California State Car Buy Back Program (2025)

The vehicle must have failed its most recent biennial Smog Check inspection.

California's Vehicle Retirement Program: Get Paid to Scrap Your Old Car california state car buy back program

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 The vehicle must have failed its most recent

To qualify for the statewide BAR program, both you and your vehicle must meet specific criteria: Incentive Amounts To qualify for the statewide BAR

You must be the registered owner with a title issued in your name.

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