CRVP rebate, please help me fill out paperwork correctly

[rjdoc74]

I am filling out the paperwork emailed to me to get the $1500 CA rebate. One of the questions asks for proof of CA residency:

"For individuals, a copy of a utility or cable bill from within the last 3 months or other valid form of California residency. Other forms of valid proof include a signed, dated, and notarized rental agreement or a copy of current DMV registration for a different vehicle. A California driver license is not an acceptable proof of residency"

Because of my current living situation, I don't have a cable bill, utility bill or rental agreement in my name. I do have a cell phone bill in my name and current address. Do you think this would suffice? I also have another car registration, but it is registered to my old address in Northern CA and I live in Southern CA now. Do you think this makes a difference? Please advise, I don't want to blow my chances at getting this money.

[Jedi2155]

I would consider a Cell Phone bill a close equivalent to a "utility" and would probably suffice. My cash back reward on my credit card offered cash back on utilities for a few months and all my cell phone bills qualified for it.

[DonC]

I doubt it. If you notice the bills they mention are tied to a physical address, which is what they're looking for. A cell phone bill is like a driver's license in that it doesn't necessarily represent a physical address. But that's just a guess. My advice would be to call them. They are very helpful and might have some other suggestions. Worst case you'll need to change the registration on your other car.

Basically they're making sure that you're a CA resident before they send you a check.

[Einar]

First, a cell phone bill should be just as valid as an electric or gas utility bill as you are receiving it at your home address. Keep in mind, renters may not have gas or electric bills but almost certainly WILL have phone bills. And in this day and age many people have cut the cord entirely and do not have anything beyond a cell phone.

Second - you don't have anything to worry about. There's plenty of funds in the program so you're not in any danger of missing out because they're running low. Similarly, your in no danger of missing out on HOV lane stickers unless you wait another year or so. So, relax. Take a deep breath and don't panic over having to do it all right now, this very minute.

Third - could somebody please kill the Smart car adds in the consumerinfo.com ad block at the top of the page - they lock the page so that any content other than the Verdamnt smartcar ad won't load. I've experienced this problem on three seperate computers running variously XP and System 7 using three different versions of IE.

[DonC]

First, a cell phone bill should be just as valid as an electric or gas utility bill as you are receiving it at your home address.

They're not really the same. An electric bill, a gas bill, and a cable bill are all based on a physical address since the product or service is physically delivered to that address. A wireless bill is just like a credit card bill. No connection between the service provided and the physical address. Again, just a guess, but it seems logical that they won't accept a wireless bill.

[bfranci]

I'm filling this out as well. One of the items requested is "Proof of temporary or permanent vehicle registration. A copy of the Application for New Vehicle Registration submitted by the dealer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is acceptable proof of temporary vehicle registration if submitted within one year of sale."

Is this the thing stuck to the driver's side of my windshield and I'll have to pull it off and make a copy? Or is there an easier way to get this?

[rjdoc74]

I pulled it off and made a copy. Also, I spoke to them today and was told that cell phone bill and CA DL would be ok to submit.

[DonC]

Glad it worked out for you without a hassle. I found these guys to be incredibly easy to deal with and very helpful as well. Definitely a pleasant experience for me. Hope it was for you as well.

[rjdoc74]

No that the paperwork had been mailed, does anyone know how long it takes to actually get the check?

[DonC]

A couple of weeks. It's pretty fast.