Is It Illegal To Own A Lock Pick Set And Bump Keys? (Find Out Now!)

You need access to your stuff. And it’s your right to pick to the lock. But what happens when you need a lock pick set? Is it even legal to own one in your state?

Each state has different laws regarding lock pick sets and bump keys. Usually, you can own one as long as you show intent to use it only on your personal property. However, it’s essential to review the laws because they can change at any time.

Can You Buy a Lock Pick?

Is Owning a Lock Pick Set Illegal?

Lock Pick Laws By State

Here is a quick reference guide to the lock pick laws in each state:

Alabama

It’s legal to own and use a lock pick set in AL. However, you must show intent with documentation to avoid criminal prosecution. It’s all listed under Alabama Code § 13-A-78.

Alaska

You can buy and use lock pick sets and bump keys in Alaska as long as you have a valid reason. Meanwhile, AK Statute 2006 – Sec. 11.46.315 says you could get into trouble if you use your equipment for a crime.

Arkansas

Arkansas law says you can have and use lock picks all you want. AR is one of the few states that does not have any specific rules regarding lock-breaking items. That may be changed soon, though.

Arizona

Arizona recently revised its statutes on owning and using lock pick sets in the state. According to Statute 13-1505, you have one if you need it. But don’t get caught with one during a crime, or it’s automatic jail time.

California

California Penal Code – §s 466-469 lists details about lock pick sets and bump keys. In CA, you can purchase and use them at will. But like in other states, you’ll get into extra trouble if you use them used in the commission of a crime.

Colorado

Colorado lock pick laws are similar to those in Arizona and California. You can buy one and use it to access your stuff as long as your intent is wholesome. Further, you can get in trouble for selling them without a permit.

Connecticut

It’s a class A misdemeanor to buy or sell lock pick sets without a clear and lawful intent in the state of Connecticut. Under Code § 53a-106, you can incur severe penalties if you can’t prove how you used it.

District of Columbia (DC.)

You can’t own lock pickers or bump keys in Washington DC if your intentions are criminal. See District of Columbia Official Code – § 22-2501 for more detailed information about rights and responsibilities.

Delaware

Delaware lets its citizens own lock-breaking tools as long as their goals are lawful. And if you commit a crime with lock picking tools in your pocket, lawmakers may impose penalties or extra jail time.

Florida

Florida Statute § 810.06 makes special mention of consumer lock pick sets. While locksmiths are not as closely regulated, citizens must be careful about how and when they use their tools.

Georgia

If you commit an offense in Georgia with lock-breaking tools, it usually means an enhanced sentence. However, if you use those same tools for lawful purposes, it means no consequences whatsoever.

Hawaii

Possession of burglar’s tools is punishable by law in the state of Hawaii. Few local stores sell supplies, and many locksmiths are by appointment only. However, you can purchase, make, and use lock-picking tools on your stuff.

Iowa

It’s an aggravated misdemeanor to use burglar’s tools in Iowa. That means you can possess the items you need, but you can’t use them to commit a crime. And the consequences are similar to those in most other states.

Idaho

Idaho doesn’t just count lock picks in its list of burglary tools. Crowbars and keys get mentioned as well. You can have and use them all, but they can count possession of each one against you in a court of law.

Illinois

It’s lawful to buy lock picks in Illinois, although they’re typically hard to find. But it’s illegal to sell them without a license, and you could get in trouble if you have one at the wrong time. See IL Code 720 ILCS § 19-2 for more information.

Indiana

Indiana is one of the few states without a specific law about buying or using lock-breaking gear. However, prosecutors can still view possession of certain items as a reason to increase penalties for crimes.

Kansas

Unlike other states, Kansas law requires fingerprints from every citizen who buys a lock pick set. Restrictions help state officials keep track of criminal activity and solve crimes faster. So, you can have one, but they’re watching you.

Kentucky

You can break into your property in Kentucky without a problem. You can even break into other people’s stuff if they ask for it. But you must show intent and refrain from breaking laws to avoid facing criminal charges.

Louisiana

Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:95A states that it’s illegal to own or use weapons or burglary tools in the commission of a crime. But, citizens are free to use those same tools to gain access to their private property.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 §4 lays out the details for its citizens. It states that they can buy lock pick sets from licensed merchants and use them at will. But possession of the tools can make penalities worse during criminal proceedings.

Maryland

It’s legal to purchase lock picking equipment in MD. You can use it for any private property without causing a stir. But like other states, you can get in more trouble if you have one while committing a crime.

Maine

Maine takes regulation of burglary tools a step further. You can use them for wholesome reasons, and you can even make your own. But the state can impose harsher penalties for those convicted of property crimes.

Michigan

It’s the same in Michigan as it is in many other states. MI officials made lock pick sets accessible to the public for private use. However, you can’t use bump keys or lock-breakers to commit crimes without extra penalties.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, you can go to jail for possessing lock pick tools while committing a civil or criminal offense. Meanwhile, lawmakers don’t mind if you buy and use one to break into your stuff.

