Apply for repair assistance

Step 1. Review eligibility requirements

You must meet all eligibility requirements to participate in the repair assistance option.

Income 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

Applicant requirements

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

2. You must pay the STAR test-and-repair station co-payment. The co-payment applies to the total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs. We calculate the co-payment using:

   • The model year of your vehicle, and

   • The total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs.

Smog Check requirements

1. Your vehicle must have failed its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection.

   Note: You can check your vehicle's inspection history online. Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not meet this requirement.

2. Your vehicle must not have a tampered emissions control system.

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 365 days.

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

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

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

5. Your vehicle must not be junked.

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

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 to complete the application.

• 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 take your vehicle for repairs until you receive your letter of eligibility. We will not reimburse you.

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Step 3. Upload documents

You may be required to upload income documentation. Uploading your documentation now may expedite the processing of your application.

Upload documents

Step 4. Get your vehicle repaired

CAP repairs are performed by STAR test-and-repair stations throughout the state. Do not take your vehicle for repairs until you receive a letter of approval.

Make an appointment at a STAR test-and-repair station. Use our Auto Shop Locator to find a station near you.

Find a station

Bring the following with you to the station:

• Your letter of eligibility.

• Your valid driver license or other government-issued identification. The station will verify the name on your ID matches the name on your letter of eligibility.

• Your vehicle's DMV-issued renewal notice.

If you can't bring your vehicle to the appointment, you may have someone else do it for you. Your designee must bring:

• Their valid drivers license or other government-issued identification.

• A completed Designation of Person to Authorize CAP Repairs form. English | Spanish

• A copy of your valid driver license or other government-issued identification.

Note: Repairs must begin on or before the expiration date indicated 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 documentation options.

Can I check the status of my application?

Yes. Use our online status check tool. You must 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 program 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 has not failed its biennial Smog Check inspection. We review Smog Check records to verify your vehicle failed a biennial Smog Check inspection.

• Your vehicle’s registration sticker has been expired more than 365 days. We review DMV records to confirm your vehicle’s registration sticker expiration date.

• Your vehicle is undergoing a change of ownership transaction. We review DMV records to confirm your vehicle's ownership is not changing.

• You household income exceeds 225% of the federal poverty guidelines. We review information provided on your application. In addition, we review the income verification documents you submitted.

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

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

No. You may upload the documentation proving the denial reason has been resolved. Or mail it 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 will review documentation within two weeks of receipt. Once complete, we will send you an updated determination notice.

Vehicle repair FAQs

What are emissions-related repairs?

Emissions-related repairs correct problems contributing to a vehicle’s failure to pass a Smog Check inspection.

What emissions-related repairs are covered by CAP?

Your vehicle can fail a Smog Check inspection for a variety of reasons. Repairs must be for emissions-related repairs necessary to correct Smog Check inspection failures. The Vehicle Inspection Report provides the failure reasons. Emissions-related repairs covered by us, include, but are not limited to the following:

• Computer systems

• Engine and mechanical systems related to emissions performance

• Evaporative emissions control systems

• Exhaust emissions control systems

• Exhaust gas recirculation systems

• Fuel systems

• Ignition systems

• Positive crankcase ventilation systems

What repairs are not covered by CAP?

Repairs and maintenance services not covered by CAP include, but are not limited to:

• Body repairs

• Brakes

• Completing OBD II drive cycles

• Fuel

• Glass repairs

• Heating ventilation and air conditioning repairs

• Mufflers

• Oil and fluid top-offs

• Oil treatments

• Radiators

• Repairs performed after the vehicle is certified

• Repairs performed without the consumer's authorization

• Safety-related equipment (e.g., air bags, seat belts)

• Suspension

• Tailpipes

• Tires

• Transmission flushes

• Water pumps

• 2004 and older Nissan product knock sensor

What costs am I responsible for paying?

You must pay the STAR test-and-repair station co-payment. The co-payment applies to the total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs. We calculate the co-payment using:

• The model year of your vehicle, and

• The total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs.

Model year 1976-1995 vehicles

Model year 1996 or newer vehicles

Note: You are responsible for paying any additional costs, including:

• The cost of repairs not authorized by CAP.

• The cost of repairs not related to the Smog Check inspection failure.

• The Smog Check certificate fee of $8.25.

The repair assistance contribution does not cover the total cost to repair my vehicle. What are my options?

Your options are:

• Continue with the repair process and pay for additional repair costs yourself.

• Retire or replace your vehicle.

• Call the Smog Check Referee Program at (800) 622-7733. You may be eligible for a one-time repair cost waiver.

What do stations charge for diagnosis, testing, and repairs?

Auto repair businesses can set their own prices. We don't control what they charge. STAR test-and-repair stations must charge CAP customers the same as non-CAP customers. To get the best deal on repairs, it's a good idea to get several price quotes before agreeing to any tests or repairs.

Why did the STAR test-and-repair station require an additional Smog Check inspection before performing CAP repairs on my vehicle?

STAR test-and-repair stations must verify and document the current condition of the vehicle. A Smog Check inspection provides the vehicle's condition as it relates to the emissions-failures. The station uses the information to recommend or perform CAP repairs.

Can a STAR test-and-repair station decline to work on my vehicle?

Yes. STAR test-and-repair stations can choose not to work on your vehicle. The reasons include:

• Your vehicle is inaccessible, unsafe, or untestable.

• The station does not have the expertise to diagnose and repair your specific vehicle.

• You are uncooperative or unwilling to work within CAP guidelines.

The STAR test-and-repair station is uncooperative or unwilling to work within CAP guidelines. What can I do?

Call us at (866) 272-9642.

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.