Apply for vehicle retirement
The Consumer Assistance Program's (CAP) vehicle retirement option offers eligible consumers an incentive to retire their operational vehicle. Consumers meeting the income eligibility requirement may receive $1,500 for each vehicle retired. All other vehicle owners may receive $1,000 to retire their vehicle at a BAR-contracted dismantler.
Participation is based on meeting eligibility requirements and the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1-June 30). To determine eligibility and incentive amount review the information below.
Ready to apply?
Review eligibility requirements - $1,000 incentive
You must meet all eligibility requirements listed below to participate in the vehicle retirement option.
Applicant requirements
You must be the registered owner of the vehicle title issued in your name.
You must not have retired another vehicle through CAP as a sole owner OR more than two vehicles as a joint owner within the past 12 months.
Smog Check requirements
The 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 where the tampered system is the cause for failing the Smog Check inspection.
Registration requirements
The 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.
The 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 is issued by DMV for that renewal year.
The vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.
The vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.
The vehicle must not be registered to a business, government agency, or non-profit organization.
The vehicle must not be junked.
The vehicle must not be a total loss salvaged in the process of being re-registered (i.e., salvage retention) in California.
Vehicle requirements
The vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, truck, SUV, or van with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
The vehicle must be subject to the Smog Check Program.
If your application is approved, the vehicle must pass an inspection at a BAR-contracted dismantler verifying the following operational and equipment requirements before it can be retired:
The vehicle is driven under its own power to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.
The vehicle’s engine starts readily through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries.
The drivability of the vehicle is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.
The vehicle is able to drive forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.
The interior pedals are operational.
All of the following must be present: 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, and at least one headlight, one taillight, and one brake light.
Don't meet our eligibility requirements? Consider other options to repair, retire, or replace your vehicle.
Review eligibility requirements - $1,500 incentive
You must meet all eligibility requirements listed below to participate in the vehicle retirement option. Review the requirements carefully for each option. The income requirement applies to both option 1 and option 2.
Income requirement
Your gross household income must be less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level. To determine if you meet this requirement, use the income eligibility calculator.
Option 1
Applicant requirements
You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.
You must have a gross household income that is less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level.
You must not have retired another vehicle as a sole owner OR more than two vehicles as a joint owner within the past 12 months.
Smog Check requirement
The 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 where the tampered system is the cause for failing the Smog Check inspection.
Registration requirements
The 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.
The 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.
The vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.
The vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.
The vehicle must not be registered to a business, government agency, or non-profit organization.
The vehicle must not be junked.
The vehicle must not be total loss salvaged and/or in the process of being registered or re-registered (i.e., salvage retention) in California.
Vehicle requirements
The vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, truck, SUV, or van with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
If your application is approved, the vehicle must pass an inspection at a BAR-contracted dismantler verifying the following operational and equipment requirements before it can be retired:
The vehicle is driven under its own power to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.
The vehicle’s engine starts readily through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries.
The drivability of the vehicle is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.
The vehicle is able to drive forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.
The interior pedals are operational.
All of the following must be present: 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, and at least one headlight, one taillight, and one brake light.
The vehicle must be subject to the Smog Check Program.
Option 2
Applicant requirements
You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.
You must have a gross household income that is less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level.
You must not have retired another vehicle as a sole owner OR more than two vehicles as a joint owner within the past 12 months.
Smog Check requirements
If subject to the Smog Check Program, the vehicle must have completed an inspection (pass or fail) within 180 days prior to the date of application.
NOTE: Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not satisfy this requirement.
If the vehicle is not subject to the Smog Check Program, an inspection is required.
Registration requirements
Vehicles that hold a salvage title must have a current registration sticker.
The vehicle must be either:
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.
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
The vehicle must have been primarily driven in California for the last two years AND not registered outside of California in the previous two years. To meet this requirement, you must upload ONE of the following:
Proof of continuous insurance coverage in California for the two consecutive years preceding date application submitted, without lapses in insurance coverage totaling more than 120 days; OR
At least two invoices from two separate calendar years preceding date application submitted. Invoices must be from an automotive repair dealer (ARD) licensed at the time of the repair showing the following:
The ARD's valid registration number.
The name and address of the ARD.
Description of the repair or maintenance operation performed to the vehicle.
The vehicle year, make, model, and vehicle identification or license plate number matching the vehicle reflected in the application.
The date of the repair or maintenance visit.
The vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.
The vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.
The vehicle must not be registered to a business, government agency, or non-profit organization.
The vehicle must not be junked.
