California offers financial incentives to residents who voluntarily retire high-polluting vehicles through the , managed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) . As of 2026, eligible participants can receive up to $2,000 for retiring a vehicle that fails a smog check. Incentive Amounts
Residents with a household income less than or equal to 225% of the Federal Poverty Level can receive $2,000 . california state car buy back program
All other eligible vehicle owners can receive $1,350 . Eligibility Requirements All other eligible vehicle owners can receive $1,350
You cannot have retired another vehicle as a sole owner (or more than two as a joint owner) within the last 12 months. How to Apply California's Vehicle Retirement Program: Get Paid to Scrap
It must have been continuously registered in California for the past two years without a lapse exceeding 120 days.
California's Vehicle Retirement Program: Get Paid to Scrap Your Old Car