General FAQs about the Car Retirement Program
Get answers to common questions about applying for the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) program for car retirement.
Application Review and Processing FAQs for Car Program
Learn more about the review and processing stages of your Bar Program Car retirement application.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs within the BAR Program
Find answers to your questions about the actual process of retiring your vehicle through the BAR program.
General FAQs
Can I submit my application for the bar program car retirement by mail?
Yes, you can apply by mail. However, for quicker processing of your application for the car retirement program, we highly recommend applying online. You can download a printable application form in English or Spanish. Alternatively, you can request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Should I upload documents verifying my household income after applying for the car program?
Yes, uploading your income verification documents after you apply for the bar program car retirement can significantly reduce processing time. Please visit the Income eligibility requirement page for a comprehensive list of acceptable document options for the car retirement program.
Is there a way to check the status of my application for the car retirement program?
Yes, you can easily check your application status using our online status check tool. Make sure you have your CAP ID number and vehicle license plate number readily available when using the tool for your bar program car application.
Application Review and Processing FAQs
What’s the most frequent reason for a bar program car application to be marked as incomplete or deficient?
The most common reason is missing documentation to verify your household income. Income verification is a mandatory step to determine eligibility for the car retirement program. Without it, your application for the bar program car cannot be fully processed.
How will I be informed if my application for the car retirement program needs more information or documents?
If additional information or documentation is needed to complete your application for the bar program car retirement, we will send you a deficiency notice. This notice will clearly specify what information or documents you need to provide to make your application complete and ready for processing within the car program framework.
What are the typical reasons for denial of a bar program car retirement application?
Several reasons can lead to the denial of your application for the car retirement program:
- Vehicle Smog Check Requirement: Your vehicle might require a Smog Check inspection. We review Smog Check records to confirm your vehicle’s inspection history as part of the bar program car requirements.
- Continuous California Registration: Your vehicle must have been continuously registered in California as an operational vehicle for at least two years before applying for the car retirement program. We check DMV records to verify your vehicle’s registration history to meet the bar program car criteria.
- Overdue Vehicle Registration Fees: Unpaid vehicle registration fees can cause denial. We will review DMV records to ensure your vehicle’s registration is current for the car retirement program. If your registration sticker expired before applying, contact DMV for registration options to proceed with the bar program car retirement.
- Lienholder on Vehicle Title: If there is a lienholder listed on your vehicle title, it can lead to denial. We verify legal ownership via DMV records. For the bar program car retirement, the lienholder must be removed from the title. Contact DMV for details on lienholder removal.
- Vehicle Ownership Change in Progress: A pending change of vehicle ownership will cause denial. We check DMV records to confirm that your vehicle is not currently undergoing an ownership transfer for the car program.
- Applicant Not Registered Owner: The applicant must be the registered owner of the vehicle. We use DMV records to verify that the name on the application precisely matches the name on the vehicle’s title (pink slip) for the bar program car retirement.
- Recent Vehicle Retirement through CAP: There are limits on how frequently you can retire vehicles. We review records to ensure you haven’t retired a vehicle as a sole owner or two as a co-owner within the 12 months prior to your current application for the bar program car.
If my car program application is denied, and I fix the issue, do I need to re-apply?
No, re-application is not necessary. If your application for the bar program car is denied and you resolve the reason for denial, you can upload or mail documentation proving the issue is resolved to: BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
After uploading documents, how long will BAR take to review and reassess my eligibility for the car retirement program?
We typically review uploaded documents within four weeks of receipt. Once the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice regarding your eligibility for the bar program car retirement.
I applied for a $2,000 incentive for retiring my car, but my approval letter says $1,500. Why is there a difference in the bar program car incentive amount?
Our car retirement program offers two incentive amounts based on specific eligibility criteria and current regulations. After reviewing your application, it was determined that you qualify for the $1,500 incentive, not the higher amount within the bar program car structure.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs
Will the dismantler accept my vehicle if it’s not in driving condition for the car program?
No, the dismantler will not accept vehicles that are not drivable. To be eligible for the bar program car retirement, your vehicle must meet all equipment and operational requirements.
When will I receive the incentive payment for retiring my vehicle through the car program?
The dismantler will issue a check to you immediately after verifying your identification and confirming that your vehicle successfully passes both the equipment and operational inspections required for the car retirement program. The check will be made out to the registered owner(s) as listed on the eligibility letter for the bar program car.
Can the dismantler provide me with a ride back home after I drop off my vehicle for retirement?
No, dismantlers participating in the car program are not authorized to provide transportation. Arranging your own transportation home after dropping off your vehicle is your responsibility.
Still have questions about the bar program car retirement?
For more detailed information, please call us at (866) 272-9642, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. We are here to help you understand every aspect of the bar program car retirement.