The vehicle must not be total loss salvaged in the process of being re-registered (i.e., salvage retention) in California.
Vehicle requirements
The vehicle must be a passenger vehicle, truck, SUV, or van with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
If your application is approved, the vehicle must pass an inspection at a BAR-contracted dismantler verifying the following operational and equipment requirements before it can be retired:
The vehicle is driven under its own power to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.
The vehicle’s engine starts readily through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries.
The drivability of the vehicle is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.
The vehicle is able to drive forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.
The interior pedals are operational.
All of the following must be present: 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, and at least one headlight, one taillight, and one brake light.
Must not be a zero-emissions vehicle, such as a battery-electric (EV) or hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) vehicle.
Don't meet our eligibility requirements? Consider other options to repair, retire, or replace your vehicle.
Apply
Tips for the application process
Have the vehicle registration or title available to complete the application.
Applying online may result in faster application processing. If you are unable to apply online, you may download a printable version of the application. English | Spanish
You will receive an electronic confirmation notice when you successfully submit your application to BAR. You are encouraged to retain this notice for your records by printing and/or sending the notice to your email account.
Do not retire your vehicle until your application is approved. You will not receive your incentive from a BAR-contracted dismantler until your application is approved and the dismantler verifies that the vehicle meets the operational and equipment requirements.
Upload documents
You may be required to provide documentation verifying your income or eligibility before you application can be processed. A notice will be mailed to you if documentation is required.
To help avoid potential delays and expedite the processing of your application, you may upload this documentation after submitting your application.
If you application is determined to be incomplete or ineligible, you may upload documentation required to complete the application or resolve ineligibility reasons.
What happens next?
Within four weeks after you submit your application, our staff will verify if it's complete.
If your application is complete, our staff will mail you an eligibility letter with steps you must follow to participate in the vehicle retirement option.
If your application is incomplete, our staff will mail you a notice of deficiency identifying the information and/or documentation required to complete and process your application.
If you are ineligible, our staff will mail you a letter explaining the eligibility requirement(s) you and/or your vehicle do not meet.
Remember, do not have your vehicle retired until you receive a letter of eligibility. We will not reimburse you if you retire your vehicle before approval.
Find a BAR-contracted dismantler
After you receive your letter of eligibility indicating your application is approved, schedule an appointment with a BAR-contracted dismantler.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Consumer Assistance Program?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers eligible consumers repair assistance and vehicle retirement options to help improve California’s air quality by reducing motor vehicle emissions.
Participation is based on meeting eligibility requirements and the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
What does the vehicle retirement option offer?
The CAP vehicle retirement option offers eligible consumers a financial incentive to retire their operational vehicle at a BAR-contracted auto dismantler.
Consumers with household incomes meeting the income eligibility requirement may receive $1,500 to retire their vehicle.
Consumers with household incomes exceeding the income eligibility requirement may receive $1,000 to retire their vehicle.
What is the benefit of vehicle retirement?
Retiring higher polluting vehicles from operation helps California meet emissions reduction goals.
How to apply
How do I apply for vehicle retirement?
To apply for vehicle retirement, complete the following steps:
Step 1: Check your income eligibility – Use the income eligibility calculator to determine your income eligibility and incentive amount. Have your gross household income information available to complete the calculator.
Step 2: Review eligibility requirements – Eligibility requirements are based on the incentive amount you are applying for. Review all eligibility requirements for either the $1,000 or $1,500 incentive prior to applying.
Step 3: Apply online - After you submit your online application, a confirmation notice will be displayed. The notice includes your CAP ID number and other important information. Print or email the confirmation notice for your records.
Can I submit an application by mail instead of applying online?
If you are unable to apply online, you may call CAP at (866) 272-9642 to request an application be mailed to you. Please note, applying online may result in faster processing.
Should I upload documents verifying my household income with my application?
If you apply for the $1,500 incentive, you may be required to provide documentation verifying your household income before your application can be processed. A notice will be mailed to you if documentation is required.
To help avoid potential delays and expedite the processing of your application, you may upload this documentation after submitting your application. Visit the Household Income Eligibility Guidelines page for a list of acceptable documentation options and instructions on how to upload your documents.
How can I check the status of my application?
To check the status of your application, use our online status check tool. Have your CAP ID number and vehicle license plate number available.
Where do I find my CAP ID number?
If you applied online, your CAP ID number is listed on your online application confirmation notice.
If you submitted your application by mail, your CAP ID number is provided on a notice that will be mailed to you after your application has been processed.
Application review and processing
If additional information and/or documentation is required to complete my application, how will I be notified?
