Title 39, Postal ServiceRelease 119-102
§3002a Nonmailability of Locksmithing Devices
Title 39 › PART IV — MAIL MATTER › CHAPTER 30 — NONMAILABLE MATTER › § 3002a
Summary
Locksmithing devices cannot be mailed or delivered and will be disposed of by the Postal Service unless sent to lock makers or distributors, locksmiths, repossessors, or motor‑vehicle makers or dealers. A locksmithing device is: a non‑key tool that moves tumblers through a keyway; other non‑key tools that open or bypass locks; or tools that make impressions to copy keys.
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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102