Industry Standards & Compliance

How to Get Badge and Patch Designs Approved by California BSIS

Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Private Security Companies (2025)

Understanding BSIS Badge and Patch Requirements

California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), operating under the Department of Consumer Affairs, maintains strict oversight of the private security industry. One critical aspect of this regulation involves the approval of badges, patches, and cap insignia worn by private security personnel.

The badge and patch approval process exists to protect public safety by ensuring private security personnel cannot be confused with law enforcement officers or other government officials. This distinction is crucial for maintaining public trust and preventing impersonation of peace officers, which is a serious criminal offense in California.

Private Patrol Operators (PPOs) must navigate this approval process carefully. The Bureau reviews every design submission to verify compliance with Business and Professions Code requirements before any company can legally distribute uniforms to employees.

Who Needs BSIS Approval

Not every security professional needs to submit badge and patch designs for Bureau approval, but most do. Here’s who must comply:

Required to Obtain Approval:

• Private Patrol Operator (PPO) licensees and their employees
• Security guards wearing badges while in uniform
• Any security personnel carrying batons or exposed firearms
• Company officers, directors, partners, and managers wearing company insignia
• Security guards working armed assignments
• Personnel wearing company-branded cap insignia

Exemptions:

Proprietary Private Security Officers (PSOs) are only required to wear distinctive uniforms clearly identifying them as security officers. They do not need BSIS-approved badges or patches, though they must still wear identifiable security uniforms per Business and Professions Code Section 7574.01(g)(1).

Legal Requirements: What the Law Says

Understanding the specific statutes governing badge and patch designs helps you create compliant submissions the first time.

Business and Professions Code Section 7582.26

This section prohibits private security personnel from using any title, wearing any insignia, or making any statement that could create the impression of connection with federal, state, or local government agencies. The law specifically requires:

• Badges may only be worn while engaged in guard or patrol work
• Badges must be worn only while in a distinctive uniform
• Patches reading “Private Security” must appear on each shoulder
• A badge or cloth patch must be worn on the upper left breast
• All designs must receive director approval
• Badges can only be displayed on the upper left breast (not on chains, belts, or elsewhere)

Business and Professions Code Section 7582.27

For personnel carrying batons or exposed firearms, additional requirements apply. These individuals must wear patches on each arm that read “Private Security” and include the company name. These patches must remain clearly visible at all times.

Business and Professions Code Section 7582.28

Any badge or cap insignia must be director-approved and bear the licensee’s distinctive name and an employee identification number. This allows the licensee to identify any specific employee by their badge number.

Violation Penalties

The Bureau director may assess fines of $250 per violation for non-compliance with badge and patch requirements. Multiple violations can quickly become expensive, making it crucial to get approval before ordering any items.

Design Requirements Checklist

Before creating your design submissions, review this comprehensive checklist to ensure compliance:

Badge Design Requirements

✅ Must Include:

• Company name or distinctive word indicating the licensee
• Unique employee identification number
• Sequential numbering system (001, 002, 003, etc.)
• Readable text from a reasonable distance

✅ Size Specifications:

• Minimum size: 2 inches by 3 inches
• Font must be large enough for distance readability
• Employee numbers must be distinctive and clearly visible

❌ Prohibited Elements:

• No Great Seal of the State of California
• No seals, emblems, or acronyms similar to government agencies
• No designs that could create confusion with law enforcement
• No marks, letters, words, or drawings superimposed on U.S. flags (if included)

Patch Design Requirements

✅ Must Include:

• Full company name exactly as printed on your BSIS license
• The words “Private Security” (clearly readable)
• Professional, standard design

✅ Size Specifications:

• Minimum size: 3 inches by 4 inches
• Text must be readable from a reasonable distance
• Company name and “Private Security” must be prominent

❌ Prohibited Elements:

• Same restrictions as badges regarding government symbols
• Cannot resemble law enforcement or government agency patches
• No Great Seal of California
• No unauthorized use of U.S. flag imagery

Cap Insignia Design Requirements

✅ Must Include:

• Company name or distinctive word
• Employee identification number

✅ Size Specifications:

• Minimum size: 2 inches by 2 inches
• Readable from reasonable distance

❌ Prohibited Elements:

• Same restrictions as badges and patches

Professional security officer badges worn by private security personnel must receive BSIS approval to ensure they meet identification standards and cannot be confused with law enforcement.

