U.S. state by state legislative map

[thelockoutguys]

Oregon is not on that list and now requires a locksmith license as well as the business must have contractors license.

[xpress]

thanks for the helpful info man!

[marty]

From what I have been able to gather, in 90% of the states, it is NOT illegal to carry a set of lockpicks, however, if you are caught picking a lock...... ANY KIND OF LOCK, then you'd better be able to prove that you are a licensed locksmith. I think this applies to all states but not to Washington, DC. It IS illegal to have a lockpick in your possession in DC unless you are licensed.

If anyone has anything different to add or to contradict, please do so as I am not an expert.......YET!

Most states laws regarding possession lump lock picks among "burglar tools" which they define rather broadly. California's laundry list includes "screwdriver" as well as "picklock" among many other items.

Additionally, in most cases possession in itself isn't a crime without criminal intent. Having lock picks or a crowbar while hanging around the back door of a jewelry store at night would (or at least should) be interpreted differently than having them in your home workshop.

Intent is often left up to a jury to determine. Possession of burglar tools is often used as a back-up charge to burglary, vandalism, or some other crime. This is general advice regarding the majority of US state laws and may vary. A lot is up to the discretion of the police officer stopping you, the prosecuting attorney and ultimately a judge or jury if it gets that far.

[sikcness]

so my state doesnt require a license, does that mean all i need is a business license and i can start my business?

[LocksmithNoobie]

The Associated Locksmiths of America rocks. I've gotten so much information from them and this map makes it simple. As far as state-to-state locksmith licensing requirements, there seems to be an all-out attempt to regulate the entire industry. Some of these states are next to ridiculous with their locksmith training requirements, and others have been trying to pass similar legislation for years. I guess it's just a matter of time Anyhow, I did stumble across this locksmith training website as well: http://www.locksmithtrainingonline.com. They have the state-to-state registration, training and licensing information as well, along with the cost of registration and requirements. They also seem to stay on top of pending legislation.

[JRock]

So can anyone tell me if a license is required in California?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. I tried really hard. Great info. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[midflorida]

I am sure that one of the reasons ALOA is behind licensing is that, they want locksmiths to have to take courses, which is something they do, then that would make all locksmiths join ALOA, increasing their power.
They argue that licensing locksmiths will stop scammers, but it hasn't happened in california and it is a very weak argument.
We don't have licensing in Florida, and the scammers have fake florida addresses and work mainly out of new york

[Squelchtone]

Old information so If anyone is wondering. Virginia does require Licensing. You will need a personal license, business license and also a Compliance agent for record keeping.