You qualify for the Driving Clean Assistance Program if you live in California, are 18 or older, and your household income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program helps you access grants and fair financing for new or used clean air vehicles like battery electric or plug-in hybrids, aiming to reduce pollution especially in disadvantaged communities. You must apply before buying or leasing and haven’t received any prior CARB vehicle incentives. But how exactly does the application and vehicle eligibility process work?
Key Takeaways
- The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) offers up to $7,500 toward clean vehicle purchase or lease plus $2,000 for charging support to low-income California residents.
- Eligible participants must be California residents, at least 18 years old, with household income ≤ 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and no prior CARB incentive participation.
- Applications must be submitted before purchasing or leasing a vehicle; incentives are paid directly to dealerships to be used as down payments.
- Financing options up to $45,000 at interest rates below 8% APR are available, coupled with required financial education and counseling.
- The program prioritizes disadvantaged communities and includes scrappage incentives for 2009 or older gas/diesel vehicles, increasing grant amounts up to $12,000.
Who Can Participate
Who can participate in the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) is clearly defined to guarantee equitable access for those most in need.
You must be at least 18 years old and a California resident—those with AB60 or ITIN identification qualify. Your household income can’t exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $96,450 for a family of four, adjusted annually.
You must apply before buying or leasing a clean air vehicle; retroactive applications aren’t accepted. If you’ve already used any California Air Resources Board light-duty vehicle incentive, including DCAP, you’re ineligible.
Only one incentive per household is allowed.
Income and Residency Requirements
Although some programs require local jurisdiction residency, the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) specifically requires you to be a California resident and at least 18 years old to qualify for assistance.
Your household income mustn’t exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Level—for example, $93,600 annually for a family of four, updated yearly.
You must submit your application before purchasing or leasing any vehicle.
If you’ve previously participated in any California Air Resources Board (CARB) light-duty vehicle purchase incentive programs, you’re not eligible.
Only one incentive per household is allowed through the program’s lifetime.
Application Timing and Process
To qualify for incentives through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), you must submit your application before purchasing or leasing a vehicle, as the program doesn’t provide retroactive funding.
This application timing guarantees your chosen vehicle meets program requirements and is approved as an eligible replacement vehicle. Once your application is approved, the grant is paid directly to the dealership via ACH, streamlining the purchase process.
Remember, only one incentive per household is allowed for the program’s lifetime, and you must meet income and residency criteria to participate.
Timely application submission is critical to obtain your incentive.
Vehicle Purchase and Lease Guidelines
You must purchase or lease eligible clean vehicles from authorized California dealers, ensuring the vehicle is eight model years or newer, with fewer than 75,000 original miles and priced at $45,000 or less (excluding taxes and fees).
Before finalizing your purchase or lease, you need to apply for the Driving Clean Assistance Program grant and provide the approval packet to the dealership to use as a down payment.
Eligibility Requirements
Because you’re interested in reducing barriers to clean transportation, it’s vital to understand how DCAP’s eligibility criteria and vehicle guidelines are designed to prioritize access for low-income Californians while supporting the adoption of advanced, lower-emission vehicles. To qualify, you must be a California resident, 18 or older, with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can only claim one incentive per household and must not have participated in any previous CARB light-duty vehicle purchase programs. Applications must be submitted before purchasing or leasing your vehicle.
| Eligibility Criteria | Vehicle Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| California resident, 18+ | New or CARB list used (≤8 years) | Max price $45,000 (pre-tax) |
| Income ≤ 300% FPL | Used vehicles ≤75,000 miles | One incentive per household |
| No prior CARB program usage | Retired gasoline/diesel ≤2010 | Apply before purchase or lease |
These rules facilitate equitable access for lower-income households and promote cleaner vehicle technology adoption through DCAP’s focused incentives.
Vehicle Purchase Limits
While setting vehicle purchase and financing limits, DCAP guarantees the total price for eligible replacement vehicles doesn’t exceed $45,000 before taxes and fees.
Eligible vehicles must be either new clean air vehicles listed by CARB or used models no older than eight calendar years with less than 75,000 original miles.
Only one incentive per household is allowed to promote equitable access to clean vehicles.
You must apply before purchasing or leasing, and loans or financing must also align with the $45,000 cap to maintain affordability and program integrity.
Grant Redemption Process
Before redeeming your grant, confirm the vehicle meets all program requirements—including being on the CARB list, no older than eight model years, and having less than 75,000 original miles.
Apply your Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) grant as a down payment on the lease or purchase of an eligible clean air vehicle.
Submit the purchase or lease details through the “Redeem Grant” button for DCAP staff review. Once approved, DCAP directly pays the dealership via ACH.
Present the “Dealer Grant Redemption Checklist” to the dealer to verify your grant is accurately applied to your vehicle contract, guaranteeing equity and transparency throughout the process.
Vehicle Eligibility Standards
To participate in the Driving Clean Assistance Program, your replacement vehicle must meet strict eligibility standards: it must be a plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or fuel cell electric vehicle listed by CARB and priced no higher than $45,000 before taxes and fees.
