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**California Vehicle Buy Back Program**
The Consumer Assistance Program, managed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, offers a Vehicle Buy Back Program for California vehicle owners who wish to sell their vehicles to the State of California.
Under this program, the Vehicle Buy Back Program purchases used vehicles from California motorists. The program provides a flat payment of $1,500 to income-eligible applicants and $1,000 to others.
**Requirements for CA Vehicle Buy Back:**
A. **Smog Check Required**: You can obtain a smog check at any time; there's no need to wait for your vehicle's registration renewal period. Simply visit a smog station and request a smog check that will be used for the California vehicle retirement program application.
B. **Emission System Integrity**: Your vehicle must not have tampered emission system(s), and its smog check failure must not be solely due to an ignition timing adjustment or gas cap functional test. If the check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp is illuminated, it is considered a smog check failure. A vehicle qualifies for the buy back program even if its check engine light is on.
C. **Operational Vehicle**: To qualify for the State's vehicle buy back program, your vehicle must be in operational condition and capable of being driven to an approved dismantler.
D. **Current Registration**: The vehicle's registration cannot have lapsed for more than 120 days in the last 2-year period before the CAP application date.
E. **Title Ownership**: The vehicle must be registered in your name, and you must hold a title issued in your name. It should not be undergoing an initial registration in California.
You can download the complete list of eligibility requirements for the vehicle buy back program.
Please carefully review the requirements to ensure your vehicle qualifies for the California vehicle retirement program before submitting your application, whether in person, by mail, or online.
The primary goal of the vehicle buy back program is to encourage the removal of older vehicles from California, making way for newer, lower-emission transportation options such as cleaner vehicles, electric cars, bike lanes, and mass transit.
To initiate the process, you must first obtain a CAP application and send it to the Bureau of Automotive Repairs. Upon approval, you will be directed to a CAP authorized dismantler to turn in your vehicle and receive your payment.
For an application, you can contact the California State Bureau of Automotive Repairs at (866) 272-9642 to have one mailed to you, or you can download a CAP Application here.
The processing time for consumers looking to sell their car, truck, SUV, or van to the State is typically 4 to 6 weeks. You can download the online California Buy Back Program Vehicle Retirement application to apply now or utilize the BAR's new online application system. Participation in CAP programs is subject to the availability of funds.
Click below to start your online CAP application!