An exposed firearm permit is required to carry a firearm while on duty as an armed security guard, alarm agent, private patrol operator or private investigator. Requirements: Be 21 or older. Be a United States citizen or have permanent legal alien status. Pass a fourteen (14) hour firearm training course offered by a Bureau approved training facility and taught by a Bureau approved instructor. Undergo a criminal history firearm eligibility background check through the DOJ and FBI. Have or obtain a valid security guard registration, alarm agent registration, private patrol operator license or private investigator license. Renewal requires re-qualification at a Bureau approved training facility twice every 12-month period of the permit with no less than four months between re-qualifications. Initial and renewal applications are obtained from the Bureau approved training facility. Application Fee - $100 DOJ Fingerprint Processing Fee - $32 FBI Fingerprint Processing Fee - $17 The initial license is valid for 2 years. Each renewal cycle extends the registration for an additional 2 years. Average time to process an application is 60-75 days. Authority: Business and Professions Code, Chapter 11.3, 11.5, and 11.6