The vehicle must be eight years old or newer, have fewer than 75,000 original miles, and be acquired from authorized California dealers.
Additionally, if scrapping a vehicle, it must be a 2010 or older gasoline or diesel model that passes a functionality test.
Vehicle Requirements
The Driving Clean Assistance Program requires eligible vehicles to be new or used plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or fuel cell electric models with a purchase price not exceeding $45,000 before taxes and fees.
Eligible vehicles must be eight model years old or newer and have 75,000 or fewer original miles.
Retired vehicles you scrap must be gasoline or diesel-powered, model year 2010 or older, and pass a functionality test.
New vehicles must appear on the California Air Resources Board‘s list of eligible models.
Only one vehicle incentive is available per household, and prior CARB program participation disqualifies you from eligibility.
Purchase Price Limits
Eligible clean vehicles under the Driving Clean Assistance Program mustn’t exceed a purchase price of $45,000, excluding taxes and fees, to guarantee the program provides financial relief primarily to low- and moderate-income households.
This maximum purchase price cap applies to both purchase and lease agreements, ensuring the vehicle’s cost aligns with program equity goals.
To qualify, vehicles must meet CARB environmental standards, be eight years old or newer, and have under 75,000 original miles.
This price limit helps focus incentives on accessible clean vehicles, supporting one per household to maximize equitable clean transportation adoption.
Fair Financing Options
While offering up to $45,000 in funding at an interest rate below 8% APR, the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) requires participants to complete financial education and counseling to access fair financing options.
You can use this financing assistance to purchase or lease clean air vehicles, including BEVs, PHEVs, and FCEVs.
By participating in financial counseling, you’ll improve your financial literacy and navigate fair financing options more effectively.
This initiative aims to make eco-friendly transportation more accessible to disadvantaged communities.
Credit Union Lending Partners
You have access to a network of trusted Credit Union lending partners that provide fair and affordable financing for clean air vehicle purchases.
These partnerships enable loans up to $45,000 with interest rates under 8% APR, designed to improve access for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
To qualify for these loans, you’ll participate in financial education and counseling, supporting equitable and informed vehicle ownership.
Credit Union Partnerships
A key component of the Driving Clean Assistance Program is its collaboration with a network of trusted Credit Union partners, designed to provide fair, accessible financing options for clean air vehicles.
Through these partnerships, you can access loans up to $45,000 with interest rates capped below 8% APR, making clean vehicle ownership more attainable.
To qualify for this financing assistance, you’ll engage in financial education classes and counseling, ensuring informed decisions.
Credit Union Direct Lending members benefit from streamlined processes and fast document reviews, enhancing your experience and supporting equitable access to clean vehicle financing through the Driving Clean Assistance Program.
Fair Financing Access
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) utilizes partnerships with Credit Union lending partners to deliver fair financing options that prioritize equitable access for low-income and disadvantaged community members.
You can finance clean air vehicles—battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell electric—up to $45,000 with interest rates capped under 8% APR. This structure enables affordable payment plans while increasing access to advanced clean vehicle technology.
DCAP also requires you to complete financial education and offers personalized counseling, ensuring you understand your financing options and make informed decisions throughout your vehicle purchase journey.
Charging and Home Infrastructure Support
While installing home charging stations improves clean air vehicle accessibility for eligible residents, you should assess your existing electrical infrastructure since panel upgrades needed for charger installation are your responsibility.
DCAP provides up to $2,000 toward charging infrastructure—either for home charger purchase and installation or as a prepaid card for public charging. This flexibility aims to reduce barriers for low-income households and promote equity in clean transportation access.
Before vehicle purchase, evaluate charging options near your home and workplace. Supporting home and public charging infrastructure remains central to DCAP’s mission to advance adoption, convenience, and emissions reductions.
Program Partners and Funding
Cap-and-Trade funding powers the Driving Clean Assistance Program, ensuring resources flow directly to support clean air vehicle access in disadvantaged communities.
You’ll see how community-based partnerships, including trusted credit unions and franchise dealers, create equitable pathways for financing and grant delivery.
This collaboration streamlines funding use, helping you secure cost-effective options that reduce pollution and improve public health.
Cap-and-Trade Funding
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Source | Cap-and-Trade revenue |
| Program Goal | Deliver cost-effective clean air vehicles to low-income Californians |
| Assistance Provided | Down-payment grants, fair financing options |
| Target Population | Disadvantaged, low-income communities |
| Outcome | Increased clean transport access, improved air quality |
Community-Based Partnership
To maximize impact in disadvantaged communities, the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) partners strategically with community-based organizations, trusted credit unions, and franchise dealers statewide.
These partnerships guarantee fair financing options and accessible clean air vehicles for low-income Californians facing high barriers. By collaborating with locally trusted groups, DCAP targets outreach and incentive delivery to those with the greatest need.
Franchise dealerships facilitate streamlined vehicle purchase or lease processes with quick document reviews and grant payments.
