Apply for vehicle retirement

Step 1. Review eligibility requirements

Income requirement

You must meet this requirement to be eligible for the $1,500 or the $2,000 incentives. If you are applying for the $1,350 incentive, you do not have to meet the income requirement.

To meet the requirement, your gross household income must be less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level. Enter your information below to determine if you meet this requirement.

Income eligibility calculator

$1,350 incentive

You must meet all eligibility requirements to participate.

Applicant requirements

1. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.

2. You must not have retired another vehicle through CAP as a sole owner. Or you must not have retired more than two vehicles as a joint owner within the past 12 months.

Smog Check requirements

Your vehicle must have failed its most recent Smog Check inspection.

Note: Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not meet this requirement. The Smog Check failure must not be due solely:

• To an ignition timing adjustment, or

• A failed gas cap function test, or

• A tampered emissions control system causing the Smog Check inspection failure.

Registration requirements

1. Your vehicle must be currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with a valid and unexpired registration sticker OR have all fees paid to DMV and not have a registration sticker that has been expired more than 120 days.

2. Your vehicle must have been continuously registered with DMV without a lapse in registration for more than 120 days during the two consecutive years preceding the current registration sticker expiration date.

   Note: A lapse is defined as the number of days between the date the vehicle's registration sticker expires and the date the registration sticker is issued by DMV for that renewal year.

3. Your vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.

4. Your vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.

5. Your vehicle must not be registered to a business, government agency, or non-profit organization.

6. Your vehicle must not be junked.

7. Your vehicle must not be a total loss salvaged undergoing re-registration (i.e., salvage retention) in California.

Vehicle requirements

1. Your vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, truck, SUV, or van with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less.

2. Your vehicle must be subject to the Smog Check Program.

3. Your vehicle must pass an inspection at a BAR-contracted dismantler. The dismantler will verify your vehicle meets the following operational and equipment requirements:

   1. You can drive your vehicle under its own power to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.

   2. Your vehicle’s engine starts through ordinary means. Your vehicle's engine starts without using starting fluids or external booster batteries.

   3. Your vehicle's drivability is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.

   4. Your vehicle is able to drive forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.

   5. Your vehicle's interior pedals are operational.

   6. Your vehicle must have the following:

      • All doors

      • Hood lid

      • Dashboard

      • Windshield

      • At least one side window glass

      • Driver’s seat

      • At least one bumper

      • Exhaust system

      • All side and/or quarter panels

      • One headlight

      • One tail light

      • One brake light

$1,500 incentive

You must meet all eligibility requirements listed below to participate.

Income requirement

Your gross household income must be less than or equal 225% of the Federal poverty level.

Applicant requirements

1. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.

2. You must have a gross household income that is less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level.

3. You must not have retired another vehicle as a sole owner. OR you must not have retired more than two vehicles as a joint owner within the past 12 months.

Smog Check requirements

1. If your vehicle is subject to the Smog Check Program, a Smog Check inspection is required. Your vehicle may pass or fail the inspection. The inspection must have been performed within 180 days before you apply for vehicle retirement.

   NOTE: Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not meet this requirement.

2. If your vehicle is not subject to the Smog Check Program, an inspection is not required.

Registration requirements

1. If your vehicle has a salvage title, its registration sticker must be current.

2. Your vehicle must be either:

   • Currently registered with the DMV with a valid and unexpired registration sticker OR have all fees paid to DMV and not have a registration sticker that has been expired more than 120 days.

     AND

     Have been continuously registered with DMV without a lapse in registration for more than 120 days during the two consecutive years preceding the current registration expiration date.

   OR

   • In the last two years your vehicle:

     1. Must have been mainly driven in California, and

     2. Not registered outside of California.

        To meet this requirement, you must provide one of the following:

        • Proof of California insurance coverage for the two consecutive years prior to applying. There can be no lapse of coverage totaling more than 120 days.

        OR

        • Invoices from each of the two separate calendar years prior to applying. The invoices must show:

          • A valid automotive repair dealer (ARD) registration number.

          • The name and address of the ARD.

          • A description of the repair or maintenance performed on your vehicle.

