What Disqualifies You from Getting an Armed Guard License?

Key Takeaways

• California has strict disqualification criteria for armed security guard firearms permits
• Any felony conviction is a permanent disqualifier
• Certain misdemeanors, restraining orders, and mental health holds also disqualify applicants
• You must be at least 21 years old and pass both DOJ and FBI background checks
• Some disqualifications are permanent, while others may be overcome with time, expungement, or rehabilitation

Pursuing a career in armed security is an admirable goal — but California doesn’t hand out firearms permits to just anyone. Before you invest time and money in training, it’s critical to understand what could prevent you from getting licensed. Armed guard license disqualifications in California are clearly defined by BSIS and state law, and knowing them upfront can save you significant frustration.

This guide covers every major disqualifying factor so you can determine your eligibility before you begin the process.

How the Background Check Works

When you apply for a BSIS firearms permit, your background is scrutinized through two separate channels:

DOJ (California Department of Justice) Check

• Searches California criminal records
• Reviews state-level restraining orders and mental health holds
• Checks for outstanding warrants within California

FBI Background Check

• Searches national criminal databases
• Identifies out-of-state convictions and federal offenses
• Cross-references national firearms prohibition lists (NICS)

Both checks must come back clear before BSIS will issue your firearms permit. This is a more thorough review than the basic Guard Card background check, and it can uncover issues that didn’t surface during your initial security registration.

Disqualification #1: Felony Convictions

This is the most absolute disqualifier. Any felony conviction — regardless of type, location, or how long ago it occurred — permanently disqualifies you from obtaining a firearms permit in California.

What Counts as a Felony

• Violent crimes (assault, robbery, murder, manslaughter)
• Property crimes (burglary, grand theft, arson)
• Drug-related felonies (possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, trafficking)
• Weapons offenses (illegal possession, trafficking)
• White-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, identity theft)
• Sex offenses
• Any out-of-state conviction that would be classified as a felony in California
• Federal felony convictions

Important Note on “Wobblers”

In California, some offenses are classified as “wobblers” — crimes that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. If your wobbler offense was charged and convicted as a felony, it’s a permanent disqualifier. If it was convicted as a misdemeanor, it may or may not be disqualifying depending on the specific offense (see below).

If you had a wobbler reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor through a petition under California Penal Code 17(b), this reduction may help your eligibility — but consult with a qualified attorney before assuming you’re in the clear.

Disqualification #2: Specific Misdemeanor Convictions

Not all misdemeanors will disqualify you, but certain categories will. The key disqualifying misdemeanors relate to:

Violence-Related Misdemeanors

• Assault and battery (Penal Code 240, 242)
• Domestic violence (Penal Code 243(e)(1), 273.5)
• Brandishing a weapon (Penal Code 417)
• Criminal threats (Penal Code 422, when charged as a misdemeanor)
• Child abuse or elder abuse

Weapons-Related Misdemeanors

• Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Possession of prohibited weapons
• Illegal discharge of a firearm
• Any misdemeanor involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm

Dishonesty-Related Misdemeanors

• Petty theft and shoplifting (may be disqualifying depending on recency)
• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Filing false police reports

Timeframe Considerations

For some misdemeanor convictions, the disqualification may be time-limited rather than permanent. For example, certain domestic violence misdemeanors impose a 10-year firearm prohibition under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment). After the prohibition period, eligibility may be restored — but this is complex legal territory.

Always consult with an attorney if you have misdemeanor convictions and are unsure about your eligibility.

Disqualification #3: Restraining Orders

Active restraining orders are a clear disqualifier for armed guard license disqualifications in California.

Types of Disqualifying Restraining Orders

• Domestic violence restraining orders (DVRO)
• Civil harassment restraining orders
• Workplace violence restraining orders
• Gun violence restraining orders (GVRO / “red flag” orders)
• Elder or dependent adult abuse restraining orders

Under both California and federal law, a person subject to a qualifying restraining order is prohibited from possessing firearms. This means BSIS cannot and will not issue a firearms permit while any such order is in effect.

After the Restraining Order Expires

Once a restraining order expires and is not renewed, the firearms prohibition typically lifts. However, if the underlying conduct that led to the restraining order also resulted in a disqualifying conviction, that conviction remains a separate barrier.

Disqualification #4: Mental Health Holds and Adjudications

California law takes mental health factors seriously when it comes to firearms access.

5150 Holds (Welfare & Institutions Code Section 5150)

A 5150 hold is an involuntary psychiatric hold of up to 72 hours. Under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 8103:

• A single 5150 hold results in a 5-year firearms prohibition
• Two or more 5150 holds within a one-year period result in a lifetime prohibition unless successfully petitioned
• A 5250 hold (14-day extended hold) may result in additional restrictions

Mental Health Adjudications

If a court has found you to be:

• Mentally incompetent to stand trial
• Not guilty by reason of insanity
• A danger to yourself or others based on mental illness

You are likely prohibited from possessing firearms, which means you cannot obtain a BSIS firearms permit.

