pass the range portion with a minimum score of 200 for each caliber you are shooting.
Maintenance
You will be required to complete 2 requals with in each calendar year of your permit.
For more information click here
A Firearms permit will need to be renewed every 2 years.
For more information click here
Additional Information
How many calibers do I get with the class and how much to add additional calibers?
Class fee covers 1 caliber (9mm, 38/357, 40 or 45). If you would like an additional caliber each additional caliber is $40
Once I take the Firearms Assessment, how long till I can take my Initial Firearms Class?
You can take your class as soon as we have one available
(Click here to be taken to the Calendar page).
Before you leave the assessment administration site, PSI staff with provide you with a BSIS Firearms Assessment Examination Score Report.
Note: Keep this notice for your records.
Note: The Firearms Assessment has to be taken and passed before the Initial Firearms Application is submitted to the state.
Can I take the Initial Firearms class before I take the Firearms Assessment?
Absolutely, you are welcome to take the class first if you would like.
Note: The Firearms Assessment has to be taken and passed before the Initial Firearms Application is submitted to the state.
How can I see if my permit has been issued by BSIS?
You can check to see if your card has been issued by going to: www.bsis.ca.gov.
How long can the whole process take it take?
The application process can take anywhere from four to six months to complete.
Will a handgun be provided if I do not possess one?
For the initial class a handgun will be provided for usage by your classroom instructor.
I have completed 832 PC training. Can I obtain a Firearms Permit?
No. To be issued a Firearms Permit you must complete the Bureau's training at a Bureau-certified training facility.
Can I confirm that the Bureau received my Firearms Permit application?
Yes. You must contact the Bureau at (916) 322-4000.
Is there a fee for a lost permit? How do I replace one?
Yes. You may request a duplicate permit by submitting a written request and a written explanation of the circumstances, with a $25 fee. Please allow six to eight weeks for replacement.
(You can also do this through your Breeze account)
How do I notify the Bureau of my change of address?
You must notify the Bureau in writing within 30 days of an address change. Be sure to include your permit number, name, previous address, new address, date of birth and Social Security number. Please print information.
(You can also do this through your Breeze account)
If the Bureau misspelled my name on the Firearms Permit, is there a fee for a new one?
You will need to a change of name form and submit it to BSIS with two forms of ID (ID, Birth certificate, Passport, ect). Once BSIS fixes your name you can request a duplicate card and pay the $25 fee.
(You can also do this through your Breeze account)
My Firearms Permit has expired and the renewal is being processed. Can an expired permit and proof of payment be used until the renewal is received?
No. You must have a current permit and registration in order to legally carry a firearm.
If I qualified with a revolver, can I carry (on duty) an "automatic" as long as it is the same caliber? If I qualified with a .38 revolver and a .45 automatic, can I carry a .45 revolver since I qualified with a revolver and an automatic?
The caliber must be the same however the firearms permit does not specify revolver or automatic.
How do I change the caliber on my Firearms Permit?
You must: as of now retake the class and (a) Re-qualify at a firing range. (b) Submit a firearms permit application obtained from the training facility.
There is no fee for adding a caliber. It takes approximately three to six weeks for the caliber to be added to the Firearms Permit.
Once added you can request a duplicate license with the new caliber for $25.
(You can also do this through your Breeze account)
I was denied a Firearms Permit. When can I reapply?
You may submit a new application one year from the date of denial.
I was only convicted of a misdemeanor. Can the Bureau still deny my Firearms Permit?
Yes. A conviction does not have to be a felony for the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to deny the issuance of a firearms permit.
Does the Bureau issue concealed weapons permits?
No. To obtain a concealed weapon permit contact your local sheriff's office or police department. BSIS dose not issue concealed weapons permits.
How do I report a weapons incident?
A Security Guard who uses/discharges a weapon while on duty must:
(1). Report the incident to your employer within 24 hours.
(2). File a written report with the director, Department of Consumer Affairs within seven days.
(3). You may also be required to file a report with local law enforcement agencies. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (310) 325-5870.