Repair or retire your vehicle with the Consumer Assistance Program
The Bureau of Automotive Repair's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers eligible consumers repair assistance and vehicle retirement options to help improve California's air quality. Participation is based on meeting eligibility requirements and the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
Incentive increases coming January 1, 2025
The Consumer Assistance Program will increase incentive amounts for repair assistance and vehicle retirement. Repair assistance participation will also be allowed more than once with the same vehicle. Apply on or after January 1 to qualify.
| Option | Current incentive (through December 31, 2024) |
Increased incentive (starting January 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Repair assistance 1996 and newer vehicles |
Up to $1,200 in emissions repairs |
Up to $1,450 in emissions repairs |
| Repair assistance 1995 and older vehicles |
Up to $900 in emissions repairs |
Up to $1,100 in emissions repairs |
| Vehicle retirement Income-eligible consumers |
Up to $1,500 | Up to $2,000 |
| Vehicle retirement Consumers without income eligibility |
$1,000 | $1,350 |
Some eligibility requirements are time-sensitive. If your vehicle registration is expired, consider applying before January 1.
Find other options that may be right for you
Repair options
- Drive Clean in the San Joaquin - Tune In & Tune Up events in San Joaquin Valley
Retirement options
Old Car Buy Back and Scrap Program - Antelope Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo County, Mojave Desert, Ventura County
Old-Vehicle Scrapping Program - Greater Los Angeles Area
Association of California Car Clubs - Classic cars
Sell your vehicle directly to a local dismantler
Donate the vehicle to a charitable organization
Replacement options
Drive Clean in the San Joaquin - San Joaquin Valley
Clean Cars 4 All - Sacramento County
Clean Cars for All - San Francisco Bay Area
Replace Your Ride - Greater Los Angeles Area
Association of California Car Clubs - Classic cars
Other resources
California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program – Provides low cost auto insurance to qualified drivers
Department of Motor Vehicles – Register your vehicle, apply for planned non-operation certification, renew a driver license, and more
Smog Check Referee - Assists consumers with Smog Check inspection disputes, inspections of unusual vehicles, and locating hard-to-find emissions parts