What To Know About Legally Owning Lock Picking Tools

One of the greatest misconceptions about lock picking is that it’s a nefarious hobby that revolves around criminal activity. This, of course, isn’t true, as locksmiths are legitimate business professionals who offer invaluable services to their customers. However, that doesn’t change the fact that some people do use lock picking tools for robbery and other crimes. That’s why many governments have laws about the legality of owning lock picks, car opening tools, and similar devices.

If you’re just starting out in the locksmithing industry, you need to familiarize yourself with local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. Learn what to know about legally owning lock picking tools in your state with this brief overview.

Legality by Statute and Lack of Statute

Owning lock picking tools is technically legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In some states, there are no substantial laws regarding lock picks. This means that lock picking and owning lock picking tools is legal by lack of statute. This is the case in:

• Arkansas
• Indiana
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Every other state in the US has statutes regarding the legality of lock picks, which means there might be extra precautions you have to take if you own lock picking tools. In most states, this means you must have proof of legal intent. In other words, you need to be able to prove that you own and use lock picks for legitimate reasons, such as running a locksmithing business. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on your locksmithing license and always purchase your professional car locksmith tools from trusted, legitimate suppliers.

Prima Facie Laws

In Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, and Virginia, owning lock pick tools can count as prima facie evidence, or proof based on first impression. This means that someone can use your lock pick tools as adequate legal evidence that you have criminal intent. Locksmiths in these areas might have to counter prima facie evidence in order to use their tools without running into legal trouble.

Lockpicking Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee is unique among United States locksmithing laws. It has broad statutes that attempt to prevent scammer locksmiths from making money off of unsuspecting clients. These laws are vague and can lead to complicated interpretations. However, the overarching idea is that anyone who is not a licensed locksmith can only own lock picking tools if they do not intend to make a profit with them. This prevents unlicensed professionals from doing business.

As you can see, it’s crucial to know about the legality of owning lock picking tools in your area. With this knowledge, you can protect yourself and your business with proper licensing and other compliance practices. Locksmith Keyless is here to help further support your business with industry-leading lock picks, car opening tools, and more. Choose Locksmith Keyless as your dependable, one-stop shop for all things lock picking.