Step 1: Prepare Your Design Submissions

Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Stakeholders: Design team, company owner/officer, legal review

Proper preparation of your design submissions is crucial for approval. The Bureau requires specific documentation to evaluate your designs.

Create Full-Size, Full-Color Samples

Your submission must include exact replicas of what will be manufactured:

For Physical Samples:

• Print or create samples at actual size (not scaled down)
• Use actual colors that will appear on final products
• Match materials when possible (metallic for badges, fabric for patches)
• Include all text, numbers, and graphic elements
• Ensure clarity and readability

For Digital Submissions:

• High-resolution images (300 DPI minimum)
• PDF or JPG format
• Actual size specifications noted
• Color-accurate representations
• All design elements clearly visible

Design Multiple Variations

If you plan to use different badge numbers, you only need to show one example with a sample number. However, if you want to offer multiple design options to employees or have different designs for different service types or officers ranks, submit each variation separately.

Document Design Specifications

Create a design specification sheet for your records that includes:

• Exact dimensions
• Color specifications (Pantone codes if applicable)
• Font names and sizes
• Material specifications
• Placement guidelines

While police officer badges feature distinctive law enforcement designs, private security badges must be clearly different to maintain public safety.

Step 2: Create Your Formal Request Letter

Timeline: 1 day
Stakeholders: Company owner, partner, or corporate officer

The Bureau requires a formal written request letter accompanying your design submissions. This letter must meet specific requirements regarding content and authorization.

Letter Requirements

Your request letter must include:

1. Specific Item List: Clearly state which items you’re submitting (badge, patch, cap insignia, or combination)
2. Date: Current date when the letter is written
3. Authorized Signature: Must be signed by the appropriate person based on your business structure

Who Can Sign the Request Letter

The signature authority depends on your license structure:

• Sole Ownership: Owner must sign
• Partnership: Any partner associated with the license may sign
• Corporation: Any officer associated with the license may sign

Unauthorized signatures will result in rejection and delays.

Download Sample Request Letter Template

What’s Included in the Template:

• Proper letterhead formatting guidelines
• Correct BSIS mailing address
• All required statement elements
• Compliance language
• Signature block formatting
• Fields for your company information

Step 3: Submit Your Application for Review

Timeline: 1 day
Stakeholders: Administrative staff, authorized company representative

Once approved, you can confidently order your BSIS-compliant badges for distribution to employees.

Once your designs and letter are prepared, you’re ready to submit to the Bureau.

Submission Methods

The Bureau accepts submissions via two methods:

Mail Submission:

Email Submission:

Send to: bsis@dca.ca.gov
Subject Line: “Badge and Patch Review – [Company Name] – License #[XXXXX]”

What to Include in Your Submission Package

Physical Mail Package:

• Signed request letter (original signature)
• Full-size, full-color badge sample or printout
• Full-size, full-color patch sample or printout
• Full-size, full-color cap insignia sample (if applicable)
• Return envelope with your address (optional, for faster response)

Need assistance creating compliant designs? Professional custom badge design services can help ensure your badges meet all BSIS requirements from the start.

Email Package:

• Scanned signed request letter (PDF format)
• High-resolution images of badge design (300 DPI, actual size noted)
• High-resolution images of patch design (300 DPI, actual size noted)
• High-resolution images of cap insignia design (300 DPI, actual size noted)

Submission Best Practices

Do:

• Keep copies of everything you submit
• Note your submission date for tracking purposes
• Use tracking for mailed submissions
• Request read receipts for email submissions
• Include comprehensive contact information

Don’t:

• Submit without authorized signatures
• Send only partial information
• Order manufactured items before approval
• Submit without reviewing the full checklist
• Forget to specify which items need review

Step 4: Wait for Bureau Response

Timeline: 2-4 weeks (average)
Stakeholders: Company owner, administrative staff

After submitting your designs, the Bureau will review them for compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.

What Happens During Review

The Bureau’s Badge and Patch Review division examines your submission for:

• Compliance with size requirements
• Proper inclusion of mandatory text elements
• Absence of prohibited symbols or imagery
• Readability of company name and employee numbers
• Overall appearance and potential for public confusion
• Adherence to Business and Professions Code sections

Possible Outcomes

Approval:

You’ll receive written notification that your design(s) have been approved. This approval letter should be kept on file permanently. You may now order or manufacture your badges, patches, and insignia.

