Vehicle Repossession Laws by State 2025

Alabama

When can repossession happen?

Permissions can vary and are dependent on the specific terms of each lease or loan contract. Contracts should include information about a grace period and how late the owner can be on their payments before the lender may repossess the vehicle.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. No court order is required.

State code pertaining to repossession: 7-9A-609-617

Alaska

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after a single missed payment. Contract will include specific details regarding a grace period.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. No court order is required.

State code pertaining to repossession: Title 49, Chapter 9

Arizona

When can repossession happen?

One missed payment can lead a lender to accelerate the loan, requiring the owner to pay off the entire remaining balance. Owner may negotiate a payment plan with the lender. If not possible, the lender may begin the repossession process.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. Creditor can also pursue legal documents that will give them access to owner’s property for repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: ARS Title 47

Arkansas

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible as soon as the owner defaults on their lease or loan contract. This may occur after owner misses a single payment. The lease or loan agreement should outline when payments will be considered in default.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. If a breach of the peace occurs, lenders may choose to get a court order to repossess your vehicle.

State code pertaining to repossession: A.C.A. § 4-9-609

California

When can repossession happen?

A creditor may begin the repossession process after one missed payment. Owners can refer back to their lease or loan contract to get the details concerning a grace period.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. They are allowed to enter any fenced or locked area or move other vehicles to get to the vehicle. They may pursue a court order if they are unable to access the vehicle.

State code pertaining to repossession: California Commercial Code 9609

Colorado

When can repossession happen?

Ten days after a missed payment, the creditor may notify the owner that they have defaulted on the loan. If no payment is made within 20 days of the first notice, the creditor can accelerate the loan. Upon acceleration, the entire amount of the loan will be due immediately, otherwise the creditor may initiate car repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property.

State code pertaining to repossession: C.R.S. 4-9-101

Connecticut

When can repossession happen?

Creditor or lender can start the repossession process as soon as owner misses a payment. Creditors give a notice of intent to repossess the vehicle at least 10 days before the scheduled repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property.

State code pertaining to repossession: 42a-9-501, et seq.

Delaware

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after a single missed payment. Contract will include specific details regarding a grace period.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: DE Code Title 6

Florida

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after a single missed payment, which is considered a default on the loan.

Repossession rules and processes:*

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If repossession cannot be completed, creditor may obtain a court order for repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: Section 679.501

Georgia

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after a single missed payment. Details are dependent upon the terms of the specific contract.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Section 11-9-503 et seq.

Hawaii

When can repossession happen?

When repossession can happen will vary by individual contract. Contract will determine when a payment will be considered late and if there is a grace period.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: HRS 49:9-101 et seq.

Idaho

When can repossession happen?

Once owner misses a payment or defaults on the loan, the lender can send them a notice that gives them 10 days to make their payments current. If owner fails to make all payments and associated fees within that time, repossession is allowed.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If repossession cannot be completed, creditor may obtain a court order for repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: Section 28-9-501, et seq.

Illinois

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after a single missed payment.

Repossession rules and processes:

A lender can repossess a vehicle in a public area without a breach of peace, and may even break into the vehicle to do so. But they cannot break into a closed or locked garage. If a peaceful repossession isn’t possible, they may obtain a court order to gain access.

State code pertaining to repossession: 810 ILCS 5/1-101, et seq.

Indiana

When can repossession happen?

The titleholder is allowed to repossess a vehicle once the owner defaults on the loan. A default may be caused by missed payments or due to the owner’s failure to meet another requirement of the loan, such as having the vehicle insured. Loan contracts should include details on what requirements the owner must meet to prevent the car being repossessed.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. Before a vehicle is repossessed, the repossessor must notify the local sheriff’s office either beforehand or within two hours of repossessing and provide all of the details.

State code pertaining to repossession: Indiana Code 26-1-9.1 et. seq.

Iowa

When can repossession happen?

Repossession occurs when owner is more than 10 days late on a payment or violates the contract. Owner must be given a “right to cure” notice, which grants them 20 days to correct the issue before repossessesion. If notice has been served once within the last year, it need not be served again.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. The creditor may also pursue legal action to get a court order to repossess the vehicle.

