U.S. state by state legislative map

[Servalite6354]

Yes, what exactly does a "license-required" state mean? What is the license required for - to be a locksmith? Sorry if it's a noob question.

[DPTR]

Each state is different. I will base my example on North Carolina though-

When clicking on the state, click on "Locksmith Licensing Law"

Inside the PDF, there should be a section called "Exemptions" (for this example it is section 74F-16)

Here they list where lockpicking/smithing is allowed without a license. For this example Section 74F-16(5) states

A property owner, or the owner's employee, when providing locksmith services
on the property owner's property, so long as the owner or employee does not represent
himself or herself as a locksmith. For purposes of this section, 'property' means, but is not
limited to, a hotel, motel, apartment, condominium, commercial rental property, and
residential rental property.

I interpret this as you are free to pick locks and use lock picking tools without a license as long as you are on your own property, and do not pose as a locksmith.

If you’re especially concerned, you can always ask a lawyer friend.

[eurolock fan]

Thank God no license needed in West Virginia!

[Imsaffor]

Not so lucky here... California requires a Licence.

Couldn't find anything saying you couldn't have lockpicks though... just stating that you can't run a business as a locksmith without a licence.

[mrlocknkey]

Great post, thankx for the link!

[Slyfox]

Nothing in ND , nothing at all lol. Fantastic.

[Brianpojo56]

Even if your state doesn't require a license, you should be wary about carrying your picks around unless you have a work id or business card that says you (your name) is a locksmith, as they could easily be considered burglary tools. But then again, I almost got in a lot of trouble when I was 14 because I was walking around the neighborhood in the middle of the night with a big flash light. The cop told me that it was a burglary tool and he swore up and down that he knew what I was up to.

[TN Hillbilly]

Virginia will require a license in October if current legislation goes thru. Tennessee requires a license as of July 1st. You cannot legally possess lock by-pass equipment without a locksmith license. Picks, jigglers, and bump keys are specifically mentioned in the statute.

[bcameron]

Virginia came through finally with this. Hopefully the days of trunkslammers who destroy, rip off, and cheat the customers is over. We had all employees fill out the registration forms and fingerprint cards this week to submit.

[bcameron]

I should have said...is going through with this. It is not such a bad thing. There are too many problems with false ads in the phone books for locksmith companies that are 100's if not 1000's of miles away from here. They just call up Johnny come lately who learned everything on his own to come in to the business or residence to try and do the work and they keep a percentage of the total without ever lifting anything more than a phone to say...hello..A1 Locksmiths. No background checks, no telling if he made copies of the keys and sold them to shady individuals, no license, no insurance, no nothing.
I think locksmiths should be licensed and made to carry insurance. What happens if someone who has little or no schooling, no insurance and no license throws a deadbolt on a fire exit door so the business owner stops losing merchandise his employees are stealing? What happens when a fire breaks out and people die because the guy had no idea you couldn't do that? Too many what if's I guess.

[transfer280]

here in tx $425 a year plus insurance (1,0000) plus continuing education
every 2 years , but it does keep alot of shade tree locksmiths out of the picture It cost alot to be a locksmith here in tx

[oi_punk]

much thank to cheeshead

[Lostreb]

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!

[jimm1909]

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. Las Vegas Maps

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

This is my understanding as well, although I am trying to get a definitive answer. Anyone else have any idea?

Thanks in advance,

-Jim

[jimm1909]

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. Las Vegas Maps

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

This is my understanding as well, although I am trying to get a definitive answer. Anyone else have any idea?

Thanks in advance,

-Jim

Any update to this?

-Jim