If your application is incomplete, a notice of deficiency will be mailed to you. 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 is the most common reason an application is determined to be incomplete/deficient?
If you applied for the $1,500 incentive, your application is considered incomplete until you provide acceptable documentation verifying your household income. NOTE: BAR cannot determine program eligibility until income is verified.
What are the most common reasons an application is denied?
Vehicle requires a Smog Check inspection – BAR will review Smog Check records to verify the vehicle’s Smog Check inspection history.
Smog Check requirements are based on the incentive amount and eligibility requirements option:
$1,000 incentive – The vehicle must have failed its most recent Smog Check inspection.
$1,500 incentive (Option 1) – The vehicle must have failed its most recent Smog Check inspection.
$1,500 incentive (Option 2) – If subject to the Smog Check Program, the vehicle must have completed a Smog Check inspection (pass or fail) within 180 days prior to applying.
Vehicle registration fees are past due – BAR will review Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records to verify the vehicle’s registration status. If the vehicle’s registration sticker is expired at the time of application, the applicant may be required to pay the outstanding registration fees to DMV. Applicants may contact DMV for registration options, which may include registering the vehicle as Planned Non-Operation (PNO).
Vehicle title reflects a lienholder(s) – The vehicle title must be issued in the applicant’s name. If the vehicle title includes a lienholder, contact DMV or visit www.dmv.ca.gov for information on how to remove the lienholder from the vehicle title.
Vehicle has not been continuously registered in California for the previous two years – To ensure BAR maximizes the air quality benefits from retiring older, higher polluting vehicles from California’s roadways, applications are limited to vehicles that have been registered and driven in California for at least the two prior years.
Vehicle is undergoing a change of ownership transaction – BAR will review DMV records to verify the vehicle is not in the process of changing ownership.
Applicant is not the registered owner of the vehicle – The name on the application must match the name on the applicant’s driver license, the vehicle title and registration, and any other required income documentation. Any variations in a name may cause the application to be denied.
Applicant recently retired a vehicle through CAP – BAR will review participation records to verify that the applicant has 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. If you have documentation proving you resolved the denial reason(s) indicated in your notice of ineligibility, you may upload the documentation or mail it to BAR (Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670) for re-evaluation purposes. Documentation must be uploaded within 45 days from the date of your notice of ineligibility, as participation is limited to the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
If I upload documentation for re-evaluation purposes, how long does it take BAR to review the documentation and re-evaluate eligibility?
BAR typically reviews documentation uploaded for re-evaluation purposes within four weeks of receipt. Upon completion of the review, an updated determination notice will be mailed to you.
Retiring your vehicle
Where do I take my vehicle to be retired?
You must take your vehicle to a BAR-contracted auto dismantler to retire your vehicle. After you receive your letter of eligibility indicating your application is approved, schedule an appointment with the dismantler.
To find a dismantler near you, visit our dismantler page or call (866) 272-9642.
What documents do I need to provide the dismantler?
You must provide the dismantler the following documents:
The original letter of eligibility.
The vehicle title. NOTE: If you do not have the original title, or if the title has been altered or issued by a state other than California, contact the dismantler for further instructions.
Your valid driver license or other government-issued photo identification.
Do all owners listed on the vehicle registration need to be present at the dismantler site to retire the vehicle?
If any of the registered owners cannot be present, they must complete a DMV Power of Attorney form to appoint a designee.
The designee is required to provide the dismantler the following:
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.
Where can I obtain DMV forms?
DMV forms are available at www.dmv.ca.gov, at any DMV office, or by contacting DMV at (800) 777-0133.
I am unable to retire my vehicle before the expiration date indicated on my letter of eligibility. Can I still participate?
If you do not retire your vehicle on or before the expiration date, you will need to reapply. Participation is based on meeting eligibility requirements at the time you reapply and the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
Will the dismantler accept my vehicle if it is not drivable?
No. The vehicle must meet all of the following equipment and operational requirements:
The vehicle is driven under its own power to the BAR-contracted dismantler site.
The vehicle’s engine starts readily through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries.
The drivability of the vehicle is not affected by any body, steering, or suspension damage.
The vehicle is able to drive forward a minimum of 10 yards under its own power.
The interior pedals are operational.
All of the following must be present: 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, and at least one headlight, one taillight, and one brake light.
When will I receive the incentive for retiring my vehicle?
After your vehicle passes the required equipment and operational inspection, the dismantler will issue a check made out to the registered owner(s) indicated 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. Agents are available to answer calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.