Repossession Agency License | Research and Process Paperwork With CorpNet (2024)

One of the side effects of having been in an economic recession is that many people haven’t been able to afford to keep up payments on higher-end assets like cars and boats. As a result, the repossession industry has seen burgeoning growth.

A repossession agency contracts with a bank or company to recover personal property sold under a security agreement. Say for example you can’t keep up with your car payments and you default on the loan. The bank has the right to repossess that car and can hire a repossession agency to tow your car and return it as the bank’s property.

You can start a business as a repossession agency, but first, you need a repossession agency license.

Applying for Your Repossession License

As the owner or manager of a repo agency, you need certain business licenses, permits & tax forms approved by your local business license agency. You are also required to meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Undergo a background check
  • Have two years or 4,000 hours of experience in the last five years working for a licensed repo agency
  • Pass an exam related to the laws for repo services

You may need other licenses as well, so make sure you check to find out everything that is required to start a business in your state.

If you want to work as an employee for a repo agency, you need to be at least 18 years old and submit passport-quality photos, as well as your fingerprints for your background check.

Make sure when you work in the repo that you adhere to your state’s laws regarding the process for repossessing property and keep your repossession agency license up to date at all times.

Repossession Agency License | Research and Process Paperwork With CorpNet (2024)

FAQs

What happens if the repo man never finds your car? ›

If the recovery company can't find your car, they contact the lender and let them know they are unsuccessful. Next, your lender is likely to take legal action. Your auto lender can take you to court and get an order that forces you to return the car.

Can you get your car back after repossession in CA? ›

The "right of reinstatement" is somewhat unique to California. "Reinstating the contract" means curing the default that led to the repossession (usually catching up on your missed payments) and paying any repossession related fees. You get your car back and resume monthly payments like normal.

How do I get my repo license in Florida? ›

You must submit with your application proof of successful completion of 40 hours of professional training provided by a recovery agent school or training facility licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Failure to do so will result in the denial of your application.

How much are repossession fees in California? ›

How much are repossession fees in California? Repossession fees just for recovering the vehicle are usually $400-$500 in California, sometimes around $700 if your car is all-wheel drive. The bank will require payment of these repossession fees in order to reinstate your loan.

Do repo people track your car? ›

Repo companies and the repo man heavily rely on sophisticated technology to track vehicles. License plate recognition (LPR) systems, equipped with cameras and database access, scan license plates on public roads, parking lots, and other locations.

How does a repo man find your car without GPS? ›

So, how does the repo man find your car? There are a few methods they use to locate delinquent cars, including tracking devices, public records, databases and sometimes even good old-fashioned detective work.

Does the repo man follow you around? ›

They can follow you when you leave your home. Repossession happens after parking your car for just a few minutes.

What are the repo laws in California? ›

In California, if you default on your car loan, you aren't entitled to notice before a repossession agent takes your car. As soon as you miss a car payment, the lender can arrange to have your car repossessed—the lender doesn't need to get your permission or to tell you in advance.

How do I stop repossession in California? ›

You can reinstate your loan — and stop the repossession — by paying all the missed payments, plus any late fees and unpaid interest. Under California law, you have the right to reinstate your loan at any time before repossession, even if the right to reinstate isn't listed in your loan agreement.

What is the statute of limitations on car repossession debt in California? ›

Generally, the statute of limitation for most consumer debts arising from written contracts in California expires after four years. So, in other words, the California statute of limitations on credit card debt, medical debt, student loans, and auto loans is four years.

Can a repo man open your garage in Florida? ›

The repo man can't break into a locked garage to take your car. Learn more. Creditors are allowed to engage in self-help to repossess cars, but that freedom isn't without limits. If a creditor risks "breaching the peace," it isn't allowed to repossess the vehicle.

Can a repo man carry a gun in Florida? ›

The law prohibits a licensed recovery agent or a licensed recovery agent intern from carrying a firearm on his or her person while on private property and in the course of repossession activities.

How to start your own repo business? ›

Starting a repossession business requires some capital upfront. Make sure you have your financing in order before you get started. You'll need money for a tow truck if you don't already have one, an office, your business name and license, insurance and bonding, and enough to cover any employee salaries.

Who can repossess a vehicle in California? ›

Understanding Repossession

Defaulting on a loan can be because of a failure to make timely payments, not maintaining required insurance, or violating any other terms of your loan agreement. In such cases, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle that was used as collateral for the loan.

Is a repo business profitable? ›

This can be an extremely profitable line of work. Unlike most other businesses, repo businesses can benefit rather than suffer from tough economic times. Even when the economy is doing relatively well, there will always be people who fail to make payments on their vehicle.

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