Vehicles must be 1998–2003 or older (depending on the district), continuously registered in the district, and functional. 3. Clean Cars 4 All (Scrap and Replace)
If you are looking to replace your older vehicle rather than just scrap it, this program offers significantly higher incentives. california state car buy back program
Apply for vehicle retirement. Our vehicle retirement option offers an incentive for retiring your operational vehicle. To qualify, Bureau of Automotive Repair (.gov) Vehicle Buy Back Program Vehicles must be 1998–2003 or older (depending on
As of 2026, California offers several "car buy back" or "vehicle retirement" programs designed to remove older, high-polluting vehicles from the road and improve air quality. The primary statewide program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), along with regional programs operated by local Air Districts. Apply for vehicle retirement
Retire your vehicle - California Bureau of Automotive Repair
Several regional air districts offer their own "Old Car Buy Back" programs, often offering faster processing or higher incentives.