As you probably know, lock picking and bumping are methods used in opening a lock without the original key. For lock picking, it requires lockpick tools, while bumping involves using a special key known as Bump Key.
Though these methods of bypassing a lock’s security were not intended for nefarious acts, so is the case today, unfortunately. Burglars can break into homes by picking the front door locks or bumping them.
For this reason, some States (and indeed some parts of the world) have rules regulating possession of lock pick sets, Bump keys, and the like.
So in this article, we want to find out the States that allow individuals to own lock pick tools/bump keys and those that don’t.
First off, here are short but precise answers to questions you may want to find the answers quickly:
Is it Illegal to Own a Lock Pick Set?
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The answer is yes and no. YES, if the laws of your State of residence permit individuals to own lock picking tools and NO if your State laws do not permit.
Are Bump Keys Illegal?
Depending on the laws of your State of residence, owning Bump keys could be legal or Illegal. In some cases, only licensed locksmiths may own these tools.
What States Are Lock Picks and Bump Keys Illegal?
As per our findings, it’s illegal to own or carry lock picks, Bump keys, and other similar tools in the following states:
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Virginia
It is considered “prima facie evidence” to own these tools (lock picks, Bump keys, etc.). That is, you may have to prove you weren’t intending to use them for burglary.
Is it Illegal to Own Bolt Cutters?
In most states, it’s not illegal to own or carry bolt cutters, so long as the possessor shows no intent of using the tools in the commission of a crime.
That said, the next few paragraphs provide more details about lock pick tools and Bump keys possession in each State—based on the existing laws.
Possession of Lock Picks, Bump Keys, and Other Tools: Rules Per State
Alabama
In Alabama, possession of lock pick tools is legal. Individuals may own lock picking tools, Bump keys, lock drills, and any tool or instrument that could be used to forcefully gain entry into premises.
However, it’s illegal if a person found with these tools has the intent of committing a crime (burglary).
Alaska
Possession of lock pick tools, Bump keys, and the like is legal in Alaska, so long as the possessor has no intent to use the tools for nefarious acts (burglary).
A further interpretation of this rule could mean that individuals suspected of using such tools for nefarious acts may go through court proceedings to prove if they’re guilty.
Arkansas
There are no specific laws about possession of lock pick tools, Bump keys, and the like in Arkansas. So this could suggest that anyone can purchase and own lock pick sets tools.
Arizona
Purchasing and owning Bump keys and lock pick tools isn’t illegal in Arizona.
However, the law provides that anyone in possession of such tools and intending to commit any form of burglary commits a crime—possession of burglary tools, which is illegal.
California
It’s not illegal to purchase and own lock pick tools, Bump keys, bolt cutters, and the like in California. But a person is charged with a misdemeanor if there’s intent to use the tools to break or enter a building without due permission.
Colorado
Possession of lock picking tools and Bump keys is legal in Colorado. But like other States, it’s illegal when there’s intent to break into one’s home/premises with the same tools.
Connecticut
Though legal to own lock picking sets, Bump keys, bolt cutters, etc., in Connecticut, it’s against the law to have an intent to break into someone’s home/premises—with the tools.
South Carolina (District of Columbia)
Individuals can own lock picking tools and Bump keys, so long as there is no intent to use them to commit a crime, such as unlawful entry into one’s premises.
Delaware
While it’s legal for individuals to own lock pick sets, Bump keys, and the like in Delaware, it becomes illegal if there’s intent to use such tools to break into a building or access any premises without due permission.
It’s also contrary to the rules if the tools are already being used to gain forced entry into a building.
Florida
Individuals can own Bump keys and lock pick sets in Florida—it’s not illegal. But a person shall be guilty of a felony if found he possesses such tools with the intent to use them to commit burglary.
Georgia
In Georgia, individuals can own lock picking tools and Bump keys, so long the same tools are not used for committing a crime.
