See related links for more information.
CHAPTER 11. REPOSSESSORS Article 1. General Provisions ............................... 7500-7500.3 Article 2. Administration ................................... 7501-7501.8 Article 3. Application of Chapter ........................... 7502-7502.6 Article 4. Licenses ........................................ 7503-7503.14 Article 5. Examination ...................................... 7504-7504.7 Article 6. Offices .......................................... 7505-7505.5 Article 7. Registration .................................... 7506-7506.14 Article 8. Conduct of Business ............................. 7507-7507.13 Article 9. Prohibited Acts and Citations .................... 7508-7508.6 Article 10. Disciplinary Proceedings ........................ 7510-7510.4 Article 11. Revenue .............................................. 7511
Texas
TITLE STATE: Yes SECURITY INTERESTS: Shown on title held by lien holder. LICENSE REGISTRATION: Texas State Department of Transportation, RECOVERY REQUIREMENT: As per UCC, repossession allowed without committing a breach of the peace. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR LIQUIDATION: Repossession affidavit (D12-264) if Texas title; out of state repossession affidavits accepted. PLATES: Remain with the vehicle.
Below is an excellent FAQ page detailing repossession laws. It mentions a repo man does not need a license to operate in Texas, but does in Florida. I imagine California requires licensing as well. The first thing to do if your car is repossessed is call your local police department and ask if your car was repossessed, they will have a listing of what cars were repossessed and if yours is on it, the police department will tell you who repossessed it (the dealer, bank, finance company, or private repossesser) and a phone number for contact.
For example, my car was repossessed this morning, I called the local police, and they confirmed the dealer had taken it. I am only a week and a half behind, but that's all it takes.
www.pimall.com/nais/n.repo.htm