California State Car Buy Back Program ✦

Offers vehicle scrapping, often with similar requirements to the state program.

Offers $2,000 for 2003 or older vehicles.

for low-income consumers (up to 225% of the federal poverty level). $1,350 for all other consumers. Key Eligibility Requirements: california state car buy back program

This is the main state-level program. It allows you to retire your vehicle voluntarily, even if it passes a smog check, or after it has failed one.

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. Offers vehicle scrapping, often with similar requirements to

Apply online through the BAR website , wait for approval, and take the vehicle to a contracted dismantler. 2. Local Air District Vehicle Buy Back Programs

Several regional air districts offer their own "Old Car Buy Back" programs, often offering faster processing or higher incentives. $1,350 for all other consumers

Offers $1,500 - $2,000 to scrap 2000 or older vehicles (as of mid-2025, extended through 2026).