Conditional Approval:

Sometimes the Bureau approves designs with minor notes or recommendations. Follow any guidance provided to ensure full compliance.

Rejection with Explanation:

If designs don’t meet requirements, the Bureau will explain what needs to change. Common rejection reasons include text too small, prohibited symbols present, or designs too similar to law enforcement insignia.

Tracking Your Submission

While the Bureau doesn’t provide online tracking, you can:

• Note your submission date and expect responses within 2-4 weeks
• Call the Bureau at (916) 322-4000 or (800) 952-5210 if no response after 4 weeks
• Reference your license number when inquiring about status
• Check email regularly for electronic responses

Step 5: Make Revisions if Needed

Timeline: 1 week for revisions + 2-4 weeks for re-review
Stakeholders: Design team, company owner/officer

If your initial submission receives a rejection or request for modifications, don’t be discouraged. This is a normal part of the process for many companies.

Understanding Rejection Reasons

The Bureau typically provides specific feedback about why designs were not approved:

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Text too small to read from reasonable distance
• Employee identification numbers not distinctive enough
• Company name not exactly matching license
• “Private Security” text missing or too small on patches
• Symbols resembling law enforcement or government agencies
• Great Seal of California included
• Designs too complex or ornate
• Colors or layouts similar to police badges

Making Effective Revisions

When revising your designs:

1. Address Every Issue Mentioned: Don’t just fix some problems and hope the others are overlooked. Address each specific concern raised by the Bureau.
2. Simplify Rather Than Complicate: If your design was rejected for complexity, make it simpler, not just different. Clean, professional designs have higher approval rates.
3. Increase Text Size: When in doubt, make text larger. Readability is paramount to the Bureau.
4. Remove Questionable Elements: If any symbol or design element might be interpreted as government-related, remove it entirely.
5. Get Feedback Before Resubmitting: Consider showing revised designs to colleagues or industry professionals before resubmission.

Resubmission Process

Follow the same submission process as your initial application:

• New signed request letter referencing your previous submission
• Updated full-size, full-color samples
• Note what changes were made in response to Bureau feedback
• Submit to the same address or email

Common Mistakes That Delay Approval

Learning from others’ errors can save you significant time and money. Here are the most frequent mistakes companies make during the BSIS approval process:

Design-Related Mistakes

1. Text Too Small

Many companies create visually appealing designs but forget that text must be readable from several feet away. Officers checking identification need to see company names and badge numbers clearly.

2. Unofficial Seals or Emblems

Adding eagles, shields, stars, or other symbols commonly used by law enforcement creates instant rejection risk. Keep designs simple and commercial-looking, not official or governmental.

3. Wrong Company Name

Your badge and patch must show your company name exactly as it appears on your BSIS license. Abbreviations, nicknames, or variations will be rejected.

4. Missing “Private Security” Text

Patches must prominently display “Private Security” along with your company name. This critical text distinguishes private security from law enforcement.

5. Non-Sequential Badge Numbers

Random badge numbers or identification systems that don’t allow tracking individual employees will be rejected. Use simple sequential numbers: 001, 002, 003, etc.

Process-Related Mistakes

6. Ordering Before Approval

This is the most expensive mistake. Companies that order hundreds or thousands of badges before Bureau approval often face complete losses when designs are rejected.

7. Unauthorized Signatures

Request letters signed by employees, managers, or others without proper authority result in automatic rejection regardless of design quality.

8. Incomplete Submissions

Submitting only a badge without the required patch, or forgetting to include cap insignia when you plan to use them, creates delays requiring new submissions.

9. Wrong Size Samples

Sending scaled-down images or samples makes it impossible for the Bureau to evaluate actual size and readability. Always submit full-size samples.

10. No Contact Information

Failing to include phone numbers and email addresses prevents the Bureau from requesting clarifications, leading to slower processing or outright rejection.

Compliance-Related Mistakes

11. Forgetting Local Requirements

Some California cities and counties have additional uniform and insignia requirements beyond BSIS standards. Failing to check local rules can mean starting over after Bureau approval.

12. Using Approved Designs Incorrectly

Even after approval, badges must only be worn on the upper left breast while in uniform during guard or patrol work. Improper use still violates regulations.

Local Jurisdiction Additional Requirements

While BSIS approval is mandatory statewide, some California cities, counties, and municipalities impose additional requirements for private security uniforms and insignia.

