Are you considering participating in an Old Car Buy Back Program? You’re in the right place. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to guide you through the process of vehicle retirement and help you understand everything you need to know.
General FAQs About Old Car Buy Back Programs
Let’s start with some common questions about applying for a vehicle retirement program.
Can I submit my application through postal mail?
Yes, you can apply by mail. However, for a quicker processing time, we highly recommend submitting your application online. You can easily download a printable version of the application form: English | Spanish. Alternatively, you can request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Is it necessary to upload income verification documents after applying?
Yes, uploading documents that verify your household income is crucial and can significantly speed up the processing of your application. For a detailed list of acceptable income verification documents, please visit our Income eligibility requirement page.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can easily track your application status 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.
Application Review and Processing FAQs for Old Car Buy Back Programs
Understanding the application review and processing steps is essential. Here are some frequently asked questions about this stage.
What is the most frequent reason for application incompleteness or deficiency?
The most common reason applications are marked incomplete is the absence of documentation to verify your household income. Income verification is a mandatory step to determine your eligibility for the program.
How will I be informed if my application requires additional information or documentation?
If we require further information or documentation to complete your application, we will send you an official notice of deficiency. This notice will clearly specify the necessary information and/or documents you need to submit to ensure your application is complete and can proceed for processing.
What are the primary reasons for application denial in an old car buy back program?
Several factors can lead to the denial of your application. The most common reasons include:
- Vehicle Smog Check Requirement: We meticulously review Smog Check records to confirm your vehicle’s inspection history. If your vehicle requires a Smog Check and it hasn’t been completed or passed according to program requirements, it can lead to denial.
- Vehicle Registration History: Your vehicle must have been continuously registered in California as an operable vehicle for a minimum of two years immediately before the application date. We verify this through DMV records.
- Overdue Vehicle Registration Fees: We check DMV records to ensure your vehicle’s registration is current. If your registration sticker expired before you applied, you will need to contact the DMV to explore registration options and resolve any outstanding fees.
- Vehicle Title Lienholder Issues: If your vehicle title lists a lienholder, it indicates that you may not be the sole legal owner. We verify vehicle ownership through DMV records. To proceed with the buy back program, any lienholder must be officially removed from the vehicle title. Contact the DMV for detailed instructions on lienholder removal.
- Vehicle Ownership Transfer in Progress: If your vehicle is undergoing an ownership change, it may not be eligible for the program at this time. We confirm this by reviewing DMV records.
- Registered Owner Mismatch: The name on your application must precisely match the registered owner’s name on the vehicle’s title (pink slip) as per DMV records. Discrepancies will result in denial.
- Recent Vehicle Retirement Program Participation: To ensure program accessibility for a wider range of participants, there are limitations on how frequently individuals can retire vehicles. We check records to confirm that you have not retired a vehicle as a sole owner or two vehicles as a co-owner within the 12 months prior to your current application date.
If my application is denied, and I resolve the reason for denial, do I need to re-apply from scratch?
No, you do not need to submit a new application if your initial application is denied and you subsequently resolve the issue that caused the denial. You can simply upload or mail the documentation that proves the denial reason(s) have been resolved to the following address:
BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
After uploading documents, how long will it take for the authorities to review and reassess my eligibility?
We understand the importance of timely processing. Please allow up to four weeks from the date of receipt for us to review your submitted documentation and re-evaluate your eligibility. Once the review is completed, we will send you an updated determination notice informing you of the outcome.
My initial application was for a $2,000 incentive, but my approval letter states $1,500. Why is there a difference?
Our old car buy back program offers different incentive amounts based on specific eligibility criteria and program regulations. Your application was reviewed under the current regulations, and it was determined that you qualify for the $1,500 incentive option, rather than the higher amount. The approval letter details the specific incentive amount applicable to your application based on these regulations.
Vehicle Retirement FAQs for Old Car Buy Back Programs
Once your application is approved, the next step is vehicle retirement. Here are some common questions about retiring your vehicle.
Will the dismantler accept my vehicle if it’s not currently in driving condition?
No, your vehicle must be operational and meet specific equipment and operational standards to be accepted by the dismantler. Non-drivable vehicles are not eligible for the program.
When can I expect to receive the incentive payment for retiring my vehicle?
You will receive your incentive payment directly from the dismantler. After the dismantler verifies your identification and confirms that your vehicle successfully passes the required equipment and operational inspections, they will issue a check to you. The check will be made payable to the registered owner(s) as listed on your official letter of eligibility.
Can the dismantler provide me with transportation back home after I drop off my vehicle?
No, the dismantler is not responsible for providing transportation for you after you deliver your vehicle. You will need to make your own arrangements for transportation from the dismantler location back home.
Still have questions?
If you have further questions or require additional clarification, please do not hesitate to call us at (866) 272-9642. Our phone lines are open 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 old car buy back program.
