Description: Financial assistance for qualified consumers whose vehicles fail their biennial (every other year) smog check. Repair AssistanceEligible consumers may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station if their vehicle fails its biennial Smog Check inspection. Apply Online FAQ Check Application Status Find a STAR Test-and-Repair StationVehicle RetirementEligible consumers may receive either $1,500 or $1,000 to retire their operational vehicle at a BAR-contracted dismantler site. Apply Online FAQ Check Application Status Find a BAR-Contracted Dismantler
Hours: Consumer Assistance Program Phone Line: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm;Consumer Information Line: Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (First and Third Wednesday of each month, phone lines open at 8:30 am)
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Consumer Assistance Program's repair assistance or $1,500 vehicle retirement incentive options, applicants' gross household income must be less than or equal to 225% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (effective as of January 2025).Income-Based Eligibility Guidelines:Household size of 1: monthly income of $2,934; annual income of $35,213Household size of 2: monthly income of $3,966; annual income of $47,588Household size of 3: monthly income of $4,997; annual income of $59,963Household size of 4: monthly income of $6,028; annual income of $72,338Household size of 5: monthly income of $7,059; annual income of $84,713Household size of 6: monthly income of $8,091; annual income of $97,088Household size of 7: monthly income of $9,122; annual income of $109,463Household size of 8: monthly income of $10,153; annual income of $121,838Applicant requirements:- Applicant must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the title issued in their name.- Applicant must not have previously participated in CAP with the same vehicle.- Applicant must pay a co-payment toward the total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs. The co-payment is based on the model year of the vehicle and the total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs.Smog Check requirements:- The vehicle must have failed its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection.Note: Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not satisfy this requirement.- The vehicle must not have a tampered emissions control system.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 365 days.- 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.
Requirements: Submit income documents (if requested). Applicants may be required to provide documentation verifying their income before their application can be processed. A notice will be mailed if documentation is required.
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