Hawaii
Possession of lock picking tools, Bump keys and the like is not illegal in Hawaii. However, it becomes a crime if an individual uses such a tool or instrument to enter a building/premises without due approval.
Iowa
Residents of Iowa can own lock picking tools and Bump keys—it’s legal. But such tools must not be used or intended to be used for nefarious acts. Otherwise, it becomes a crime.
Idaho
Like most other US States, owning lockpicks isn’t illegal. But the law is against anyone who owns such tools with the intent to unlock someone’s door unlawfully.
Illinois
While it’s legal for individuals to own lock picking sets, including Bump keys in Illinois, it becomes illegal if there’s intent to use the tools to gain unpermitted entry into one’s property.
More so, knowingly selling a key or other tools designed to aid burglary is an offense—Unlawful Sales of Burglary tools.
Indiana
There’s no specific law regulating the use/possession of lock pick sets and Bump keys in India. This may well mean that anyone can own lock pick sets. However, using them to break into one’s premises is not the way to go and might well be against the law.
Kansas
In Kansas, possession of lockpicks and Bump keys is not prohibited but illegal to use the same tools for nefarious acts—unauthorized entry, etc.
Kentucky
Kentucky is no different from most other States; individual possession of lock pick sets and Bump keys isn’t illegal. But possession of these tools with intent to break into someone’s property is unlawful.
Louisiana
It’s not illegal to own lockpicks and Bump keys in Louisiana, but it’s contrary to the law if there’s intent to use the tools for nefarious acts such as breaking into one’s premises.
Massachusetts
The State of Massachusetts allows individuals to own lock picking tools, Bump keys, and other similar tools. But using the same tools to break into a building, room, vault, or open a safe to steal any property is contrary to the law.
Maryland
Unless there’s intent to use the tools for burglary and/or burglary-related acts, owning lock pick sets, bolt cutters, or Bump keys is not prohibited in Maryland.
Maine
A person can own lock picking sets and/or Bump keys in Maine; it’s not illegal, so long as the tools aren’t used for any crime or show intent to use them to commit a crime.
Michigan
If you live in Michigan, you can own Bump keys or lock pick sets—it’s not illegal. Though it becomes unlawful if there’s intent to use the lockpicks or Bump keys to gain forced entry into a building, vehicle, vault, safe, etc.
Minnesota
Possession of lock pick tools, Bump keys, and other burglary-related tools with the intent to use them to break into a building is unlawful. That is, individuals may own lock pick sets and the like, but it’s unlawful to use them or plan to use them for theft.
Missouri
Anyone can own Bump keys and lock pick tools in Missouri, so long as there’s no intent to use them for theft.
Mississippi
Unlike most other States, it’s illegal to own lock pick sets, Bump keys, and other burglary-related tools in Mississippi.
A person found in possession of these instruments may have to counter prima facie evidence of intent—if the tools are hidden.
Montana
In Montana, anyone can own lock pick sets and Bump keys. It’s not illegal to own them but it’s contrary to the law if there’s intent to use them for theft or gain unpermitted entry into a building, vehicle, vault, safe, and the like.
North Carolina
North Carolina does not prohibit possession of lockpick tools, including Bump keys, Drills, etc. However, using such tools for lock picking must be free. Otherwise, you’re expected to get licensed as a locksmith to render services with the tools.
Even so, using lock picks with the intent of malicious acts is unlawful.
North Dakota
There are no laws about possession of lock pick tools and Bump keys in North Dakota. So it probably means it’s not illegal to own a lock pick set and the like.
Nebraska
Anyone can own lock pick sets and Bump keys in Nebraska, so long as there’s no intent to use or permit the use of the same tools for theft.
New Hampshire
As long as you’re not using the tools (lockpicks and Bump keys) in the commission of a crime or intending to commit a crime, it’s legal to own them.
New Jersey
Anyone can own Bump keys and/or lock pick sets in New Jersey; it’s not illegal. However, any plan to use the same tools to break into a building is unlawful.