Can the Prohibition Be Lifted?

In some cases, yes. California law provides a petition process for individuals who have been subject to a 5150-related prohibition. You can petition the court to have the prohibition removed by demonstrating that you are no longer a danger. This typically requires:

• Medical/psychological evaluations
• Evidence of treatment and stability
• A hearing before a judge

Success is not guaranteed, and legal representation is strongly recommended.

Disqualification #5: Substance Abuse Issues

Active substance abuse problems and certain drug-related legal issues can disqualify you.

Drug-Related Convictions

• Any felony drug conviction is a permanent disqualifier (see Felony Convictions above)
• Misdemeanor drug convictions may disqualify you for a specified period
• DUI convictions — while not always directly disqualifying — may raise red flags, especially multiple DUIs or DUIs involving drugs

Current Substance Abuse

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) prohibits any person who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” from possessing firearms. If BSIS or your employer has reason to believe you have an active substance abuse issue, your permit application may be denied or your existing permit may be revoked.

Prescription Medications

Certain prescription medications can affect your ability to safely carry a firearm. While being on medication isn’t automatically disqualifying, medications that impair judgment, reaction time, or motor skills may be a concern for employers and could affect your eligibility for armed assignments.

Disqualification #6: Age Requirements

This one is straightforward: you must be at least 21 years old to apply for a BSIS firearms permit.

Unlike the Guard Card, which can be obtained at 18, the firearms permit has a higher age threshold. This aligns with California’s minimum age for purchasing a handgun and is a hard requirement — no exceptions.

If You’re Under 21

If you’re 18-20 and interested in armed security:

• Get your Guard Card now and start building unarmed experience
• Complete Phase 1 and Phase 2 Guard Card training
• Pursue additional certifications (baton, handcuffing, pepper spray)
• Build your resume and professional reputation
• Plan to enroll in firearms training as soon as you turn 21

This approach means you’ll be a well-rounded candidate with experience when you’re finally eligible for the firearms permit.

Disqualification #7: Immigration Status

You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to obtain a BSIS firearms permit. Undocumented individuals and individuals without work authorization are not eligible.

Additionally, federal law prohibits non-immigrant visa holders from possessing firearms, with certain limited exceptions. If you’re on a non-immigrant visa, consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation.

Disqualification #8: Probation and Parole

Being on probation or parole for certain offenses can disqualify you from obtaining a firearms permit.

• Felony probation/parole: Disqualifying due to the underlying felony conviction
• Misdemeanor probation: May be disqualifying if the underlying offense is on the list of disqualifying misdemeanors
• Terms of probation: Some probation conditions specifically prohibit firearm possession, regardless of the charge

Once probation is successfully completed, your eligibility depends on the underlying offense. If the conviction itself isn’t a permanent disqualifier, completing probation may open the door to applying.

What If You Have a Questionable Background?

If you’re reading this list and thinking, “I’m not sure where I stand,” here’s what to do:

Steps to Determine Your Eligibility

1. Obtain your own criminal record — request a copy from the California DOJ (Live Scan self-request) and review it for accuracy
2. Review your record carefully — identify any convictions, restraining orders, or mental health holds
3. Consult with an attorney — a criminal defense or expungement attorney can advise on your specific situation
4. Consider expungement — California Penal Code 1203.4 allows for expungement of certain convictions, which may improve your eligibility
5. Contact BSIS directly — you can ask BSIS about your eligibility, though they may not give a definitive answer until you apply

Expungement and Record Cleaning

California offers several mechanisms for cleaning up your criminal record:

• PC 1203.4 Expungement: Withdraws guilty plea and dismisses the case — available for many misdemeanors and some felonies that were served on probation
• PC 17(b) Felony Reduction: Reduces a wobbler felony to a misdemeanor
• Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain offenders who’ve demonstrated rehabilitation
• Governor’s Pardon: The ultimate form of clemency, available in exceptional cases

Expungement doesn’t guarantee firearms eligibility, but it can help in many situations. Work with an attorney experienced in firearms law.

Know Your Status Before You Invest

Understanding armed guard license disqualifications in California before you spend money on training saves you time, money, and disappointment. If you’re clear on all the criteria listed above, you’re in a strong position to pursue your armed security career with confidence.

If you’re in the Central Valley — Manteca, Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, or Lodi — E3 Security Training Academy is here to help qualified candidates get their firearms permits through our BSIS-certified training programs. We’re happy to answer questions about the process before you enroll.

Ready to start? Visit securitytraininge3.com to learn about our armed security training courses and take the first step toward your firearms permit.