VEHICLE RETIREMENT

VEHICLE RETIREMENT

Consumer Assistance Program

Vehicle Retirement

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Program Overview

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. The purpose of CAP is to improve California's air quality by reducing vehicle emissions. In Fiscal Year 2016/17, CAP reduced an estimated 6,958 tons of vehicle emissions through our programs. Additional program statistics are available in CAP’s Annual Reports.

If you own an operational vehicle that recently passed or failed a Smog Check inspection, you may be eligible to receive an incentive to retire your vehicle.

Income-eligible consumers who meet program eligibility requirements may receive $1,500.

All other eligible consumers may receive $1,000.

To determine your eligibility, you must apply online or mail a completed application to CAP. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) until funds are exhausted.

Eligibility Requirements and Information

Alert:

To ensure CAP improves California’s air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, vehicles must meet operational and registration requirements such as:

Smog Check -- This allows CAP to measure vehicle emissions reductions and drivability.

Vehicle Registration -- This allows CAP to verify the vehicle is currently registered in California and has been registered in California for two consecutive years preceding the current registration expiration date.

There are two ways to qualify for Vehicle Retirement: Option 1 or Option 2. We encourage you to review the information provided in the links below before applying.

Program Eligibility Requirements

Option 1 and Option 2 Comparison Chart

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Income Eligibility Guidelines and Verification Requirements

List of CAP-Contracted Dismantler Locations

Applications and Check Your Status

Applying online may result in faster processing of your application. Printed versions of the online application cannot be processed. If you are unable to apply online, click here for a printable version of the application.

To apply online, please have your vehicle registration or title available.

Apply Online

To check the status of your submitted application, please have your CAP ID number and vehicle license plate number available.

Check Your Status

Other Options

Apply for CAP’s Repair Assistance after reviewing the eligibility requirements

Donate the vehicle to a charitable organization

Contact a dismantler directly (NOTE: The State does NOT have authority to reimburse consumers who retire their vehicles outside of the CAP program.)

Contact your local Air Quality Management District (AQMD) regarding alternative programs

Air Resources Board Old Car Buy Back and Scrap Program

- Antelope Valley

- Bay Area

- County of San Luis Obispo

- Mojave Desert

- Ventura County

Drive Clean in the San Joaquin

South Coast Air Quality Management District Replace Your Ride Program

- Greater Los Angeles Area

For general program questions, call toll-free (800) 952-5210.

For specific application questions, call toll-free (866) 272-9642.