http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/collateral_law.htm
Well, I'll tell you what I know. The repossession company has to be licensed, their agents have to be licensed and they have to have a licensed qualified manager. If they have the proper licensing, here's how a repo would go: licensed repoman finds vehicle, put a hook on it. Reports it to the local cop shop, debtor comes out, demands that the repoman lets the car go. Repoman says "No, I can't do that" debtor calls cops. Officer shows up, sees a hook on the vehicle. Verifies repomans license number. Cop tells debtor, give the repoman your keys. Now, if anyone that is required to have a license doesn't, well, it would all go the same except instead of the cop telling the cebtor to give up the keys, the cop would be telling the repoman to assume the position and cuff and stuff him. The license that is required is commonly referred to as an "RA" number if you find someone on your property "repossessing" a vehicle, ask him for his RA number. If he can't tell you what it is, he's either an illegal repoman or stealing the car. If he tells you a number, well, just give him the keys and save yourself from the embarassment of the police coming to your house but write down the number he tells you.
Answer
I will tell you this as I AM A LICENSED REPOSSESSION AGENT. We do not have to show you or tell you anything. It is a Courtesy if we even hang out long enough to talk to you. The RA Number as mentioned above does not have to be on the Vehicle we are using unless it is an actual Repo Truck, if we are coming after your boat, a trailer, or a motor home for example most likely you wont even see a repo truck. and a Repossession Agent does not have to show you his license. The only persons able to request this information is a LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. We will work with you if you work with us. The paperwork from the bank is a confidential agreement between us and the Bank so you have no legal right to see it. If we show you we are once again being courteous. If we let you get your possessions out expect to hand over the keys first, and expect the Agent to skim through your car quickly before they let you in. Many people hide an assortment of weapons in the car ans we will check for our own safety. We are not Heartless we are just doing our jobs. So be nice to the Repo Man and He will Be Nice to you.