California Security Guard Card

California Security Guard Card

PPO Info

Private Patrol Operator (PPO) Information

A PPO is a business that offers security guards to other businesses to protect persons or property or prevents theft. To become a Private Patrol Operator, its Qualified Manager must pass the licensing examination and have the qualifications listed in the Qualified Manager section of this page. Also, every individual applicant, partner or corporate officer must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Undergo the DOJ’s and FBI’s criminal history background check.
  • Have committed no offense or violation of the Private Security Services Act that is grounds for PPO license suspension or revocation.

You can’t be in business as a private patrol operator in California without obtaining the proper license from the B.S.I.S. If you operate without a license or represent yourself to be licensed and aren’t, you are guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. PPO licensing laws and rules do change. You as a PPO are responsible for staying up to date of legislative or regulatory changes that may impact the status of your PPO license.

PPO License Application Process

Applying for a PPO license requires multiple forms and the pre-qualification of your Qualified Manager. To apply for a company license get an application from the BSIS Website and mail the B.S.I.S.:

  • $770 PPO license fee.
  • A Private Patrol Operator Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator.
  • Application for License (Form 31A-4).
  • …Personal Identification Form (Form 31A-9) One form and two photographs for each owner, partner, corporate officer and the qualified manager. These photos must be 1 ½” x 2″ in size and of passport quality taken within the past year.
  • Certificate in Support of Experience (Form 31A-8) for qualified manager only. Submit one form for each person who is certifying the required work experience.
  • Request for Authorization of Business Name (Form 31A-12).
  • For corporation applicants only, endorsed Articles of Incorporation or the Statement and Designation by a Foreign Corporation, if already filed with the Secretary of State.

Allow 4 weeks for the processing of your PPO application.

Qualified Manager

When applying for a PPO license, the application must identify the person who will manage the PPO on a daily basis. This individual is the Qualified Manager. An owner, partner, or corporate officer may serve as the Qualified Manager, or someone hired by the PPO. To get a Qualified Manager license, the person must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or older.
  • Undergo the DOJ’s and FBI’s criminal history background check.
  • Have committed no offense or violation of the Private Security Services Act that would be grounds for license suspension or revocation.
  • Have one year of experience (2,000 hours) as a  security guard or the equivalent.
  • Pass a two-hour multiple-choice test covering the Private Security Services Act and other rules and regulations, business knowledge, emergency procedures, security functions, and use of deadly weapons.
  • Submit:
    • A completed Qualified Manager application.
    • Two passport-quality photographs taken within the last year
    • A $550 application and examination fee.
    • A PPO  Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator.

PPO License Renewals

A PPO must renew its license every two years. Get your PPO renewal form from the B.S.I.S. Website.The cost of renewal is:

  • $900 if your renewal and fee payment is postmarked BEFORE your PPO license expires
  • $900 + $150, if your renewal and fee payment is postmarked AFTER your PPO license expires

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