Who the rules apply to
Patch and badge rules apply to BSIS licensees who carry a baton or an exposed firearm (Business and Professions Code, BPC, section 7582.27) and to anyone who wears a badge (BPC 7582.26(f)).
Proprietary private security officers, the in-house officers employed by the business they protect, don't have to wear a badge or patch. They must wear a distinctive uniform that clearly identifies them as a security officer (BPC 7574.01(g)(1)).
A licensee who carries an exposed firearm or baton can't work in plain clothes. They need an active BSIS license, the matching firearm or baton permit, and a uniform that meets the requirements (BPC 7582.26(i)).
Shoulder patch
- Wording: the full name of the company, exactly as printed on its license, and the words "Private Security" (BPC 7582.26 and 7582.27).
- Who wears it: guards who carry a baton or an exposed firearm wear the patch on each arm (BPC 7582.27).
- Size: the text has to be readable from a reasonable distance. BSIS has previously approved patches at least 3 by 4 inches.
Badge
- A badge may only be worn while doing guard or patrol work and wearing a distinctive uniform (BPC 7582.26(f)).
- It goes on the upper left breast of the uniform, not on a neck chain or the belt.
- The face shows the company's name, or a distinctive word for it, and a unique employee identification number (BPC 7582.26 and 7582.28). BSIS advises numbering badges sequentially.
- Every badge design must be approved by BSIS. The Bureau has previously approved badges at least 2 by 3 inches.
Cap insignia
- The cap insignia shows the company's name, or a distinctive word for it, and the employee identification number (BPC 7582.26 and 7582.28). BSIS has previously approved cap insignias 2 by 2 inches.
Designs that are not allowed
- Nothing on the uniform, title or insignia may suggest a connection with a federal, state or local government agency (BPC 7582.26).
- No seal, emblem, acronym or layout similar to one used by a government agency.
- No Great Seal of the State of California (Government Code section 401).
- If a design includes the US flag, nothing may be printed or stitched over the flag (US Flag Code).
Getting your designs approved
A licensed company sends BSIS a dated letter asking for review of each item, signed by the owner, a partner or a corporate officer, together with a printed colour copy or sample of each design at actual size. Send it to: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Attention: Badge and Patch Review, PO Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002, or through the Bureau's online messaging. BSIS review instructions.
BSIS also recommends asking the city or county where you'll work whether it needs to approve your uniform and insignia designs too (BPC 7583.38).
When a guard leaves the job
Uniforms, badges, patches and equipment go back to the employer. BSIS warns that not returning them could lead to a complaint against the guard's license.
How Quick Uniforms helps
We make custom metal badges with your company name and employee numbers, custom patches with your licensed company name and "Private Security", and print SECURITY lettering on shirts and jackets in-house in North Hollywood. You get a proof before anything is made, so your designs can go to BSIS for review first.
This page summarises BSIS guidance as published in November 2026. It is not legal advice; for your situation, check the BSIS uniform FAQ and the Business and Professions Code, or contact BSIS.