State code pertaining to repossession: [537.511](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/537.5110.pdf0

Kansas

When can repossession happen?

If owner is late on a payment for 10 days or more, the creditor must provide them with a “right to cure” notice. This notice will detail how long the owner has to get up to date on all payments before repossession can happen.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property. In addition, the creditor can get legal documentation in order to repossess the vehicle on your property.

State code pertaining to repossession: K.S.A. 16a

Kentucky

When can repossession happen?

Individual contracts will detail the terms of agreement, including what number of missed payments or other defaults could put the vehicle at risk for repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. The creditor may also get legal documentation to grant them permission to repossess the car.

State code pertaining to repossession: K.R.S. Chapter 355

Louisiana

When can repossession happen?

Individual contracts will detail the terms of agreement, including what number of missed payments or other defaults could put the vehicle at risk for repossession. A notice of the right to repossess must be sent to the owner before the vehicle is repossessed.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If repossession cannot be completed, creditor may obtain a court order for repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: R.S. 10:9-501 et. seq.

Maine

When can repossession happen?

A “right to cure” notice is sent after a payment is 10 days late, stating the amount owed and payment date. If missed, repossession may occur. This notice is only required once per year, so if the lender has already received one, the titleholder may repossess without sending another notice for future late payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If repossession cannot be completed, creditor may obtain a court order for repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: Maine UCC Code 9-614

Maryland

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after a single missed payment. There are various laws regarding auto loans and repossessions in Maryland. Depending on the contract, the titleholder may need to issue a discretionary notice at least 10 days before repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If repossession cannot be completed, creditor may obtain a court order for repossession. Depending upon the contract, the lender may be required to notify the borrower via registered mail within 5 days and retain the vehicle for 15 days, giving the borrower a chance to pay their debt and reinstate their contract.

State code pertaining to repossession: Comm. L. 9-101, et seq.

Massachusetts

When can repossession happen?

After one missed payment, the creditor may send a default notice, giving the owner 21 days to pay the owed amount and reinstate their contract. After three or more of notices, the creditor need not send more and may repossess after another missed payment.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Chapt 106, s. 9-101 et seq

Michigan

When can repossession happen?

Individual contracts will detail the terms of agreement, including what number of missed payments or other defaults could put the vehicle at risk for repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

Michigan does not require creditors to notify you prior to repossessing your vehicle. Upon default, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order as long as the process does not disturb the peace.

State code pertaining to repossession: MSA 19.9101, et seq.

Minnesota

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible as soon as a payment is late, meaning as early as one day past the grace period.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: MN Code Sec. 336.9

Mississippi

When can repossession happen?

Individual contracts will have details regarding what constitutes default, such as grace periods allowed before a payment is officially late.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If conditions prevent successful completion of the process, lender may pursue a court order granting access to the borrower’s property for the purpose of repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: MS Code Sec. 75-9

Missouri

When can repossession happen?

Once a payment is at least 10 days past due, the creditor must send the owner a “right to cure” notice detailing the amount the borrower needs to pay to bring their account current and establishing a due date. Lender must give borrower at least 20 days to bring their account current before repossession can proceed.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order. If conditions prevent successful completion of the process, lender may pursue a court order granting access to the borrower’s property for the purpose of repossession.

State code pertaining to repossession: Section 400.9-101, et al

Montana

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible once the owner defaults on the loan. A default may occur after one missed payment. Individual contracts will detail what is considered defaulting on a loan.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order unless the borrower lives on a reservation. In that case, a court order is required. If borrower leaves the reservation and parks the vehicle, the creditor may repossess it without a court order while borrower is away from the vehicle.

State code pertaining to repossession: MCA 30-9A

Nebraska

When can repossession happen?

Once the owner misses a payment, the creditor can send a “right to cure” notice giving the amount owed and a due date. The creditor must wait at least 20 days after the right to cure notice before it can begin the repossession process.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: NE UCC Code 9-609

Nevada

When can repossession happen?

Owner’s payment must be at least 30 days past due before the creditor can repossess their vehicle.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: NRS Chapter 104

New Hampshire

When can repossession happen?

