Are you looking to retire your older vehicle and contribute to cleaner air? The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Car Program, often referred to as the “Bar Car Program,” offers financial incentives to eligible California residents who voluntarily retire their operational vehicles. This program is designed to remove older, more polluting vehicles from California roads, improving air quality and benefiting the environment.
To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the BAR Car Program. This guide covers general inquiries, application review and processing, and details about vehicle retirement itself.
General FAQs About the Bar Car Program
Can I submit my application by mail?
Yes, you can apply by mail for the Bar Car Program. However, for quicker processing of your application, we highly recommend applying online. A printable version of the application is available for download in both English and Spanish. Alternatively, you can request an application be mailed to you by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Is it necessary to upload income verification documents after applying to the Bar Car Program?
Yes. To expedite the processing of your Bar Car Program application, uploading documents that verify your household income is crucial. You can find a comprehensive list of acceptable document options on the Income eligibility requirement page. Submitting these documents promptly can significantly reduce the overall processing time.
How can I check the status of my Bar Car Program application?
You can easily check the status of your application using our online status check tool. To use the tool, you will need your CAP ID number and your vehicle license plate number. This online tool provides real-time updates on your application’s progress within the Bar Car Program.
Application Review and Processing FAQs for the Bar Car Program
What is the most frequent reason for incomplete or deficient Bar Car Program applications?
The most common issue leading to an incomplete application is the lack of documentation to verify household income. Eligibility for the Bar Car Program cannot be determined until your income is properly verified. Ensure you submit all required documentation to avoid delays.
If the Bar Car Program requires more information or documents, how will I be informed?
If additional information or documentation is needed to complete your Bar Car Program application, we will send you a notice of deficiency. This notice will clearly specify the exact information and/or documentation you need to submit. Providing this information promptly will allow us to process your application further.
What are the primary reasons for denial of a Bar Car Program application?
Several factors can lead to the denial of your Bar Car Program application. These include:
- Smog Check Requirement: If your vehicle requires a Smog Check inspection and fails, it may be ineligible. We check Smog Check records to confirm your vehicle’s inspection history.
- Registration History: Vehicles must be continuously registered in California as operable for at least two years before application. We verify this through DMV records.
- Past Due Registration Fees: Outstanding vehicle registration fees can cause denial. We check DMV records for current registration status. Contact the DMV for registration options if your sticker expired before applying.
- Lienholder on Title: If there’s a lienholder on your vehicle title, you are not considered the sole legal owner. You’ll need to remove the lienholder from the title. Contact the DMV for instructions on lien removal.
- Change of Ownership: Vehicles undergoing ownership changes are ineligible. DMV records are checked to ensure no ownership changes are in progress.
- Applicant Not Registered Owner: The name on the application must precisely match the registered owner on the vehicle title (pink slip) as per DMV records.
- Recent Vehicle Retirement: To ensure program accessibility for many, there are limits on how frequently you can participate. We verify that you haven’t retired a vehicle as a sole owner, or two as a co-owner, within 12 months prior to your current application.
If my Bar Car Program application is denied, and I fix the issue, do I need to re-apply?
No, re-application is not necessary if your Bar Car Program application is denied and you resolve the reason for denial. You can upload or mail documentation proving the issue is resolved to: BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
After uploading documents, how long does it take the BAR to review and reassess my Bar Car Program eligibility?
Allow up to four weeks for us to review uploaded documentation and re-evaluate your eligibility for the Bar Car Program. Once the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice regarding your application.
I applied for the $2,000 incentive in the Bar Car Program, but my approval letter states $1,500. Why the difference?
The Bar Car Program offers two vehicle retirement incentive amounts based on specific eligibility criteria and current regulations. Your application was reviewed, and it was determined that you qualify for the $1,500 incentive, not the higher amount. Both amounts are part of the Bar Car Program, designed to offer varying levels of incentives based on vehicle and applicant circumstances.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs within the Bar Car Program
Will the dismantler accept my vehicle if it’s not drivable for the Bar Car Program?
No. Your vehicle must be in operational condition and meet all equipment and operational requirements to be accepted by the dismantler under the Bar Car Program. Non-drivable vehicles are not eligible for retirement through this program.
When will I receive the incentive payment for retiring my vehicle through the Bar Car Program?
The dismantler will issue your incentive check immediately after verifying your identification and confirming that your vehicle successfully passes the required equipment and operational inspections. The check will be made out to the registered owner(s) listed on your eligibility letter from the Bar Car Program.
Can the dismantler provide transportation home after I drop off my vehicle for the Bar Car Program?
No. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation from the dismantler location after you retire your vehicle through the Bar Car Program. Transportation is not provided by the dismantler.
Still have questions about the Bar Car Program?
For further information or if you have more questions, 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 participation in the Bar Car Program and help you contribute to cleaner air in California.
