General FAQs
Can I apply by mail for the Dmv Car Program?
Yes, you can apply by mail for the DMV car program. While we recommend applying online for quicker processing, a printable application form is available for download in both English and Spanish. Alternatively, you can request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Should I upload documents verifying my household income after submitting my DMV car program application?
Yes, uploading your income verification documents is highly recommended after applying for the DMV car program. Uploading documents can significantly expedite the processing of your application. Please refer to the Income eligibility requirement page for a comprehensive list of acceptable document options for the DMV car program.
Is there a way to check the status of my DMV car program application?
Yes, you can easily check the status of your application for the DMV car program using our online status check tool. To use the tool, you will need your CAP ID number and vehicle license plate number, both provided upon application submission for the DMV car program.
Application Review and Processing FAQs
What is the most common reason for a DMV car program application to be deemed incomplete or deficient?
The most frequent reason an application for the DMV car program is marked incomplete is the absence of documentation verifying your household income. Income verification is a mandatory step to determine eligibility for the DMV car program. Without this documentation, we cannot proceed with evaluating your application.
If my DMV car program application requires additional information or documentation, how will I be informed?
Should your DMV car program application require further information or documentation, we will notify you via a notice of deficiency. This notice will clearly specify the exact information and/or documents you need to submit to complete your application. Only after receiving these items can your application for the DMV car program be considered complete and move forward in the processing queue.
What are the primary reasons for denial of a DMV car program application?
Several factors can lead to the denial of your DMV car program application. The most common reasons include:
- Vehicle Smog Check Requirement: Your vehicle needing a Smog Check inspection. We meticulously review Smog Check records to confirm your vehicle’s Smog Check inspection history as part of the DMV car program eligibility assessment.
- Vehicle Registration History: Failure to maintain continuous vehicle registration in California as an operable vehicle for the full two years immediately preceding your application. DMV records are consulted to verify your vehicle’s registration history for the DMV car program requirements.
- Overdue Vehicle Registration Fees: Outstanding vehicle registration fees. We check DMV records to ascertain your vehicle’s current registration status. If your vehicle’s registration sticker was already expired when you applied, it is essential to contact the DMV to explore your registration options before proceeding with the DMV car program.
- Vehicle Title Lienholder: The presence of a lienholder(s) on your vehicle title. DMV records are used to verify that you are the sole legal owner of the vehicle. If a lienholder is listed on your title, it must be officially removed before your vehicle can qualify for the DMV car program. Contact the DMV for detailed instructions on lienholder removal.
- Vehicle Ownership Change in Progress: Your vehicle undergoing an ownership change. We examine DMV records to ensure your vehicle is not currently involved in a change of ownership process, as this can affect eligibility for the DMV car program.
- Applicant Not Registered Owner: You are not the registered owner of the vehicle as per DMV records. The name on your application must precisely match the name on the vehicle’s title (pink slip) as recorded by the DMV for car program participation.
- Recent Vehicle Retirement Through CAP: Previous participation in the DMV car program (CAP) too recently. Our records are checked to ensure that you have not already retired a vehicle as a sole owner, or two vehicles as a co-owner, within the 12-month period prior to your current application date for the DMV car program.
If my DMV car program application is denied, and I subsequently resolve the reason(s) for denial, do I need to re-apply?
No, re-application is not necessary if your DMV car program application is denied but you rectify the denial reason(s). You can upload or mail the documentation proving that the denial reason(s) have been resolved directly to BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. This allows us to reassess your eligibility for the DMV car program without requiring a new application.
After uploading documentation to resolve my DMV car program application denial, how long will BAR take to review it and re-evaluate my eligibility?
We aim to review uploaded documentation for DMV car program applications within four weeks of receipt. Once the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice regarding your eligibility for the DMV car program.
I applied to retire my vehicle for a $2,000 incentive through the DMV car program, but my approval letter states $1,500. Why is there a difference?
Our DMV car program offers two vehicle retirement incentive amounts. Applications are reviewed based on current program regulations, and it was determined that you qualify for the $1,500 incentive, rather than the higher amount. The approval letter reflects the incentive amount applicable to your specific situation under the DMV car program guidelines.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs
Will the dismantler accept my vehicle for the DMV car program if it is not drivable?
No, the dismantler will not accept your vehicle for the DMV car program if it is not drivable. Your vehicle must meet all specified equipment and operational requirements to be eligible for retirement under the DMV car program.
When will I receive the incentive payment for retiring my vehicle through the DMV car program?
You will receive the incentive payment for retiring your vehicle through the DMV car program directly from the dismantler. The dismantler will issue a check to you after verifying your identification and confirming that your vehicle successfully passes the required equipment and operational inspections. The check will be made payable to the registered owner(s) as listed on your eligibility letter for the DMV car program.
Can the dismantler provide me with a ride home after I drop off my vehicle for the DMV car program?
No, dismantlers participating in the DMV car program are not authorized to provide transportation. Arranging your own transportation home from the dismantler location is your responsibility after you drop off your vehicle as part of the DMV car program.
Still have questions about the DMV car program?
For further information or any additional questions regarding the DMV 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 assist you with your inquiries about the DMV car program.