New Mexico
It’s legal to purchase and own lockpick tools, Bump keys, bolt cutters, and other similar tools. But as you know, it’s unlawful to use them for burglary or burglary-related acts.
Nevada
While it’s not completely illegal to own lock pick sets and Bump keys in Nevada, a possessor may have to counter prima facie evidence that there’s no intent to use such tools or allow the same to be used in the commission of a crime.
New York
Individuals can own lock pick tools and Bump keys in New York; it’s not illegal. But it’s contrary to the law to plan or allow such tools to be used for burglary and the like.
Ohio
Anyone who possesses lock pick sets and/or Bump keys may have to prove that there was no intent to use such tools to break into a building or commit any crime.
So it’s somewhat legal to own these tools but you may have to “counter prima facie evidence”.
Oklahoma
Except there’s intent to use the lock pick sets and Bump keys to invade a home/property unlawfully, it’s legal to own them in Oklahoma.
Oregon
Possession of lock pick tools, Bump keys and the like is not illegal in Oregon. But you must not use or intend to use the same tools to break into premises without due permission.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has no specific rules regulating possession of lock picking tools, Bump keys, bolt cutters, etc.
Rhode Island
You can buy and own lockpicks, Bump keys in Rhode Island; it’s legal. However, possession of the same tools with the intent to commit a crime is against the law.
South Carolina
Residents of South Carolina can own Bump keys, lock pick sets, drills, bolt cutters, and the like. It’s legal to own these tools, as long as there’s no intent to use them or allow the same tools to be used in the commission of a crime—such as burglary.
South Dakota
It’s not unlawful to own lock pick sets and/or Bump keys in South Dakota. But possession of such tools with the intent to break into a building, safe, vault, etc., is illegal.
Tennessee
If you’re looking to own lock picking tools, Bump keys, bolt cutters, and the like—to offer services for profit, you must be licensed. That is, only licensed locksmiths may own and use lockpicks.
Individuals may well own and use lockpicks, so long as it’s not for profit and commission of a crime.
Texas
Possession of lockpicks, Bump keys, bolt cutters, and other related tools is legal in Texas. However, it’s illegal for a possessor to use, or intend to use the tools housebreaking.
Utah
In Utah, it’s legal for a person to purchase and own lock pick sets, Bump keys, bolt cutters, and other tools that can bypass a lock’s security. But as you know, using them for nefarious acts is contrary to the law.
Virginia
Apart from a licensed dealer, a person who possesses housebreaking tools such as lockpicks, Bump keys, and bolt cutters in Virginia—shall be “prima facie evidence”.
This means the possessor may have to prove there was no intent to use or allow the use of the same tools for theft.
Vermont
Anyone can own lockpicks, Bump keys, bolt cutters, and other similar tools in Vermont. It’s not illegal to own them, so long as you do not plan to use them to break into one’s property.
Washington
Like many other US States, individuals may own lockpicks, Bump keys, bolt cutters, etc. But it’s unlawful to use or intend to use the tools for burglary.
Wisconsin
One without an intent to commit a crime can buy and own Bump keys, bolt cutters, and lockpicks in Wisconsin.
West Virginia
Anyone can probably own lock picking sets, Bump keys, and bolt cutters in West Virginia, as they’re no specific laws regulating the use of these tools.
But keep in mind that using them to gain unpermitted entry into a building/premises is unlawful.
Wyoming
Anyone can own lock pick sets, Bump keys, and other similar tools in Wyoming. But using them or showing an intent to use them for housebreaking and other related crimes is contrary to the law.
Final Words
So that’s it! As you can see, most of the States allow individuals to own lock pick sets and Bump keys, but you must not plan or use them for theft or break into premises without due authorization.
References:
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Disclaimer:
Please note that this article is mainly for informational purposes. We do not claim to be lawyers or any authority responsible for lock picks ownership rules. We’re simply presenting the rules to you as set up by relevant authorities—which may well change in the future.
You may want to check official sources for accuracy—before reaching any decision about getting lock picking tools.
