Title 39 — Postal ServiceRelease 119-73not60
§3002a Nonmailability of Locksmithing Devices
Title 39 › Part IV— MAIL MATTER › Chapter 30— NONMAILABLE MATTER › § 3002a
Summary
Locksmithing tools cannot be sent through the mail. The Postal Service will keep or dispose of them unless they are mailed to one of four kinds of recipients: a lock maker or seller, a real locksmith, a legitimate repossessor, or a car maker or dealer. A "locksmithing device" means one of three things: a tool (not a key) that moves a lock’s tumblers through the keyway, a tool (not a key or the first kind) that opens or bypasses a lock, or a tool that makes an impression to duplicate a key.
Full Legal Text
Title 39, §3002a
Postal Service — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Any locksmithing device is nonmailable mail, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless such device is mailed to—
(1)a lock manufacturer or distributor;
(2)a bona fide locksmith;
(3)a bona fide repossessor; or
(4)a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
(b)For the purpose of this section, “locksmithing device” means—
(1)a device or tool (other than a key) designed to manipulate the tumblers in a lock into the unlocked position through the keyway of such lock;
(2)a device or tool (other than a key or a device or tool under paragraph (1)) designed for the unauthorized opening or bypassing of a lock or similar security device; and
(3)a device or tool designed for making an impression of a key or similar security device to duplicate such key or device.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
39 U.S.C. § 3002a
Title 39 — Postal Service
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60