Decal Information

The below guidance is from Transportation Program Manager/Fleet Manager (CAP/LGT) and is in addition to what is in the current regulation CAPR 132, CAP Vehicle Management . Its purpose is to help provide better guidance and visuals for proper decal placement. Please contact CAP/LGT if you have any questions, issues, or concerns.

Decal placement should be standard across the entire CAP vehicle fleet. Please follow the guidance below for ALL CAP owned vehicles (COVs). Decals are funded by CAP/LGT. Any deviation from this guidance needs approval from CAP/LGT prior to the alteration.

Click here for Step-by-Step instruction on how to request decals.

Decals can be requested to replace damaged, fading, torn, or unsightly decals on vehicles. They also need to be requested for new vehicles. *Please DO NOT order decals for new vehicles until you have the vehicle or it's Certificate of Origin. Anyone can install decals. Mistakes happen, if a decal is torn during application, just order a new one. You are allowed to get a professional service to apply them, but CAP/LGT does not fund those services (so do not use the EFS card).

How to install decals (Wet Method):

You will need at minimum, a rag and soapy water. It is important not to rush and pay attention as to not tare the decal. First, wet the area on the vehicle you are placing the decal. Slightly wet the decal (both sides) at this time to make things easier. When removing the backing tape/film from the decal, put a small amount of pressure on the decal so it wont tare off. You may need to do this for each letter, so watch closely. Next, place the decal on the wet service of the vehicle and then start to push air bubbles, wrinkles, and excess water away. When the air bubbles, wrinkles, and excess water are removed, the decal starts to dry, stick, and will remain in place. Next wipe the decal with the rag and then peel the placing tape slowly. This needs to be at a sharp angle as to not pull the decal from the vehicle. Lastly, wipe the area using the rag. Using this wet method helps weaken the adhesive bond from the tapes during the installation.

Here is a video link to show how to apply decal using the "wet method": Decal application Video (you do not need a heat gun or air dryer, just let the decal dry naturally)

Here is a link for a decal application tool (not needed but helps): Decal Applicator Tool

How to remove decals:

You can use any method (scrub, scrape, peel, etc) to remove CAP decals. Do not worry about the paint if the vehicle is being retired.

Here is a link for a decal removal wheel (not needed but highly recommended): Decal Remover Wheel

Decals:

The CAP banner (on top) and USAF banner are to be place together, on the side of the vehicle, and toward the rear of the vehicle (over rear tires).

The CAP website banner is to be place under the CAP shield (except for sedans) and on the rear of the vehicle.

The CAP shield is to be place on both sides of the vehicle, on the driver and front passenger doors (centered as best as possible).

Vehicle numbers are to be placed on the left bumper or left bottom of the rear of each vehicle (picture at bottom).

The below section is general guidance with pictures of placement areas.

The green areas (in the pictures below) are the only areas decals should be placed.
Decals can NOT be magnetic.
NO decals should be on rear passenger doors of any vehicle type (marked by red X in the pictures below).
NO other decals should be on the COV (unless approved by CAP/LGT, which will be in a supplement).
Decals should not be cut in half, split, or divided when opening a door or gas tank or divided by an obstruction. Once affixed, they shall remain in one piece in their entirety.
If a decal is NOT going to fit (in its entirety) in the correct area (example marked by blue in the pictures below), then do NOT affix a decal.

PICKUP

SEDAN

VAN 1

VAN 2

SUV

CUV

SUV - Sports Utility Vehicle. A car classification that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive.

CUV - Crossover Utility Vehicle. A car classification with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional SUVs.

Van Rear

Move decals that will be cut by double doors in the rear to the left. If they will not fit, do not affix them. The vehicle identity number should be on the lower left of rear door or the left-side rear bumper.

Trailers

Trailers come in all different shapes and sizes. Use the below as a guide for putting decals on CAP trailers.

Utility, flat bed, and small trailers resembling the picture below do not require vehicle decals. However, a CAP property tag should be placed somewhere where it can be easily found and not damaged.

Medium to large trailers, cargo, enclosed, and other similar trailers, resembling the picture below, will all be marked with the guidance below.

CAP trailers will be marked with 16” CAP shield decals. One will be placed on each side of the trailer and a third will be placed on the rear. A CAP banner decal will be placed under each CAP shield on the sides of the trailer (and not the rear). The United States Air Force Auxiliary decals will be placed below the CAP banner. Every effort should be made to have the decals centered on the side of the trailer. However, actual location of placement may vary depending upon window/door locations and/or location of permanent design objects or structures.

The vehicle identity numbers for trailers should be placed on the left-side of rear bumper or lower left of rear door.