Missouri

Like most other states, Missouri gives people the freedom to choose lawful or unlawful behavior. You can purchase, make, and use lock-breakers, but you can’t do any of that to break the law.

Mississippi

Mississippi laws are somewhat complex by comparison to other states. There, the lock pick possessor may have to counter prima facie evidence of intent. But that’s only if their picks are “concealed.” You can find more details in Mississippi Code § 97-17-35.

Montana

You have to prove your intentions to own lock picking tools in Montana legally. And if something happens where your innocence is in question, possession of those tools may not look good in court.

North Carolina

North Carolina (NC) doesn’t have any specific laws about bump keys or lock picking equipment. However, they closely regulate the locksmithing industry. And they may also impose harsher penalties for burglary crimes.

North Dakota

North Dakota is one of the few states to lack regulations on locksmithing gear. There are no provisions either way, and possession of lock picking tools isn’t always considered evidence of guilt in the ND court of law.

Nebraska

If you knowingly possess lock picking tools and commit a crime, you could see your charges increased. See Nebraska Revised Statutes – § 28-508 for more detailed information on how the law works.

New Hampshire

NH lock picking laws are similar to those in most other states. You’re free to buy, sell, and use the tools as long as your intentions are pure. But get caught with one while committing a crime, and it’s another story.

New Jersey

Forcible entry is unlawful in states like New Jersey. You can use your lock-breaking gear to get into somewhere you don’t belong. However, you can use the equipment to gain lawful access to your private property.

New Mexico

New Mexico Statutes and Court Rules § 30-16-5 mentions locksmithing equipment specifically. Citizens can use the tools for their private property. But possessing lock picking gear during criminal activity may become a fourth-degree felony.

Nevada

Lock pick holder may have to counter prima facie evidence of intent to satisfy Nevada lawmakers. Check out Nevada Revised Statutes § 205.080 for more information.

New York

Use bump keys and lock-picking tools all you want in the state of New York. Just be careful not to break any laws while they’re on your person because that could spell extra trouble.

Ohio

People who want to buy or use locksmithing tools must counter prima facie evidence for intent in Ohio. It’s one of the few states that take such drastic measures to protect its citizens.

Oklahoma

You must show intent for purchasing lock picking tools in Oklahoma. And you can face severe penalties if you break the law while using them.

Oregon

Burglary tools – that’s what lock pick sets get called when you have them during the commission of a crime. Otherwise, they’re just called locksmithing tools, and they’re perfectly legal to own.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania doesn’t have any specific laws regulating locksmith gear or burglary tools. You can buy, sell, trade, make, or use whatever you need. Just please act responsibly.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island doesn’t want its citizens making, repairing, or possessing burglary tools. But the state doesn’t mind if you have tools that help you gain access to locked private property.

South Carolina

South Carolina (SC) copies Rhode Island’s laws regarding lock pick sets and bump keys. They are legal to own and use in most cases. But see Rhode Island Code § 11-8-7 to get more specific details.

South Dakota

It’s a felony to use lock pick tools to commit a crime in South Dakota. Otherwise, it’s legal to own devices for picking locks in this state.

Tennessee

TN has strict laws that target scam locksmiths. Possession of equipment may be punishable by law if you don’t have a license. And that’s especially true if you pick locks for money.

Texas

You can’t use criminal instruments, but you can use a lock pick set to gain access to your stuff in Texas. Laws prohibiting unlawful use are stringent, though.

Utah

The same goes for Utah as in most other states. Tools for breaking locks are lawful as long as you don’t use them to commit crimes. If so, the penalties are harsh.

Virginia

Like a few other states, you must have a counter prima facie evidence of intent to own or use tools for picking locks in Virginia. Check out VA Code § 18.2-94 to find out more.

Vermont

You have to prove intent somehow to use lock-picking tools in Vermont. And if you use the equipment to break the law, you could face steep fines or criminal charges.

Washington

Washington is like most other states when it comes to its citizens owning tools to pick locks. Use them responsibly, and it’s okay. Choose a criminal activity, and the story changes.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin lawmakers say “yes” to owning lock pick sets and bump keys. But they regulate use with strict rules and harsh punishments for breaking laws with your equipment.

West Virginia

West Virginia doesn’t have any specific laws for buying, selling, owning, or using locksmith gear. There’s also no mention of harsher punishments for using them to break the rules.

Wyoming

Wyoming expects its citizens to act civilized with lock picking equipment. The state allows free possession and use but can’t act irresponsibly or break the law with your tools.

Remember, you can damage a lock by picking it if you’re not careful. So, ask a licensed locksmith for help.

Regain Access to Your Stuff

It doesn’t matter what type of lock you’re picking. And it always helps to have the right tools. So, gain access to your stuff again without breaking the law.

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