The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), under the California Department of Consumer Affairs, has issued a Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action to amend fee structures for multiple licenses within the private security industry.
The proposal, announced under Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, affects locksmiths, private investigators, private patrol operators, alarm companies, repossession agencies, proprietary private security officers, and more. The proposed fee increases, ranging from 10–15%, aim to address a longstanding structural funding imbalance while ensuring continued enforcement, licensing, and consumer protection operations.
Why the Increase?
The BSIS cites rising administrative and enforcement costs—such as legal and disciplinary proceedings—as key drivers for the fee adjustments. Without intervention, the Bureau projects future insolvency. The last major fee update occurred in 2017.
Who’s Impacted?
Licensees in all regulated categories will see changes, including application, renewal, examination, and training permit fees. For instance:
Locksmith Company License Renewal: from $500 to $550
Private Investigator Original License: from $385 to $424
Private Patrol Operator License Renewal: from $900 to $990
Firearms Permit (Initial): from $100 to $110
A full list of the proposed changes is available from the Bureau and included in the official Notice of Proposed Action.
