Initial Application Timelines

Deficient applications take longer to process due to the Bureau having to create and mail a letter to the applicant to request the missing information. Avoid application deficiencies. Click here to view Common Initial Application Licensing Delays.


The processing time for a paper application that has no deficiencies is 60 days from the date of receipt. Deficient applications increase processing times. NOTE: The Department's Cashiering Office can take up to 14 days to complete their process and forward the application to the Bureau.

As of 07/22/2019, the Bureau is processing applications received by DCA Cashiering Office during the week noted below.

Application Type Date Received
Security Guard (G) May 23, 2019
Alarm Co. Employee (ACE) May 23, 2019
Locksmith Co. Employee (LOC) May 23, 2019
Repo. Agency Employee (RAE) June 11, 2019
Proprietary Private Security Officer (PSO) May 23, 2019
Firearms Permit (FQ) May 23, 2019
Baton Permit (BAT) May 25, 2019
Veteran Employee Applications May 31, 2019
Veteran Firearms Permit Applications June 7, 2019

If you have not heard from the Bureau within 60 days from submission of your application, you may call the Bureau at (916) 322-4000 or (800) 952-5210 or email the Bureau at bsis@dca.ca.gov. Due to high call volumes, the Bureau recommends submitting your application status requests by email.


Working with a Web Print Out

Current law authorizes the following license types to work with a hardcopy print out of the approved license from the BreEZe License Search website along with a valid picture ID while waiting to receive a hardcopy license in the mail.

  • Security Guard
  • Firearm Permit ONLY FOR a Security Guard
  • Repossession Agency Qualified Manager
  • Repossession Agency Employee
  • Proprietary Private Security Officer