Locksmithing/Legal Status

United States
In United States, laws concerning possession of lockpicks vary from state to state. Generally, possession and use of lockpicks is considered equivalent to the possession of a crowbar or other tool that may or may not be used in a burglary. Illegal possession of lockpicks is generally prosecuted as a felony under the category of possession of burglary tools or similar statutes. In many states, simple possession is completely legal as their statutes require proof of intent. In some states, however, possession without appropriate licensure is considered prima facie evidence of intent to commit a crime, rendering simple possession a crime.

California
In California, locksmiths must be licensed by the state. However, simple possession is completely legal, as illegal possession must be coupled with felonious or malicious intent.

Colombia
In Colombia, it is strictly forbidden to possess lock-picking kits, which is considered a felony.

Netherlands
In the Netherlands, owning lock picks is legal, but using them on someone else's locks without permission is not. There is even a lock picking championship, the Dutch Open, which was reported on in the newspapers.

United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, a person who carries a lock pick set (even a home made one) can be charged with the offence of "going equipped", unless they have a good reason for carrying them. The penalty for this can be upward of 7 years' imprisonment.

New Zealand
In New Zealand, possession of lock picking tools "without lawful authority or excuse" falls under the crime of "being … in possession of instrument for burglary", which carries a maximum penalty of three years' prison, if accompanied by the intent to use it for burglary.

European Union
Most countries of the European Union don't regulate the possession of lockpicks. All responsibility concerning criminal or legal acts using the picks is taken by the owner of the lockpicks.

Poland
In Poland according to the delinquency Codeep Act article 129 § 1: is punishable with arrest, freedom limitation or fine. § 3 says that a lockpick is forfeited even if it wasn't a property of the principal.
 * 1) possessing, producing or obtaining a lockpick by a person whose profession and occupation doesn't require it;
 * 2) delivering a lockpick to a person whose profession and occupation doesn't require it;
 * 3) [...]