How to Become a Vehicle Repo Agent in Louisiana

Vehicle repo agents recover vehicles for creditors who finance car purchases.

A vehicle repossession agent recovers vehicles for a creditor when the car owner fails to make required payments. Repo work can involve potentially dangerous situations and requires knowledge of specific repossession laws. Louisiana seeks to protect the public by placing several requirements on vehicle repo agents. They must obtain certification and experience and pass a criminal background check before obtaining a license. Successful applicants can perform licensed repo work for car dealerships, banks and other creditors in Louisiana.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Telephone
• 2 fingerprint cards

Instructions

1. Obtain certification from a national certification program. Certification for vehicle repossession involves either a 2-day workshop or a repossession exam. Certifying organizations that require a test provide the study materials. Look at the bottom of the application packet for Louisiana repo agents to see a list of organizations that provide national certification. Use the contact information to get more details. Select a program and obtain certification.

2. Obtain two years of repossession experience in the previous three years. You must work for a repossession agency in a paid position and complete at least 1000 hours per year. Prepare W-2 forms and a written statement from your employer detailing the exact work you performed.

3. Go to a local police station for fingerprints. Have the local station provide the fingerprint cards (FD 258 or equivalent form) and complete the prints. Make sure you completely fill out the information on the fingerprint cards.

4. Fill out the "Repossession Agent/Apprentice Application" form. Your employer must also certify the application, sign it and have it notarized. Fill out the "Authority to Obtain Information From Outside Sources" form and the "Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information" form from the Louisiana State Police. These background-check forms give the police and the Office of Financial Institutions the authority to do your background check. Sign the forms and have them notarized.

5. Fill out the forms for employment and experience history for the last 10 years and residential addresses lived at in the past 10 years. Attach any additional sheets if you need more space.

6. Have additional company personnel submit documents. The following personnel must fill out the 10-year history and background-check forms and submit fingerprint cards: sole proprietor, partners, company officers, company directors, members, managers, trustees, owners of at least 10 per cent of company equity and qualifying agents supervising the applicant.

7. Gather all the documents together for submission and prepare the fees. As of 2010, the application fee is $400. You must also submit a separate fee for the criminal background check. As of 2010, the fee is $45.25. Make payments payable to the "Office of Financial Institutions" by check or money order. Send the application for repo license, fees and supporting documents to the following address:

   Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions
   8660 United Plaza Blvd, 2nd Floor
   Baton Rouge, LA 70809
   225-925-4660
   ofi.louisiana.gov

Tips & Warnings

• Repossession apprentices use the same application form. However, apprentices do not need certification to obtain a license.

References

• Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions: Application Packet and Instructions for Repossession Agent or Apprentice