Is it illegal to own lock picks in California?

Answer 1

Simple possession of lockpicks is legal in California. [1]

However, possession with intent to break and enter is a misdemeanor. [1]

Also, locksmiths must be licensed by the state, but I couldn't find any penalties related to that. [2]

Be aware, "intent" is a very easy thing for the police to prove. Being in a residential neighborhood, even your own, at night, may well see you get arrested for this if the police stop you.

Anecdotally though, I have a very small lockpick set I've been carrying in my wallet for years, once even handing my wallet to the police, and I've never had trouble. On the other hand, I'm not very suspicious looking. I would recommend this set, its tiny and convenient. Order it from out of state, California retailers usually won't sell them without a locksmith license.

Pick set: http://www.hpcworld.com/Picks/p_jkp5.htm

Sources:

[1] California Penal Code 466: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=466-469

[2] CA Dept. of Consumer Affairs:

http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/industries_regulated/locksmith.shtml

I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.

Answer 2

According to Section 466 of the California Penal Code, it is only illegal to possess lock picks (and other items that might be useful in the commission of a burglary) if the possessor has "intent feloniously to break or enter into any building, railroad car, aircraft, or vessel, trailer coach, or vehicle." Be advised, however, that some Californian law enforcement agencies (including the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office) consider the possession of lock picks to be evidence of felonious intent in and of itself.

Answer 3

Yes. They're legal in all 50 states.