Government Buys Your Car May 2026

The state provides a cash payment to eligible vehicle owners who voluntarily retire their cars at a state-contracted dismantler. Most eligible owners receive $1,000 .

While the retirement program is the most direct "buyout," the government also offers indirect financial benefits for car owners: government buys your car

To improve air quality by encouraging the removal of vehicles that fail smog checks or are older and less fuel-efficient. Eligibility Requirements The state provides a cash payment to eligible

Complete the application online through the CAP Online Application portal . Step-by-Step Process Report The primary way the government

If eligible, you will receive a Letter of Eligibility and a list of contracted dismantlers.

The vehicle must be driven to a BAR-contracted dismantler under its own power. Step-by-Step Process Report

The primary way the government "buys" your car is through , which provide financial incentives to remove older, high-polluting vehicles from the road. In California, this is managed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) under the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). Vehicle Retirement Program Summary