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.

[Mousehouse]

In Oklahoma the state regulates locksmiths, alarm, fire, cctv and access control. I don't mind a little regulation but the testing is a joke. I am a locksmith but the testing to get the license has 60 questions on it. You have to score 70% or better. The computer picks from approx 200 questions. The questions are made up of 1/3 state law and 2/3 general locksmith questions. The state wants a new locksmith or trainee to train on the job for 6 months to one year before taking the test. They believe you should be able to learn enough during that time to pass their test. A big problem is if you aren't working in the general locksmith field (residential and some commercial) then you won't pass the test. I don't work in either of those fields. The state doesn't supply any test information or resources. I had to take the test to see what is on it and then I was able to find out what answers I needed to research to pass their test.

All of the books I have were mostly useless. I found one answer in one of them. Some of the questions were found in minutes posted on the Oklahoma Labor Commission web site. A lot of time and effort on my part to pass a 60 question test. Most of the information I researched I will never use again.

[JT156]

Here is some info on Idaho for anyone who needs it.

There is no state licencing for locksmiths. You must follow business laws (business license, insurance, etc.) to run a company.
There is no laws regarding buying/selling/possessing lock picking tools.
Idaho's Burglary Tool law only applies if you have the intent to commit a crime. Here is the law: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat ... 8-1406.htm
Most Peace Officers will not care if you have a lock pick as long as you can show that you do it as a hobby and are not out committing crimes. Common sense rules apply here. If you have a pick set and a couple locks in your glove box driving down the road you should be ok. If you have a pick set, a ski mask, and gloves at 2 am behind a business you may have to answer some questions.

If anyone has questions feel free to PM me.