General FAQs About the California Car Retirement Program
Get quick answers to common questions about applying for the California Retire Car Program.
Application Review and Processing FAQs
Understand the application review and processing stages with these frequently asked questions.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs
Everything you need to know about retiring your vehicle through the California program.
General FAQs
Can I apply for the California Retire Car Program by mail?
Yes, you can apply for the California Retire Car Program by mail. However, for quicker processing, we highly recommend submitting your application online. If you prefer a paper application, you can download a printable version in English or Spanish. You can also request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Should I upload my income verification documents after applying for the California Retire Car Program?
Yes, uploading your income verification documents after you apply for the California Retire Car Program is strongly encouraged. Uploading documents can significantly speed up the processing of your application. For a list of acceptable income verification documents, please visit the Income eligibility requirement page. Providing these documents promptly helps us determine your eligibility for the California vehicle retirement program efficiently.
How can I check my California Retire Car Program application status?
You can easily check the status of your California Retire Car Program application using our online status check tool. Make sure to have your CAP ID number and vehicle license plate number readily available when you use the tool. This will give you immediate updates on your application’s progress.
Application Review and Processing FAQs
What is the most frequent cause for an incomplete or deficient California Retire Car Program application?
The most common reason for an incomplete application for the California Retire Car Program is missing documentation to verify your household income. We cannot finalize your eligibility for the car retirement program until your income is properly verified. Ensure you submit all required income documents to avoid delays.
How will I be informed if my California Retire Car Program application needs more information or documents?
If additional information or documentation is needed to complete your California Retire Car Program application, we will send you a deficiency notice. This notice will clearly specify what information or documents you need to submit. Providing the requested items promptly will allow us to continue processing your application for the California car retirement program.
What are the typical reasons for denial of a California Retire Car Program application?
Several factors can lead to the denial of your California Retire Car Program application. Common reasons include:
- Vehicle Smog Check Requirement: Your vehicle requires a Smog Check inspection. We check Smog Check records to confirm your vehicle’s inspection history as part of the California vehicle retirement program criteria.
- Vehicle Registration History: Your vehicle has not been continuously registered in California as an operable vehicle for the two years immediately before your application date. We review DMV records to verify your vehicle’s registration history for the California car retirement program.
- Past Due Registration Fees: Your vehicle registration fees are overdue. We check DMV records to confirm your vehicle’s current registration status. If your registration sticker expired before you applied, please contact the DMV for registration options related to the California Retire Car Program.
- Lienholder on Vehicle Title: Your vehicle title lists a lienholder. We review DMV records to verify you are the legal owner. If there’s a lienholder, it must be removed from the title before retiring your car through the California program. Contact the DMV for details on lienholder removal.
- Vehicle Ownership Change in Progress: Your vehicle is undergoing an ownership change. We verify with DMV records that your vehicle’s ownership is stable and not in transition for the California Retire Car Program.
- Applicant Not Registered Owner: You are not the registered owner of the vehicle. We compare the name on your application with the name on the vehicle title (pink slip) in DMV records to ensure they match for the California car retirement program.
- Recent Vehicle Retirement: You’ve recently retired a vehicle through the California Retire Car Program. Individuals can retire only one vehicle as a sole owner or two as a co-owner within a 12-month period preceding the application date.
If my California Retire Car Program application is denied, and I fix the issue, do I need to re-apply?
No, you do not need to re-apply to the California Retire Car Program if your application is denied and you resolve the reason for denial. You can upload or mail documentation proving that the denial reason(s) have been resolved to: BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. We will reassess your eligibility once we receive proof of resolution for the California vehicle retirement program.
After uploading documents, how long does it take to re-evaluate my California Retire Car Program eligibility?
After you upload your documents, it typically takes us up to four weeks to review the documentation and re-evaluate your eligibility for the California Retire Car Program. Once the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice regarding your application for the car retirement program.
Why does my California Retire Car Program approval letter state $1,500 when I applied for $2,000?
The California Retire Car Program offers two vehicle retirement incentive amounts. Applications are reviewed based on current program regulations, and the determined incentive amount depends on whether your situation meets the criteria for the higher payment. In your case, it was determined that you qualify for the standard incentive of $1,500, not the higher amount of $2,000, under the California vehicle retirement program guidelines.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs
Will dismantlers accept my vehicle if it’s not drivable for the California Retire Car Program?
No, dismantlers participating in the California Retire Car Program will not accept your vehicle if it is not drivable. Your vehicle must be fully operational and meet all equipment and operational requirements to be eligible for retirement.
When will I receive the incentive payment for retiring my vehicle through the California Retire Car Program?
You will receive your incentive payment from the dismantler immediately after they verify your identification and confirm that your vehicle passes the required equipment and operational inspections for the California Retire Car Program. The payment will be in the form of a check made out to the registered owner(s) listed on your eligibility letter for the car retirement program.
Can the dismantler provide me with a ride home after I retire my vehicle through the California Retire Car Program?
No, dismantlers are not responsible for providing transportation home after you retire your vehicle through the California Retire Car Program. You must arrange your own transportation from the dismantler location after completing the vehicle retirement process.
Still have questions about the California Retire Car Program?
For more information about the California Retire Car Program, 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 California vehicle retirement program.