Owner’s payment must be at least 10 days late or later, depending on their individual contract.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 382-A:9-101, et seq

New Jersey

When can repossession happen?

Once borrower defaults on loan. Individual contracts define what constitutes a default and set the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Sec. 12A:9-501 et seq

New Mexico

When can repossession happen?

Once borrower defaults on loan. Individual contracts define what constitutes a default and set the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Article 9: 55-9-101 et, al.

New York

When can repossession happen?

Once borrower defaults on loan. Individual contracts define what constitutes a default and set the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Article 9 of UCC Laws

North Carolina

When can repossession happen?

Once borrower defaults on loan. Individual contracts define what constitutes a default and set the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 25-9-101, et seq.

North Dakota

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible after one missed payment. Individual contracts will establish what constitutes a default and the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 41-09-47, et seq.

Ohio

When can repossession happen?

Each contract will include details as to what constitutes a default and the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Ohio UCC Code, Chapter 1309

Oklahoma

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible as soon as the owner defaults on their contract. Grace periods will vary by individual contract.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 12A-9-101, et seq.

Oregon

When can repossession happen?

Each contract will include details as to what constitutes a default and the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: O.R.S. 79 et seq.

Pennsylvania

When can repossession happen?

Each contract will include details as to what constitutes a default on that specific loan and how far behind the payment schedule the owner may fall before triggering action from the lender.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 13 Pa.C.S. 9101, et seq

Rhode Island

When can repossession happen?

Once a payment is 10 days late, the lender must notify the owner of the amount owed and due date. If owner misses the payment, the lender can repossess the owner’s vehicle. Lenders are obligated to send one notice per year. If the owner has already received one notice and misses another payment, the lender may proceed with repossession without notice.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 6A-9-101, et seq.

South Carolina

When can repossession happen?

Once the owner falls behind on payments, the creditor may be required (depending upon the contract) to send a “Notice of Right to Cure,” giving the owners 20 days to make their payments current. If owners do not bring their payments current by the due date, the creditor may repossess the vehicle.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 36-9-101, et seq.

South Dakota

When can repossession happen?

Once the owner defaults on their payments, the creditor may send a notice before repossessing or selling the vehicle. Individual contract will include specifics about any notices the creditor is required to provide to the owner.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: SD Code Sections 57A-9-609 & 614

Tennessee

When can repossession happen?

Each contract will include details as to what constitutes a default and the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 47-9-101 et seq.

Texas

When can repossession happen?

Each contract will include details as to when a payment is considered late and the grace period for missed payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Uniform Commercial Code (Title 9)

Utah

When can repossession happen?

Repossession is possible any time after the owner defaults on payments.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Title 70A, Chapt. 9 of Utah Code

Vermont

When can repossession happen?

Permissions depend on the contract, but repossession can often begin as soon as the owner misses a payment.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: U.C.C. 9A-9-101

Virginia

When can repossession happen?

Payments must be at least 10 days late. The creditor does not have to send notice before repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: VA Code 8.9A

Washington

When can repossession happen?

Once borrower defaults on loan or lease. Contract establishes specific details of grace period and when a payment is considered late. Creditor is not required to warn borrower of pending repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Chapter 62A.9A RCW

West Virginia

When can repossession happen?

Once a payment is five days late. The creditor may be required to send the owner notice of repossession. If this is the case, the notice may be sent. If notice is not required, the lender may begin the repossession process.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: 46-9-101

Wisconsin

When can repossession happen?

Permissions depend upon the individual contract, but often the owner’s payment must be at least 10 days late. The creditor must send the owner a “right to cure” notice and wait at least 15 days before repossessing the vehicle.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: Sec.409.501 et seq.

Wyoming

When can repossession happen?

As soon as borrower defaults on loan. Creditor is not required to warn borrower of pending repossession.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: WS 34.1-9-101 et seq.

District of Columbia

When can repossession happen?

When owner misses a payment, the creditor or lender can send them a notice of pending repossession. Lenders are required to give the owner at least 10 days notice before repossession takes place.

Repossession rules and processes:

As long as they do not breach the peace, a creditor may repossess or disable a vehicle on the borrower’s property without a court order.

State code pertaining to repossession: D.C. 28:9-502(2)