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CAP Repair Assistance from California BAR

Everything you need to know about California’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) repair assistance: who qualifies, documents you’ll need, the step‑by‑step application, what repairs are covered, and how to finish your repair at a CAP repair station.

What Is CAP Repair?

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) helps eligible vehicle owners whose cars have failed a Smog Check pay for emissions‑related repairs at approved stations. CAP also includes a separate vehicle retirement option , but this guide focuses on the repair assistance path.

California CAP Repair Requirements from California BAR

#1 CAP Repair Income Requirements

Your gross household income must be less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level. You can check the Federal Income poverty levels here or use the BAR calculator here .

#2 CAP Repair Applicant Requirements

Applicant must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in applicant’s name.

Registered vehicle is of a certain model year:

Model year 1976-1995 vehicles - may qualify for up to $1,100 for emissions-related repairs
STAR Repair Cost STAR Repair Co-Payment
$1,375 or less 20% of the total cost
More than $1,375 Subtract $1,100 from the total cost
STAR Repair CostSTAR Repair Co-Payment
$1,812.50 or less 20% of the total cost
More than $1,812.50 Subtract $1,450 from the total cost

What if the costs to repair are much more than the CAP repair assistance amounts ?   
Two possible options:
You can sell your car to a private buyer or apply to retire your car using the California BAR program.  

#3 Failed SMOG CHECK Inspection

Your vehicle must have failed its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection and the emission system must show no signs of tampering. You can check your vehicle’s inspection history here using your tag or VIN.

#4 Vehicle Registration Requirements

Your vehicle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and have a valid registration sticker, or all fees must be paid to the DMV. It’s acceptable if the registration sticker has been expired for less than 365 days if all fees have been paid. 

  1. Your vehicle cannot be in the process of changing ownership.
  2. Your vehicle cannot be newly registered or re-registered in California.
  3. Your vehicle cannot be registered to a business, government body, or charity.
  4. Your vehicle cannot be previously junked.
  5. Your vehicle cannot be a total loss salvage needing re-registration in California.

Ready to apply for CAP Repair in California ?

Click here and select Repair Assistance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Starting repairs before receiving your Letter of Eligibility
  • Using a shop that isn’t a STAR test‑and‑repair station
  • Mismatched names on ID vs. registration/title
  • Uploading unreadable or incomplete documents
  • Missing the repair start/complete deadlines listed in your CAP letter

CAP Repair FAQ

Can I apply by mail instead of online?

 Yes—online is usually faster, but mail may be available.  

 Yes. CAP repair assistance is designed for vehicles that have already failed a Smog Check. 

No. You must use a STAR test‑and‑repair station for CAP repairs. 

 You may have to re‑apply. Read your eligibility letter carefully for dates.

 Sometimes. If repairs are extensive or the vehicle is near end‑of‑life, compare with CAP’s retirement option.

This page is an informational guide. Always verify current rules, limits, and forms on the official BAR website.

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