This community-based coalition utilizes Cap-and-Trade funds to advance equity and accelerate clean transportation adoption across California’s disadvantaged communities.
Types of Eligible Clean Air Vehicles
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) prioritizes the purchase and leasing of environmentally friendly vehicles, focusing on battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). To qualify, your new vehicle must be on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) list of eligible clean air vehicles. Used vehicles should be eight years or newer with under 75,000 miles. All replacement vehicles must be purchased/leased from authorized California dealers with a $45,000 price cap, promoting equitable access to clean transportation.
| Vehicle Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | New on CARB list or used <8 years, <75,000 miles |
| PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) | Same as BEV; must be from authorized CA dealers |
| FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric) | Same criteria as BEV and PHEV |
| Replacement Vehicle Price Cap | $45,000 max, excluding taxes/fees |
Environmental and Community Benefits
Because clean air vehicles emit little to no greenhouse gases, you directly reduce your carbon footprint while improving local air quality through the Driving Clean Assistance Program.
By lowering tailpipe emissions, you help cut harmful pollutants linked to respiratory illness and climate change, making neighborhoods healthier—especially in disadvantaged communities.
Accessing Clean Assistance grants and counseling removes financial barriers, so more families can afford sustainable transportation, advancing both environmental and social equity.
Prioritizing households at or below 300% of the federal poverty level guarantees those most affected by pollution benefit first, driving California’s broader goals for cleaner air and shared economic opportunity.
Dealership Participation and Network
More than a dozen eligible dealerships across California are already supporting underserved communities through the Driving Clean Assistance Program, forming an intentional network that bridges the gap between financial access and clean mobility.
You can partner with franchise dealers or those who are members of Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL), ensuring a robust network of trusted financial partners.
The program encourages non-listed dealerships to apply, fostering inclusivity within the network of participating dealerships.
Grant Redemption Steps
Redeeming your grant starts with confirming the vehicle meets all program requirements using the provided checklist before purchase or lease.
Next, select a qualifying vehicle and present the “Dealer Grant Redemption Checklist” to the dealership. Verify the grant amount is correctly added to the contract before finalizing the agreement.
After completing the transaction, notify your DCAP financial counselor to process the purchase.
DCAP offers streamlined grant redemption, paying approved requests directly to the dealership via ACH. This guarantees equity in accessing clean vehicles.
Resources for Car Shopping and Selection
When selecting your clean air vehicle through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), you’ll find extensive resources designed to confirm your choice meets all program criteria and fits your needs.
DCAP helps you navigate selecting qualifying vehicles—battery electric, plug-in hybrids, or fuel cell models—that are eight years old or newer, priced under $45,000, and with less than 75,000 original miles.
A detailed checklist guarantees each vehicle complies with program requirements. You’re encouraged to review available trim options, charging infrastructure, and warranties.
DCAP also guides you through grant redemption and offers individualized support, making clean vehicle access equitable and straightforward.
Support Services and Contact Information
| Support Service | Contact Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Counseling | Phone: 1-833-202-3227 | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST |
| Application Assistance | In-Person: Richmond Office | M-F, Office Hours |
| FAQ Resources | Website | 24/7 |
| Grant Processing | DCAP Staff | Expedited Review |
| Customer Support Team | Phone/Office/Online | Business Hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Vehicle Assistance Program in California?
The vehicle assistance program in California offers you benefits including up to $7,500 in grants and fair financing to acquire eligible clean air vehicles like BEVs, PHEVs, or FCEVs priced under $45,000. You qualify if you’re 18+, a California resident, with household income ≤300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and haven’t previously received CARB light-duty vehicle incentives. This program prioritizes equity by supporting low-income residents and promoting environmental sustainability through clean vehicle adoption.
Who Is Eligible for DCAP?
Over 300,000 California households are below 300% of the poverty level. You qualify if you’re a California resident, 18 or older, with an income ≤ 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, applying before vehicle purchase, and not previously participating in similar programs.
Can Low Income Socal Residents Get up to $9500 to Swap Out Their Old Cars?
Yes, as a low-income Southern California resident, you can receive up to $9,500 in financial assistance through DCAP for car replacement options that swap your old gas-powered vehicle for a clean air vehicle from authorized dealers, making cleaner transportation more affordable and equitable. This includes upfront grants paid directly to dealerships covering down payments and additional support for charging infrastructure.
What Is the Drive Clean Rebate Program in California?
Like planting a seed for a greener future, the Drive Clean Rebate Program gives you California benefits to make clean vehicle ownership affordable. You qualify if you’re a resident meeting income limits, aiming to reduce emissions equitably.
Conclusion
As you navigate the Driving Clean Assistance Program, remember it’s like a bridge connecting low-income communities to sustainable transportation. By providing up to $12,000 in grants for vehicle purchases and $2,000 for home chargers, DCAP helps residents leap into an electric future. With every participant, we’re building a cleaner, more equitable California, one vehicle at a time.
