California Car Retirement Program: Your Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs about Vehicle Retirement Program

Get answers to the most common questions about applying for the California Car Retirement Program, also known as the Vehicle Retirement Program or often referred to as the california car retirement program.

Application Review and Processing FAQs

Understand the application review and processing stages of the california car retirement program. Find answers to common questions about what happens after you apply.

Vehicle Retirement Specific FAQs

Learn more about the vehicle retirement process itself under the california car retirement program. Find answers to questions about vehicle requirements and the retirement procedure.

General FAQs

Can I submit my application for the california car retirement program by mail?

Yes, you can apply for the california car retirement program by mail. However, for a quicker processing time, we highly recommend submitting your application online. You have the option to download a printable application form in both English and Spanish. Alternatively, you can request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.

Is it necessary to upload income verification documents after applying for the california car retirement program?

Yes, uploading documents that verify your household income is crucial and can significantly expedite the processing of your california car retirement program application. For a comprehensive list of acceptable income verification documents, please visit our Income eligibility requirement page.

How can I check the status of my application for the california car retirement program?

You can easily check the status of your california car retirement program application using our online status check tool. Make sure to have your CAP ID number and your vehicle license plate number readily available when using the tool.

Application Review and Processing

What is the most frequent reason for an application to the california car retirement program being deemed incomplete or deficient?

The most common reason applications for the california car retirement program are marked as incomplete is the absence of documentation to verify household income. Income verification is a mandatory step to determine your eligibility for the program.

How will I be informed if my application for the california car retirement program requires additional information or documentation?

If additional information or documentation is needed to complete your california car retirement program application, we will send you a deficiency notice. This notice will clearly specify the required information or documents you need to provide for your application to be considered complete and proceed with processing.

What are the typical reasons for denial of an application to the california car retirement program?

There are several common reasons why an application to the california car retirement program might be denied:

Smog Check Inspection Requirement: Your vehicle must have a compliant Smog Check inspection history. We review Smog Check records to verify this.
Continuous California Registration: Your vehicle must be continuously registered as an operable vehicle in California for at least two years immediately before applying to the california car retirement program. DMV records are checked to confirm registration history.
Past Due Vehicle Registration Fees: We check DMV records to ensure your vehicle’s registration is current. If your registration sticker expired before applying, you need to resolve this with the DMV.
Vehicle Title with Lienholder(s): To participate in the california car retirement program, you must be the legal owner. If there is a lienholder on your vehicle title, it must be removed. Contact DMV for details on lienholder removal.
Vehicle Ownership Change in Progress: The california car retirement program requires stable ownership. Applications are denied if the vehicle is undergoing an ownership change.
Applicant Not Registered Owner: The name on the application must precisely match the registered owner’s name on the vehicle title (pink slip) as per DMV records.
Recent Vehicle Retirement through CAP: To ensure program reach, there are limitations on how frequently individuals can participate. You cannot have retired a vehicle as a sole owner, or two vehicles as a co-owner, within the 12 months prior to your current application for the california car retirement program.

If my application for the california car retirement program is denied, and I resolve the reason for denial, do I need to re-apply?

No, you do not need to re-apply if your california car retirement program application is denied and you subsequently resolve the issue that caused the denial. You can upload or mail documentation proving that you have addressed the denial reason(s) to: BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.

After uploading documentation to resolve a denial, how long will it take for BAR to review and re-evaluate my eligibility for the california car retirement program?

Our team reviews uploaded documentation within approximately four weeks of receipt. Once the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice regarding your eligibility for the california car retirement program.

I applied to retire my vehicle for a $2,000 incentive under the california car retirement program, but my approval letter states $1,500. Why is there a difference?

The california car retirement program offers two different incentive amounts based on specific eligibility criteria and current regulations. After reviewing your application, it was determined that you qualify for the standard incentive amount of $1,500, rather than the higher amount.

Vehicle Retirement Process FAQ

Will the dismantler accept my vehicle for the california car retirement program if it is not in driving condition?

No, the dismantler will not accept vehicles for the california car retirement program that are not drivable. Your vehicle must meet all specified equipment and operational requirements to be eligible for retirement.

When will I receive the incentive payment for retiring my vehicle through the california car retirement program?

You will receive the incentive payment from the dismantler in the form of a check. This check will be issued after the dismantler verifies your identification and confirms that your vehicle successfully passes both the equipment and operational inspections required by the california car retirement program. The check will be made payable to the registered owner(s) as listed on your eligibility letter.

Can the dismantler provide me with transportation back home after I retire my vehicle under the california car retirement program?

No, dismantlers participating in the california car retirement program are not authorized to provide transportation. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation from the dismantler location after retiring your vehicle.

Do you have more questions about the california car retirement program?

For further information or if you have more questions about the california car retirement program, please call us at (866) 272-9642. Our phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. We are here to help you understand and navigate the california car retirement program.