          • The date of the repair or maintenance.

          • Your vehicle's make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). These must match the vehicle listed on your application.

          Note: Combining invoice and insurance documents does not satisfy this requirement.

3. Your vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.

4. Your vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.

5. Your vehicle must not be registered to a business, government agency, or non-profit organization.

6. Your vehicle must not be junked.

7. Your vehicle must not be a total loss salvaged undergoing re-registration (i.e., salvage retention) in California.

Vehicle requirements

1. Your vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, truck, SUV, or van with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less.

2. Your vehicle must pass an inspection at a BAR-contracted dismantler. The dismantler will verify your vehicle meets the following operational and equipment requirements:

   1. You must drive your vehicle to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.

   2. Your vehicle’s engine starts through ordinary means. Your vehicle's engine starts without using starting fluids or external booster batteries.

   3. Your vehicle's drivability is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.

   4. Your vehicle can be driven forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.

   5. Your vehicle's interior pedals are operational.

   6. Your vehicle must have the following:

      • All doors

      • Hood lid

      • Dashboard

      • Windshield

      • At least one side window glass

      • Driver’s seat

      • At least one bumper

      • Exhaust system

      • All side and/or quarter panels

      • One headlight

      • One tail light

      • One brake light

3. Your vehicle must not be a zero-emissions vehicle. This includes battery-electric (EV) or hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) vehicle.

$2,000 incentive

You must meet all eligibility requirements listed below to participate.

Income requirement

Your gross household income must be less than or equal 225% of the Federal poverty level.

Applicant requirements

1. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.

2. You must have a gross household income that is less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level.

3. You must not have retired another vehicle as a sole owner. OR you must not have retired more than two vehicles as a joint owner within the past 12 months.

Smog Check requirement

Your vehicle must have failed its most recent Smog Check inspection.

NOTE: Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not satisfy this requirement. The Smog Check failure must not be due solely:

• To an ignition timing adjustment, or

• A failed gas cap function test, or

• A tampered emissions control system which causes the Smog Check inspection failure.

Registration requirements

1. Your vehicle must be currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with a valid and unexpired registration sticker OR have all fees paid to DMV and not have a registration sticker that has been expired more than 120 days.

2. Your vehicle must have been continuously registered with DMV without a lapse in registration for more than 120 days during the two consecutive years preceding the current registration sticker expiration date.

   Note: A lapse is defined as the number of days between the date the vehicle's registration sticker expires and the date the registration sticker is issued by DMV for that renewal year.

3. Your vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.

4. Your vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.

5. Your vehicle must not be registered to a business, government agency, or non-profit organization.

6. Your vehicle must not be junked.

7. Your vehicle must not be total loss salvaged undergoing re-registration (i.e., salvage retention) in California.

Vehicle requirements

1. Your vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, truck, SUV, or van with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less.

2. Your vehicle must be subject to the Smog Check Program.

3. Your vehicle must pass an inspection at a BAR-contracted dismantler. The dismantler will verify your vehicle meets the following operational and equipment requirements:

   1. You can drive your vehicle under its own power to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.

   2. Your vehicle’s engine starts through ordinary means. Your vehicle's engine starts without using starting fluids or external booster batteries.

   3. Your vehicle's drivability is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.

   4. Your vehicle is able to drive forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.

   5. Your vehicle's interior pedals are operational.

   6. Your vehicle must have the following:

      • All doors

      • Hood lid

      • Dashboard

      • Windshield

      • At least one side window glass

      • Driver’s seat

      • At least one bumper

      • Exhaust system

      • All side and/or quarter panels

      • One headlight

      • One tail light

      • One brake light

Don't meet our eligibility requirements? Consider other options to repair, retire, or replace your vehicle.

Step 2. Apply

Tips for the application process

• Have your vehicle registration or title available.

• Save your electronic confirmation notice. It contains your CAP ID and other important information.

We will send you a letter of eligibility if your application is approved. Do not retire your vehicle until you receive your letter of eligibility. We will not reimburse you if you retire your vehicle before approval.

