Talk with your Partner Agency contact/case manager about jointly completing an application. Program fee of $600 plus $300 (title/tags/registration) is payable when the application is submitted. Submit completed applications online or in person with the supporting documents. Submit the program fee in person to our shop location. Application will be retained, but not reviewed until the program fee is received.

Steps to Become a Program Car Recipient

In order to receive a car from the Low-Cost Vehicle Program at Second Chances Garage, you must be participating in a program and receiving ongoing support services from one of our Partner Agencies or be a recent graduate of one of their programs. The Partner Agency will determine your eligibility and, if you qualify, will assist you in completing the application & budget forms.

Step 1

Review the requirements and speak with your Partner Agency.

Step 2

Complete And Submit The Application.

Step 3

Get Approved!

Step 4

Pick Up Your Car!

Eligibility Requirements

Are you active with a Partner Agency or recent graduate?

Must have an active, ongoing relationship with a Partner Agency or be a recent program graduate.

Are you a U.S. citizen?

Must be a legal resident of the United States.

Are you a Frederick County resident?

Must be a resident of Frederick County, Maryland.

Do you have a job?

Must be gainfully employed.

Are you least 21 years of age?

Must be at least 21 years of age (may be younger if there are dependent children in the household).

Can you afford a vehicle?

Must be able to afford vehicle ownership with approximately $300 a month of expendable income to cover auto insurance, gasoline, maintenance/repair costs, and savings for a car 2-3 years down the road.

Do you own already own a vehicle?

Must not own or have a vehicle titled in one’s own name or have access to a vehicle in the household.

Do you have a clean record?

Must have no current or pending criminal or DUI/DWI charges.

How is your insurance coverage?

Must have no outstanding insurance violations

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements listed above, contact your case manager at the Partner Agency. They will discuss the program with you and determine if you are a good candidate.

If your case manager believes you might be a good fit for our Low-Cost Vehicle Program, they will help you complete the application form and make sure you have all the proper paperwork attached. Apply online or submit a hard copy to our office.

Our Partner Agencies

FAQs for Getting a Car

Do I have to have a Partner Agency help me apply?

We do require that you complete the application with an approved Partner Agency. You will be required to have a reference letter from the Partner Agency as part of your application

How long does the entire process take?

The process from submission of an application to receipt of a vehicle can take up to several weeks.

How do I apply?

Talk with your Partner Agency contact/case manager about jointly completing an application. Program fee of $600 plus $300 (title/tags/registration) is payable when the application is submitted.
Submit completed applications online or in person with the supporting documents. Submit the program fee in person to our shop location. Application will be retained, but not reviewed until the program fee is received.

What documents will I need when I apply?

Completed applications will include copies of the following documents:

Maryland Driver’s License for all drivers in household
Pay stubs for the past two months and other paperwork to support income listed on application, e.g., food stamps, TCA, child support.
Copy of non-certified driving record.
Copy of written, working budget.
Referral letter from Partner Agency.
Cashier’s check or money order made payable to Second Chances Garage in the amount of $900.

If I apply for a Program Car, am I guaranteed to recieve a car?

Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive a vehicle.

Vehicles are awarded to applicants whose application is reviewed and approved based on our qualifications.

Approved applicants will receive a vehicle based on their needs and our current inventory, but do not have the opportunity to choose a specific car.

What can I do if I am not eligible?

Second Chances Garage also sells low-cost cars to the general public. Anyone may purchase as there are no special qualifications or requirements. Proceeds from these car sales go directly to supporting operations at Second Chances Garage.

Every used car for sale has been carefully assessed and appropriately repaired. Most “Public Sale Vehicles” are Maryland Safety-inspected and offered with full disclosure of any known issues (e.g., information provided by the donor and information from Second Chances Garage’s assessment and repair process). Others may be sold with title only and will need repairs to pass inspection.

We do not offer financing or payment plans. Payment may be made with a money order, cashier’s check or cash.

We cannot accept trade-ins.

If you are interested in one of the vehicles currently for sale, please contact us at 240-724-1919.

OUR RECIPIENT STORIES

Program Car Recipient Victoria

Program Car Recipients Brian and Kristen

Program Car Recipient Scott

Steps to Become a Program Car Recipient

Step 1

Review the requirements and speak with your Partner Agency.

Step 2

Complete And Submit The Application.

Step 3

Get Approved!

Step 4

Pick Up Your Car!

Eligibility Requirements

Are you active with a Partner Agency or recent graduate?

Are you a U.S. citizen?

Are you a Frederick County resident?

Do you have a job?

Are you least 21 years of age?

Can you afford a vehicle?

Do you own already own a vehicle?

Do you have a clean record?

How is your insurance coverage?

Our Partner Agencies

FAQs for Getting a Car

OUR RECIPIENT STORIES

Program Car Recipient Victoria

Program Car Recipients Brian and Kristen

Program Car Recipient Scott

FACEBOOK

Get in Touch

Steps to Become a Program Car Recipient

Step 1

Review the requirements and speak with your Partner Agency.

Step 2

Complete And Submit The Application.​

Step 3

Get Approved!​

Step 4

Pick Up Your Car!

Eligibility Requirements

Are you active with a Partner Agency or recent graduate?

Are you a U.S. citizen?

Are you a Frederick County resident?

Do you have a job?

Are you least 21 years of age?

Can you afford a vehicle?

Do you own already own a vehicle?

Do you have a clean record?

How is your insurance coverage?

Our Partner Agencies

FAQs for Getting a Car

OUR RECIPIENT STORIES

Program Car Recipient Victoria

Program Car Recipients Brian and Kristen

Program Car Recipient Scott

FACEBOOK

Get in Touch

Complete And Submit The Application.

Get Approved!