Why Local Requirements Exist

California Business and Professions Code Section 7583.38 specifically allows local jurisdictions to establish their own private security uniform and insignia requirements in addition to state-level BSIS standards.

Local governments implement these extra requirements to:

• Address specific community concerns about security officer identification
• Prevent confusion with local law enforcement uniforms
• Maintain consistent standards within their jurisdiction
• Respond to past incidents or community feedback

Checking Local Requirements

Before finalizing your designs, contact the police department or business licensing office in each city or county where you plan to operate. Ask specifically:

• “Does [City/County] have additional requirements for private security badges and patches beyond BSIS standards?”
• “Do you require local approval of uniform designs?”
• “Are there any prohibited colors, styles, or design elements specific to this jurisdiction?”
• “What is the approval process and timeline for local uniform review?”

Major Jurisdictions with Known Additional Requirements

While requirements change periodically, several California jurisdictions have historically maintained additional standards:

Large Cities:

Major metropolitan areas often have specific regulations. Always check with:

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Sacramento
• Oakland
• San Jose

County Sheriffs:

Some county sheriff’s departments review security company uniforms to ensure they don’t resemble deputy uniforms.

Timing Local Approvals

The most efficient approach is to:

1. Research local requirements during your design phase
2. Design badges and patches that meet both BSIS and local standards
3. Submit to BSIS first for state approval
4. After receiving BSIS approval, submit to local jurisdictions if required
5. Wait for all approvals before ordering manufactured items

This sequential approach prevents the frustration of receiving BSIS approval only to have local jurisdictions require changes.

Timeline and Processing Expectations

Understanding the full timeline helps you plan appropriately for launching your security company or updating existing uniforms.

Complete Process Timeline

Week 1-2: Design and Preparation

• Create badge, patch, and cap insignia designs
• Prepare full-size, full-color samples
• Draft and review request letter
• Gather all required documentation

Week 3: Submission

• Submit application package to BSIS
• Retain copies of all materials
• Note submission date for tracking

Week 4-7: Bureau Review

• Average processing time: 2-4 weeks
• Bureau reviews for compliance
• May request clarifications or additional information

Week 8-9: Response and Decision

• Receive approval, conditional approval, or rejection
• If approved, proceed to ordering
• If rejected, begin revision process

Week 10-11: Revisions (if needed)

• Make required design changes
• Resubmit following same process
• Additional 2-4 week review period

Week 12+: Manufacturing and Distribution

• Order approved badges and patches
• Distribute to employees
• Maintain approval documentation

Factors Affecting Timeline

Faster Processing:

• Clear, simple designs with obvious compliance
• Complete, properly formatted submissions
• Authorized signatures and correct contact information
• Standard designs similar to previously approved items

Slower Processing:

• Complex or borderline designs requiring additional review
• Incomplete submissions needing follow-up
• Unauthorized signatures requiring resubmission
• High submission volumes during certain periods
• Designs with questionable elements needing legal review

Planning Your Launch

For new Private Patrol Operator licensees:

• Begin design work while awaiting your PPO license approval
• Don’t submit badge/patch designs until you have your license number
• Plan for 2-3 months total timeline from design to wearing approved items
• Build this timeline into your business launch schedule

For existing companies updating designs:

• Continue using currently approved items during the review process
• Don’t discontinue old designs until new ones receive approval
• Plan employee transition period when new items arrive
• Collect and properly dispose of old badges when transitioning

Key Takeaways

Badge approval is just one requirement—see our complete guide on starting a security company in the United States for all licensing requirements.

Conclusion

Navigating the BSIS badge and patch approval process requires attention to detail, patience, and careful compliance with California regulations. While the process may seem complex at first, understanding each requirement and following the step-by-step procedures outlined in this guide will help you achieve approval efficiently.

Remember that these requirements exist to protect both the public and the private security industry. Clear identification of security personnel through properly designed and approved badges and patches builds trust, prevents confusion with law enforcement, and demonstrates your company’s professionalism and commitment to regulatory compliance.

By investing the time to create compliant designs from the start, submitting complete applications with proper authorization, and waiting for approval before ordering manufactured items, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and position your security company for long-term success in California’s regulated private security industry.

October 23rd, 2025 by OwlBadgesAdmin Industry Standards & Compliance