Apply now

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Step 3. Upload documents

If applying for the $1,500 or $2,000 incentive, you may be required to upload income documentation. Uploading your documentation now may expedite the processing of your application.

Upload documents

Step 4. Retire your vehicle

BAR-contracted dismantlers are located throughout the state. Once you receive a letter of eligibility, contact a BAR-contracted dismantler to schedule an appointment.

Find a dismantler

Bring the following with you to the dismantler.

• The original letter of eligibility.

• Your vehicle title. Contact the dismantler if:

  • You do not have the original title,

  • The title has been altered, or

  • The title was issued by a state other than California.

• Your valid driver license or other government-issued photo identification. The dismantler will verify the name exactly matches the name on the letter of eligibility.

If you can't bring your vehicle to the appointment or one of the registered owners cannot be there, you may have someone do it for you. Your designee must bring:

• A valid driver license or other government-issued photo identification.

• A DMV Power of Attorney form (REG 260) completed by the registered owner(s).

• A copy of the vehicle owner’s valid driver license or other government-issued photo identification.

Note: You must retire your vehicle at a BAR-contracted dismantler on or before the expiration date listed on your letter of eligibility. If you miss the deadline, you will need to reapply.

Frequently asked questions

General FAQs

Can I apply by mail?

Yes. For faster application processing, we recommend you apply online. You can download a printable version of the application. English | Spanish
You can also call us (866) 272-9642 to request an application be mailed to you.

Should I upload documents verifying my household income after I apply?

Yes. Uploading documents can reduce processing time. Visit the Income eligibility requirement page for a list of acceptable document options.

Can I check the status of my application?

Yes. Use our online status check tool. Have your CAP ID number and vehicle license plate number available.

Application review and processing FAQs

What is the most common reason an application is determined to be incomplete or deficient?

Documentation verifying your household income was not submitted. We cannot determine eligibility until your income is verified.

If additional information and/or documentation is required to complete my application, how will I be notified?

We will send you a notice of deficiency. The notice will identify the information and/or documentation you are required to submit before your application is considered complete and can be processed.

What are the most common reasons an application is denied?

• Your vehicle requires a Smog Check inspection. We review Smog Check records to verify your vehicle’s Smog Check inspection history.

• Your vehicle has not been continuously registered in California as an operable vehicle for the two-year period prior to applying. We review DMV records to verify your vehicle's registration history.

• Your vehicle registration fees are past due. We review DMV records to confirm your vehicle's current registration status. If your vehicle's registration sticker expired prior to applying, you need to contact DMV for registration options.

• Your vehicle title includes a lienholder(s). We review DMV records to verify you are the vehicle's legal owner. If your vehicle title includes a lienholder, have it removed from the vehicle title. For more information on how to remove a lienholder from a vehicle title, contact DMV.

• Your vehicle is undergoing a change of ownership. We review DMV records to verify your vehicle is not in the process of changing ownership.

• You are not the registered owner of the vehicle. We review DMV records to verify the name on the application exactly matches the name on the vehicle's title (pink slip).

• You have recently retired a vehicle through CAP. We review records to verify you have not retired a vehicle as a sole owner or two vehicles as a co-owner during the 12-month period preceding the date of the application.

If my application is denied and I resolve the denial reason(s), do I have to re-apply?

No. You may upload or mail the documentation proving the denial reason(s) are resolved to BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.

If I upload documentation, how long does it take BAR to review the documentation and re-evaluate eligibility?

We review documentation within four weeks of receipt. Once complete, we will send you an updated determination notice.

I applied to retire my vehicle for $2,000. My approval letter states $1,500. Why?

Our program has two vehicle retirement options. We review applications using current regulations. It was determined you did not qualify for the higher amount.

Vehicle retirement FAQs

Will the dismantler accept my vehicle if it is not drivable?

No. Your vehicle must meet all the equipment and operational requirements.

When will I receive the incentive for retiring my vehicle?

The dismantler will issue a check after verifying your identification and your vehicle passes equipment and operational inspections. The check is made payable to the registered owner(s) listed on the letter of eligibility.

Can the dismantler give me a ride home?

No. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation home.

Have more questions?

For more information, call (866) 272-9642 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.